So, what’s in a press shot?
Promo pic, press shot, glamour shoot – call it whatever you like, but a great press photo can be the difference between landing some incredible coverage for your song & racking in the social media engagement OR the song not quite landing where you had hoped.
We’re such visual consumers these days (TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube are all leading platforms that we use daily), that having a press shot for your band or artist that ties the song, artwork, vision & story together, in a visually enticing way can (and should) be a major part of the creative plan for a release.
So, below are my ‘Top Tips’ for making the most of a photoshoot for yourself, your artist or your band.
#1 Preparation
Preparation is key! Nothing great was ever achieved without planning (well, maybe some get lucky, but let’s not chance that). Find a photographer who you like, their work you trust and who you feel you can discuss ideas with. Chat about the song, the artwork & what you want the press shots to portray.
If you can work with them to create a mood board, even better. They may have some location ideas or you may even have thoughts yourself about locations that could work well for a shoot. Sometimes that’s a parking garage around the corner from you, or it may be a state-of-the-art studio that you can hire. Either way, do your prep work and know the location, what shots you’d be able to get there & if they tie together your release & visual thematics.
#2 Confidence
The camera is a scary object! I’ve seen some artists thrive under it & others become a ball of nerves and insecurity. The latter is of course so natural (and also totally fine)! My advice is to fake it. Most artists aren’t inherently confident people, yet they know how to put on a show, perform on stage and become their stunning, enthralling & charismatic alter-egos when performing.
So put yourself in your stage boots & bring that persona to light under the camera. A photographer you’re comfortable with, some background tunes & fun lighting can also help to get you into the right mindset for a photoshoot.
#3 Multiple Options
So, you’ve spent your hard earned budget on a photographer, lighting, makeup artist & a photo studio? Don’t just shoot one look / outfit & be done with it. Make the most of the time you’ve got a creative team at your disposal and shoot multiple looks!
Change outfits, change lighting, work with different props – they can also be used to generate social content around your release & keep your audience engaged as you introduce them to your single, share your wins. promote release shows, & upcoming tours. If you’ve got an iPhone, why not shoot some “piece-to-camera” type content that could be used on your Instagram Stories, Instagram Reels or TikTok whilst you’re in costume, on set and looking your finest!
