As a signed artist or an independent artist, it is crucial to have quality visual assets to promote your music. Whether you’re a solo artist or part of a full band, hiring a professional music photographer to do artist promotional photos may have more of a positive effect than you may realize at first. And if you're a seasoned musician you likely already know the importance of having quality photography to promote your latest releases, tours and merchandise. If you want to stand out from a sea of artists and bands, here are some tips from an experienced Nashville music photographer to get your image in order to be presented to the masses.
KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE
As an artist you already know what genre of music you create. And you likely know what that music market likes in general. It is best to design your music promotional photoshoot to the audience you want to leave an impact with. However, it is important to remember that your audience isn't just your fans. So who else might your audience be? As a musician other people are not only listening to your music but looking at your artist image. These people come in the form of record label A&R reps, booking agents, managers and those working in various other music industry related fields. Knowing what all of these people need to see in your artist photography is important to achieving your career goals.
SET A BUDGET
Do research to discover the music photographer you want to hire for your artist promotional photos. The main thing to consider aside from the creative process is to set a realistic budget for the photoshoot. Your photos need to be high quality and professional to have the impact you want to have with people. It is important to note that music promotional photography is a specialized area of photography. Therefore you should be prepared to pay a rate worth of a professional. After all, these photos are meant to ultimately help an artist make more album and concert ticket sales. It is good to share your budget with the photographer at the start of the booking process.
SHARE ENGAGING AND CREATIVE CONTENT
An artists wants to capture the attention of not only their fans but record labels and booking agents as well, right? Don't be fooled into thinking low quality photography is enough to get by with for now. Make sure the photography you use is what people want to see whether it be for an album release, while on tour or for a press kit. Hiring a professional entertainment photographer will go a long way when it comes to impressing your fan base and music industry professionals. It shows that an artist is serious about their craft and wants to put their best foot forward.
WHAT LOOK TO PORTRAY
Entertainment photography has the ability to create a mystique or persona about an artist. Artists need to look the part they want to play in terms of the music they're producing. It is important to consider wardrobe, hair and makeup for your photos. Singer/songwriters may like to portray an organic and down-to-earth image of themselves. Pop artists often want to appear glamorous, edgy and larger than life in their photos. It's important to be seen by your fans for the artists you are. Consider creating a mood board of inspirational photos of artists you admire or fit into the same genre as your music. Ask your photographer for more advice on what to wear and how to find creative inspiration for your photoshoot. Knowing the creative direction for your music promotional photoshoot is important to achieving the outcome you hope for.
WHERE TO TAKE PROMOTIONAL PHOTOS
Is a photography studio right for you? Or should you look for an on-location setting the fits the vibe of your latest release? Consider how the environment surrounding an artists has an effect on the photo's overall mood and message of the artist and their music. A photo studio allows for more control with lighting. It also ensures that you won't get rained on or be too hot or cold while doing the photos. On-location photoshoots can be anywhere from barns, bars, restaurants, warehouses or anywhere else that makes sense for the creative direction of your promotional photography. The location of your photoshoot is an import factor to discuss with the photographer you hire.
PERSONAL BRANDING
Promotional photography is a great opportunity to define your personal brand as an artist. These images will send a crystal clear message to your fanbase about who you are and what you offer musically. Many singers and bands have become well known simply due to their look. Think of KISS or Michael Jackson and their personal image. While you likely don't need to be quite as specific or extreme with your personal branding but deciding on a look is still important. Fans become accustomed to an artists style and grow to expect and love it. This is why having quality photos to show off an artist's look is very important.
TO SUM IT ALL UP
Professional photography is a very important marketing asset for all artists and bands. Do some research and find an entertainment photographer whose style you like best. Creating a lasting relationship with a music photographer can go a long way in shaping the visual aspect of your music career.