HOW TO TAKE BAND PHOTOS.
ONES THAT MAKE YOU LOOK NOT SHIT.
Epic band photos are not about standing in line, staring at the lens like you’ve all just shit your shorts. If you look like you’re being held hostage at gunpoint, then you’re probably doing it wrong.
LOOK EPIC, NOT PATHETIC
Your music might melt faces, but if your band photos look like you’ve just escaped from a branch of Matalan or the clothing department of Walmart, nobody’s going to take you seriously. You want shots that grab attention, punch through the noise and make bookers, fans and even your own worst enemy stop scrolling and start paying attention.
WHY YOUR BAND PHOTOS SUCK ASS & WHY IT MATTERS
If I see one more band photo shot against a knackered old brick wall, I’ll fucking lose it. First impressions count, and your band images are the frontline on your website, your press kit, your gig posters and every damn social media profile you run. If you want to get booked for gigs, build a powerful brand and stand out from every other cover band in town, then your photos need to look as wild and professional as your live show feels.
STYLE LIKE YOU MEAN IT
Stop overthinking your outfit and start thinking about your identity for your cover band photos. Are you a gritty indie band, a party-starting cover band or something in between? Dress like you actually play gigs, not like you’re off to a job interview or a shitty stag do for your dodgy cousin’s gypsy wedding. Wear what you rock on stage, the clothes you can move in and that scream your vibe. If you’re not sure, pick a lane and go bold, go dark or go energetic. And for the love of chaos, ditch the oversized clothing brand logos unless you’re getting paid to wear them.
NO MORE HUMAN LAMPPOSTS
The secret to all this shit is confidence. Don’t stand there like you’re waiting for detention. Move, lean and laugh. Get the front person actually up front, but don’t make the rest of the band look like they’ve been sentenced to the back row forever. Mess around with height, angles and attitude, and if you feel like an absolute bell-end, then you’re probably doing it right. Try action shots, crowd reactions or even a staged mid-gig meltdown. You want photos that look like your band sounds: full of energy, unpredictable and ready to blow the roof off.
STAY AWAY FROM THE BRICK WALLS
Find a spot that fits your vibe. Whether that’s gritty alleyways, neon-lit bars, rooftops and skylines, or even the sticky flea-infested floor of your favourite boozer. The best band photography locations tell a story and give your band images some actual personality. Oh yeah, and bonus points for weird props or catching the golden hour light. While we’re at it, always check the lighting, because dark and moody beats washed-out and boring every time.
DIY OR PRO PHOTOGRAPHER?
If you can afford a pro who actually understands music photography, do it. But if you’re broke, then grab a mate with a decent camera or phone and shoot a ton of stuff. Use natural light, experiment with angles and don’t be afraid to get weird. Most importantly, someone needs to take charge and direct this ship, otherwise you’ll end up with 100 blurry shots of you all blinking, confused and looking like someone took you hostage and is demanding a ransom.
EDIT LIKE A BAND THAT GIVES A SHIT
Don’t slap an Instagram filter on and call it done. Edit your band photos so you look sharp, not fucking radioactive. Crop for your website, socials and press kit, and make sure your images match your music branding. Consistency is king, so use the same style across your Facebook, Instagram and your EPK (that’s your electronic press kit) so people know it’s you, not just some random pricks with an instrument fetish.
USE YOUR PHOTOS LIKE A PRO
Look, you’ve put all the work in, now actually update your website, press kit, Facebook, Instagram and every gig poster with your new shots. Don’t let your killer new photos rot in a Google Drive folder. The right band image can get you more gigs, more fans and more respect, so just frigging use them everywhere already.
THIS IS THE BOTTOM LINE
Stop settling for “that’ll do” photos. Your band deserves images that look as dangerous, exciting and unforgettable as the best live set you ever played. Get bold, get creative and make every shot count.
Need more savage advice on building your band brand, smashing your next photoshoot or landing better gigs? Hit up YOUR BAND IS A WAR MACHINE and start taking your band promo as seriously as you take your music.
