How to Prepare for a Photoshoot as a Solo Artist

Having a certain identity is just as important for solo artists as putting out music. A good photoshoot can help define how people see you and think of you, but as always, there are various things you need to beware of before you start posing. Guest-blogger and wedding song writer Kevin Okkema is here to share his tips.

What Are The Photos For?

If the photos are for your website and you want them to ‘last’ for some years then, as opposed to a themed shoot, it’s wise to go for a more general shoot that captures the essence of you as an artist.
If the photo shoot is for an album cover, you’re free to go in a specific direction and show a certain side of yourself. If the record sounds a touch spicier than what your fan base is used to, then you could go for slightly edgier photos too.

It’s also worth noting that going for an all-purpose photo shoot is never a bad idea. These photos can be added to your press kit and will come in handy all the time.

What’s Your Image?

Some solo artists know exactly who and what they want to be, while others, like budding artists, have yet to define what they want to represent, which isn’t an issue since it can take time to define yourself as an artist. One thing that might help is to figure out who your audience is. Are they teens or adults? Mostly the same gender or a mix? What other artists do they like to listen to? Try coming up with a persona that closely represents your average fan. This is a fictional persona that has certain characteristics and interests, and it’s the person that really relates to your songs and influences your songwriting decisions. How do you write your songs? How do you communicate through the media? And, most importantly, what vibes do you give off in pictures? After you’re done creating this stereotypical fan, look at photoshoots of other artists that you think this fictional person would be into. This should provide a ton of inspiration. Tip: Collect those photo shoots and show them to your photographer to give them a good idea of what you’re looking for.

How to Prepare for a Photoshoot as a Solo Artist

How To Find The Right Photographer

While you could ask that cousin who’s into amateur photography, if you want kick-ass photos that bring out the best in you, then there’s really no other option than to go with an actual professional photographer. In my experience, this is always worth the investment. In fact, to this day, I still use the photos from the first photoshoot I did years ago. Professional photographers are easy to find online, but always have a look at their portfolio because some are specialised in a certain area, like nature photography or photos of newborns. It shouldn’t be hard to find someone who regularly works with bands and artists.

How to Prepare for a Photoshoot as a Solo Artist

What’s a Good Location?

Ideally, the location for the shoot is in line with the image you’re trying to create. A quiet patch of forest is perfect for indie-based singer-songwriters, while a living room-style setting is more fitting for piano-playing musicians who write jazzy songs. In any case, the location should never distract from the story you’re trying to tell, so avoid doing shoots at popular landmarks, tourist attractions or other notable locations. Know a great place that costs money to rent or gain exclusive access to? Go for it! There won’t be anyone around to get in the way and you’ll have plenty of time and freedom to ensure proper lighting.

How Much Does a Photoshoot Cost?

A professional photoshoot will set you back around £500, not including VAT. The average hourly rate for professional photographers is between £80 and £120, but in addition to a two-hour shoot, you’re paying for travel and editing time. If you rent a location or studio, the costs will go up a little.

How to Prepare for a Photoshoot as a Solo Artist

Be Yourself

Those are my tips for solo artists who want to do a photoshoot. For the best possible results, my final advice would be to be yourself at all times and to find a photographer you really connect with.

Done a photoshoot recently and got any other tips? Share them below!