A new release needs more than one good photo. Blogs, playlists, gig listings, Spotify, Instagram and the local paper all want something slightly different, and nothing slows a campaign down like hunting for the right image at the last minute.
I shoot artist photography and video in Liverpool, and this is the set of images I plan for every release so you are covered from announcement to tour.
The short version
- Press shots. Landscape and portrait versions.
- Cover art. Square, high resolution, your call on the concept.
- Profile images. Avatar and header for Spotify and socials.
- Vertical video. Short loops and clips for Canvas, Reels and TikTok.
- Live and behind the scenes. Proof you do this for real.
1. Press shots in both shapes
Editors crop your photo to fit their layout, so give them options. A landscape shot with space around you works for blogs and headers, and a portrait version suits listings and posters. Leave some breathing room above your head so nobody gets cropped.
2. Cover art
Streaming services want a square image, and the common minimum from distributors is 3000 by 3000 pixels. Check your distributor’s spec before the shoot, then we frame for the square from the start rather than cropping it in later.
Location is half the look. The perfect spot might be your local pub, a mate’s record shop or the bar where you play your first gig. Ask nicely, be a little cheeky, and you will be surprised who says yes. Or hire a hotel room or an Airbnb with the right look for the day. Here are more location ideas.
3. Profile images and headers
Your Spotify header is wide and crops differently on phones and desktop, so keep your face near the centre with plenty of space either side. A clean, simple avatar shot works everywhere from Spotify to Instagram.
4. Vertical video
Spotify Canvas uses short vertical loops of a few seconds, and Reels and TikTok live on 9 by 16 clips. Grab these on the same day as the stills and your whole campaign looks like it belongs together.
5. Live and behind the scenes
Gig shots and studio moments show people you are the real deal. They fill your feed between big announcements and give promoters something to use when they book you.
6. Build your press kit
Put your best press shots, a short bio, your links and a contact in one folder with clearly named files. When a blog or promoter asks for images, you send one link and you are done.
Your release shoot plan
Before the day
- Release date and campaign plan
- Mood board and references
- Two or three outfits
- A location that fits your sound, even a friend’s bar or flat
- Cover art spec from your distributor
On the day
- Press shots in landscape and portrait
- Cover art frames shot square
- Vertical clips for Canvas and Reels
- A few behind the scenes moments
Questions artists ask
How many looks should I bring?
Two or three is a good number. It gives you variety across the campaign without rushing the shoot.
Can you do photos and video on the same day?
Yes, and it is the best way to do it. Everything matches, and you only need to get ready once.
Where should we shoot?
Somewhere that fits your sound. Here are my favourite spots in Liverpool.
More guides for artists: The best photoshoot locations in Liverpool.
Got a release coming?
Let’s plan your rollout
Tell me about the release, the date and the vibe, and I will build the shoot around it.