Taking Engaging Photos for Your Ensemble’s Press Kit

Whether it’s for local concert promotions, touring overseas, or just posting on your website, a well-constructed press kit can be an invaluable tool for raising the profile of your ensemble. In our new eBook “Creating the Perfect Press Kit for Your Ensemble”, we discuss how to choose the sample repertoire, take engaging photos, create press releases and more.

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Who Needs a Photo in the Press Kit?

Everyone. All directors, soloists, accompanists, executive directors and the ensemble itself should have a high-quality photo in the press kit.

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Do I Need a Professional Photographer?

A professional photographer is always great, but not absolutely necessary. Find someone with good aim, a nice camera and a sense of photography and you can still come away with a nice product.

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Choosing an Appropriate Backdrop

Photo Backdrops That Work

• Plain wall backdrop: against a white or neutral-colored wall
• Inside the performance space: on stage, in a venue, or on the risers
• Simple outdoor scenery: photo from above of the ensemble standing on the grass or outdoors on the steps to a venue

Photo Backdrops That Don’t Work

• Overly bright or clashing colors: anything that pulls focus from the performers
• “Cafeteria photos”: random settings like a cafeteria, parking lot, basement, or outside a restaurant
• Background distractions: people or items in the frame that take attention away from the group

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Tips on Taking the Photo

• Wear standard concert attire. If the group does not have standard attire, decide on a uniform outfit, color, sleeve length, floor length, acceptable accessories, and so on for consistent coordination.
• Smile with open eyes. Try the 1-2-3 approach: have the group close eyes and relax mouths, count to three, then say open. This helps avoid fake smiles and blinking. Avoid singing or playing for the main group photo.
• Decide on a pose. Plan a few poses in advance and align people as needed. Put taller people centered in the back. Use levels so all faces are visible.
• Take multiple shots. Experiment with locations and angles. If possible, shoot from an elevated position for large groups.
• Be yourselves. Let the ensemble’s personality show.

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Tips on Sending Photos

All photos should be at a resolution of 300 dpi or higher so they can be printed properly for promotional materials. Resolution is usually more about how you send the file than the camera itself.

1. Import the file from your camera directly to your computer.
2. Check the resolution (see below). If it’s 300 dpi or higher, you’re set.
3. Send the original file as an attachment (email), or via Dropbox/Google Drive. Do not paste the image into the body of an email, as that reduces resolution. You can also send a .zip of multiple images. Here’s how.

How to Check Photo Resolution in Windows

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Locate the image and right-click it.
3. Select Properties.
4. Open the Details tab.
5. Under Image, review the horizontal and vertical resolution.

How to Check Photo Resolution on macOS

1. Open the image in Preview.
2. In the menu bar, choose Tools → Show Inspector → General Info.
3. Read the Image DPI value.

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General Tips

• Avoid distracting backgrounds.
• Keep backgrounds neutral.
• Hire a professional photographer or use a DSLR camera.
• Wear standard concert attire.
• Smile and keep eyes open.
• Plan your pose.
• Try creative shots.
• Send high-resolution photos.
• Use natural light without facing the sun directly.
• Photograph a performance.
• Get a few close-ups.

To learn more about writing captivating biographies, preparing recordings, choosing repertoire, or compiling press materials, download our Press Kit Guide today!

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View our other articles in the Backstage Blog’s Press Kit series:

4 Reasons Your Ensemble Needs a Press Kit
The 5 Essentials of Your Ensemble’s Press Kit
Taking Engaging Photos for Your Ensemble’s Press Kit
Writing Captivating Biographies for Your Ensemble’s Press Kit
Choosing Sample Repertoire for Your Ensemble’s Press Kit
Prepare Recordings for Your Ensemble’s Press Kit
Press Releases & Posting Your Ensemble’s Press Kit

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