Your press kit photos are often the first thing a writer sees, and they decide in seconds whether you look like a story worth telling. Include five to eight images max: two strong portraits, two performance shots, one full-length styled shot, and two or three lifestyle or behind-the-scenes images. Every photo should look like it belongs to the same artist.
Resolution matters more than most artists think. Provide high-res files at 300 DPI for print alongside web-optimized versions. A magazine cannot use a blurry Instagram screenshot. Name your files clearly with your artist name, not IMG_4829. Include a simple text file with photo credits. Writers on deadline will use the artist whose assets are ready, not the one they have to chase.
Performance shots prove you are real. A packed room, a dramatic light, a moment of connection with the crowd — these images sell the live experience better than any bio line. If your live photos are weak, make fixing that a priority. Book a photographer for your next three shows specifically for press images. It is one of the highest-ROI investments you can make.
Refresh the gallery twice a year and remove anything that no longer matches your brand. Old eras, old hairstyles, old aesthetics — archive them privately and keep the public kit current. Your press photos are your visual resume. Make sure they say you are happening now, not that you happened once.
Include a simple usage note with your downloads: photo credit requirements and any restrictions. It protects your photographers and keeps you professional. Most outlets will credit properly if you make it easy. A tiny text file with the kit prevents awkward corrections later.
About the Author – Ruben Burgos: Ruben Burgos brings over 25 years of music expertise and more than 15 years of model guidance to the table. He is the indie major pinnacle to retaining credits for musicians and helping them navigate this wicked industry without the fuckery.