A good photo session is an investment. To get the most out of it, preparation is just as important as the photographer’s talent. Here’s everything you need to know.

Before the session

The work starts long before you arrive at the studio or location.

01

Define the goal. What will the material be used for? Press kit for festivals? Social media profile? Dossier for theatres? The answer determines formats, lighting, clothing and expressions. A photo for a concert poster is not the same as a LinkedIn profile shot.

02

Collect references. Find photos you like — of musicians, actors, artists in your field. Not to copy them, but to communicate the tone you want to the photographer: formal or relaxed, intimate or spectacular, colour or black and white. A Pinterest board or a Google Photos album works perfectly.

03

Choose your outfits in advance. Bring at least three options. Avoid very fine patterns (they create moiré on screen), pure whites (they blow out with flash) and brand logos (they date the photos and can create rights issues). Try everything the day before and make sure there are no wrinkles.

04

Rest and take care of your appearance. The night before: enough sleep, lots of water, no alcohol. If you have skin that shows under-eye bags or redness easily, apply something cold in the morning. For actors and visual artists, professional makeup should be arranged in advance — it’s not an extra: it’s part of the session.

05

Talk to the photographer. A 20-minute call or meeting beforehand makes all the difference. Share your references, explain who you are, what your artistic style is, what kind of spaces you perform in. A good photographer listens and adapts their eye to your identity.

During the session

Arrive early

Twenty minutes early to change, breathe, get used to the space. The first shots always take a bit of warming up — don't rush them.

Ask to see photos during the session

You don't have to wait until the end to know whether the light is working or the pose is right. A professional will share images in real time so you can adjust.

Forget about the camera

The best photos come when you stop posing. Talk to the photographer, laugh at a mistake, move naturally. The real moment is the authentic one.

Bring your instrument, symbol or object

For musicians, the instrument is part of the identity. For actors, a prop that represents your style. For visual artists, brushes, a sculpture, work materials. Contextualise who you are.

How many images do you need?

It’s about utility, not quantity:

  • 3–5 profile photos (square and vertical crop, clean or blurred background)
  • 2–3 action or contextual photos (playing, rehearsing, creating)
  • 1–2 group photos if you’re part of a company or band
  • Landscape version for website headers, posters and press

Ask the photographer to deliver high resolution (at least 2400px wide) in JPEG/PNG. If you need RAW files for further retouching, agree on it beforehand.

Rights and deliverables

Agree in writing (or by email) what uses are included in the price: social media, website, press, posters… If not specified, usage rights may be limited. Read our article on image rights to understand the implications.

Our recommendation

Pocallum is the studio specialising in photography for artists that Ressona works with: portraits, live performances, theatre, dance, circus and concerts — all designed for the press kit and digital identity. If you want material that actually opens doors, get in touch with Ressona.