Capture Your Individuality | Brand Photos for Musicians and Music Teachers

When did you last update your musician head shots?

Sharing ourselves online and documenting our work is so important for musicians and music teachers. When you are operating alone it can feel like no one sees your work, whether it is the long days of lessons with students and their families or late night orchestra rehearsals! How can we share who we are and what we do with the world succinctly?

Brand photos for our life as a musician and music teacher.

We can take our own pictures of students in the moment during our weekly lessons, but taking pictures of ourselves as we teach or perform? It can be tricky! Having a professional help out can make all the difference. Branding photo shoots have become an essential tool for musicians and music educators to establish a strong online presence and clearly communicate who they are as a musician and a teacher.

Here are a few reasons to prioritize some professional shots:

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Our jobs require creativity, expression and trust. These are all necessary as we hope to teach new students, welcome new families into our studios and perform in our communities. We have to tell the story of what we do and how we do it. Professional photos can quickly convey our musical style, passion, and professionalism in a way that words alone cannot. They offer a glimpse into your world and serve as a visual representation of your artistry, making a lasting impression on potential students or fans.

Defining Your Brand Identity

To get the most out of this process, it helps to define your brand. That can feel intimidating, but don’t let it dissuade you! Reflect on the essence of your music and teaching style. Consider your target audience and what you want them to perceive when they see your images. Are you a classical pianist exuding elegance and refinement, or a rock guitarist radiating energy and rebellion? Understanding your brand identity will guide your choices in terms of location, wardrobe, props, and overall visual aesthetics. In turn that awareness can inform the rest of your online presence and help you attract the kinds of students and events you enjoy working with! You’ll have a more positive working relationship which is good for everyone.

Authenticity and Connection

Thinking through your brand will lead you to be more consistent in how you present yourself. While it's great to create a visually appealing brand, it's even more important to convey authenticity and foster a connection with anyone you may work with. Showcase genuine emotions and expressions that represent your passion for music. Interact with your instrument or students naturally during the shoot, allowing the photographer to capture the essence of your musical journey. Authenticity resonates with people!

Here are a few tips to get the most out of a photo shoot:

Location and Props

Choose a location that complements your brand and resonates with your target audience. For example, in my most recent photo shoot we took pictures on the main street in Shepherdstown at the famous wall on Shepherd University’s campus and in the popular Sweet Shop Bakery. To connect with my Hagerstown audience we took pictures downtown at the Mural of Unusual Size and in a local favorite coffee shop, Cannon Coffee.

Think through who your ideal students or studio families are, where they hang out and what they might connect with. Whether you decide to take pictures in a concert hall, a cozy studio, or an outdoor setting, keep those people you’re hoping to reach top of mind. Some props you may want to include would be music books you regularly use, a computer, your instrument, practice aids and more!

Wardrobe and Styling

Dress the part! What is your favorite teaching outfit? Make sure you include that in your outfit options that day. Are you hoping to use these photos in all seasons? Then make sure your attire is suitable for every season or easily adjustable by quickly adding a cardigan or changing shoes during the shoot. Be comfortable and presentable. Don't forget about grooming—pay attention to hair, makeup, and overall presentation to ensure a polished and professional look.

Utilizing Your Branding Photos

Don’t forget to actually use the pictures once you have them! Sometimes it can be helpful to think through all the places and ways you might use these pictures and create a shot list based on those needs. I have a guide to help you brainstorm available in the shop to get your gears turning, too. Update your website, social media profiles, and promotional materials as soon as you receive them and then schedule reminders in your planner or work flow to continue to update. You want to represent yourself well, so be prepared to share different sides of yourself with your audience. And if you find that you wish you had a certain style, face or shot, add that to the list for your next photo shoot! Plan to update your pictures every few years to document yourself and your studio.

Pro tip: Including your students in these shoots can be a nice memento for your students and their families and gives vibrancy to your online presence, too!

Conclusion

Getting your pictures done professionally can be daunting, overwhelming and easy to put off for musicians. Many of us would rather people listen than look at us after all. Brand photo shoots are a way for you to proactively determine how you are perceived online and are a great tool for musicians and music teachers as they work to support their business. Invest in a photographer you admire and are comfortable with and remember you are preserving a moment in your business’s history - No one else is going to do it for you! Embrace the opportunity to capture some memories and put your best foot forward online!

To help you feel more confident, I have two resources to help you get ready for this in your business:

For TeachersRenee ShawStudio Business, Music Studio Business, Music Teacher Life, Musician LifestyleComment