Band Pics....are they still necessary?

[51PRI]

In this age of social media are old style press packets with band photos still being used? Just curious. Our new band is having photos made today. I'm not complaining mind you. Our BL has gotten us, a brand new band, two gigs with nothing at all to work with.

 

[DrBnz]

No, I wouldn't think so. But now that I think about it, I don't recall seeing any band pics around and even if I did, my mind blew right past it like an unexplained stain on the wall. I mean, its not like your LOOKS will make your SOUND. To me if you wanna get noticed it would be for great (tight) sound. People remember a band that kicks butt.... an active internet site helps a lot (to show people where you're playing this weekend) and a good band name probably serves you better than pics. They aren't a horrible idea I suppose, but I can see how a bad pic could turn me off if you all look like a group of hoodlums holding instruments.

 

[klokker]

We have 8 or 9 band pics (where we stood together and someone took our picture on their phone) that continue to recycle on our Facebook pages and Website with upcoming gig dates etc. It's a constant for us. Someone did this AI thing with us dancing that gets used.

It can go wrong though. I had a picture taken with me in another band that I eventually left. They still use it with me in it. Love my pic in lights up at the casino.......I don't even have to show up.

 

[2saddleslab]

Just what the world needs, pics of a bunch of guys, arms folded, attempting their best to look menacing, wearing sunglasses. The drummer, of course, is holding sticks.

 

[Koshchei]

In this age of social media are old style press packets with band photos still being used? Just curious. Our new band is having photos made today. I'm not complaining mind you. Our BL has gotten us, a brand new band, two gigs with nothing at all to work with.

Not sure; seeing photos of a bunch of middle-aged men trying to look smug in front of a bridge, overgrown factory, or railway doesn't really sell it for me. Sort of ubiquitous to the point of meaninglessness.

 

[Pdaddy1978]

I would say that if your band has some kind of serious "gimmick ", say like Kiss, or Slipknot, or a rockabilly vibe etc.. then yah, you need a way to put that out there.
But for the average bar band?
No... probably not.

 

[StyleOverShow]

Dunno, things haven’t changed all that much, pictures of the band are a thing. Action shots for some and group photos with or without sweaty fans

 

[MVE]

If you are ridiculously handsome with piercing brown eyes, six-pack abbs and wavy hair that waves even in the pouring rain… then yeah, go for it.

 

[Artman]

The last time I was a permanent member of a band was until late last year, and our agent requested a new promotion package each year.

 

[Artman]

Not sure; seeing photos of a bunch of middle-aged men trying to look smug in front of a bridge, overgrown factory, or railway doesn't really sell it for me. Sort of ubiquitous to the point of meaninglessness.

I agree, but agencies still want those shots, and I will continue to oblige them as long as the gigs keep coming.

 

[Spectrum]

Photos of me will just scare people away.

 

[vvvmmm]

they make good souvenirs, hanging on the venue's office wall they are good reminders, and the can always work onna dartboard

 

[Ralph Manak]

Individual head shots in the bio section of the band’s EPK may go further in connecting with an audience.

 

[TheReceder]

If your band is good lookin... yes.... if you're not... well you probably need to be creative....
To me... this is a cool pic, that might get some attention... and how many times is there an occordian in a band pic....

 

[Pep]

In this age of social media are old style press packets with band photos still being used? Just curious. Our new band is having photos made today. I'm not complaining mind you. Our BL has gotten us, a brand new band, two gigs with nothing at all to work with.

I would say yes. We still put together promo packs with info about the group, photo, references and a flash drive with a video & music. It makes a much better presentation when you actually hand something to the venue owner/manager instead of just a business card with contact info and a listed website to visit. They get gobs of band business cards monthly.
That card may go to the trash can or get filed with a bunch of others and possibly forgotten. They will be more aware of a promo pack.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

if your band is full of handsome, gorgeous beautiful people then yes, take those pics!!

 

[vvvmmm]

If your band is good lookin... yes.... if you're not... well you probably need to be creative....
To me... this is a cool pic, that might get some attention... and how many times is there an occordian in a band pic....

View attachment 7316203

Well, at least it's not a bonjo.

 

[TheReceder]

Well, at least it's not a bonjo.

I don't know... I think these guys could rock... the band pic says it all.

 

[Koshchei]

I agree, but agencies still want those shots, and I will continue to oblige them as long as the gigs keep coming.

At least do something interesting, like staging it like a Sears family photo circa 1977.

 

[Hoochie Coochie Man]

I think photos showing a band at a show are better than posed/staged photos.
(A series of brief videos with some good audience interaction is even better).