promo pics a must?

[gitrokr]

when you send off a demo and bio to venues you wish to play at, is it a must to send a photo too? i know its not a must, but do venues actually care what you look like to book you? its jsut htat my band, is having a hard time with getting a photo session down because of shows and such, but we really wanna get out these demos and start getting more shows. so, should we screw the pic and just send the bio and demo? whats your take? thanks guys.

[ChristopherM]

Originally posted by gitrokr
when you send off a demo and bio to venues you wish to play at, is it a must to send a photo too? i know its not a must, but do venues actually care what you look like to book you? its jsut htat my band, is having a hard time with getting a photo session down because of shows and such, but we really wanna get out these demos and start getting more shows. so, should we screw the pic and just send the bio and demo? whats your take? thanks guys.

Doesn't anyone you know have a digital camera and a decent printer?

Anything is better than nothing, I think. I know it shouldn't matter what you look like, but most bookers are going to respond better to promo packs that are what they consider "complete"...in other words, they have a photo (even if you DON'T look good).

3 megapixels and decent photo paper...take the photo on the highest resolution...print on the highest setting...bingo! Even just a shot (or a montage of several) at your rehearsal spot.

[ChristopherM]

http://indie-music.com/modules.php?n...ticle&sid=2689

http://www.indieshout.com/030704articleone.html

http://www.indieshout.com/promopackadvice.html

[glynb]

...if you DON'T include a pic it may come across that you have something to hide!!!

On the other hand, sending in an awful home produced pic that makes you look like a bunch of amateurs may undermine the great demo you send in !

Like Christopher said, get a friend with a digital camera to take some pics. If you are busy doing shows then why not do some live pics, but make sure they use the available stage lighting and the 'flash' is turned off (otherwise it kills any atmosphere created by the lights). If your friend takes 40 or 50 snaps during the course of a gig (easy with a digicam) chances are one of them of at least one or two members of the band will the THE PIC that looks superb and will 'sell' you. It doesn't have to be including all members of the band, just get that great colourful 'action' pic and send it in.

If you are getting together for gigs, there must be some time available to take some pics, how about behind the club in the car park during the break, etc etc. Be creative...