After looking at thousands of musician bookings on Encore, we’ve seen than musicians who have great photography are much more likely to get booked. 

In the online world, how you present yourself in your promo photography dictates the first impression you give to your potential clients. So if you’re looking to win gigs through any online booking platform, getting great photography should be top of your to-do list.   

On your Encore profile there are three types of photo you need:

• Cover photo: this is your showstopper image that sits at the top of your profile. This should be something attention-grabbing.
• Profile picture: this is used as your thumbnail image when you’re chatting to clients. Make sure it is clean, clear and recognisable in multiple sizes. 
• Photo gallery shots: these additional shots help support your profile, and prove that you are a trustworthy, professional musician. 

Finding the right photographer who’ll produce a brilliant shoot for a good price can be difficult though, so we’ve compiled a list of the photographic wizards which we think do this best. We’ve also secured exclusive Encore member discounts from our top 2 photography companies. 

Unsure what photography you need on your profile, read these guides first: 5 Reasons Why Musicians need Professional Photography & 5 Essential Tips for Great Profile Pictures  

Encore member discounts

Perfocal (best price)

• Location: London, Manchester & Birmingham
• Price: from £60
• About: Unlike a traditional photographer, Perfocal match you with a professional, vetted photographer near you. They do all the editing and matching in house, which means they can keep costs down without sacrificing quality.
• Recommended for: musicians who are looking to create a classy, atmospheric aesthetic with their music.

Splento

• Location: London (can travel)
• Price: from £99 (offer: £147 shoot worth £246 (40% off)
• About: Like Perfocal, Splento offer an on-demand photography service. They are offer retouching services if you already have shots which just need improving.
• Specialism: all genres.
• Recommended for: musicians on a budget who don’t want to compromise on quality.

Other photographers

Mark Anderson Photography

• Location: Glasgow
• Price: upon request
• About: “As a music fan I love taking pictures of bands and musicians. Anything from intimate gigs and large festivals to solo artists and worship events, I capture the excitement and mood of the performance.”
• Specialism: All genres.
• Recommended for: Scotland-based bands.

Just Simon Photography

• Location: Glasgow
• Price: upon request
• Specialism: Music, PR, events, commercial photography.
• Recommended for: Scotland-based acts.

Archibald Photography

• Location: Glasgow
• Price: upon request
• About: “Mark provides documentary music photography and portraits of bands for promotional purposes. We are available to book for live concerts, rehearsals and music festivals.”
• Specialism: folk, rock, pop.
• Recommended for: Scottish acts looking for more artistic shots.

George Fairbairn

• Location: Cambridge
• Price: from £150
• About: “George is a portrait photographer specialising in advertising and editorial. George has shot for magazines such as Rock Sound, Kerrang, and Total Guitar.”
• Specialism: Bands, with a focus on print and advertising.
• Recommended for: high-end musician portraits.

Jake Morley

• Location: Cardiff
• Price: from £180
• About: “Creative, inspiring professional photography. Lifestyle, Food, people and events”
• Specialism: All genres.
• Recommended for:

Polly Thomas

• Location: Cardiff
• Price: from £150
• About: “Internationally published freelance photographer based in Cardiff, UK. News, performance, PR, portrait, event, music, and wedding photography.”
• Specialism: pop, rock bands.
• Recommended for: dynamic live shots of bands, pro cover photo and portraits off stage.

Kaupo Kikkas Photography

• Location: London
• Price: from £150
• Specialism: classical musicians, artistic shots.
• Recommended for: classical musicians looking for a high-end shoot, or album cover.

Chris Lopez

• Location: London
• Price: from £150
• About: “Professional photographer for the past 25 years, 10 years as inhouse photographer with Sony Music. Currently shooting music, film, portraiture and advertising.”
• Specialism: All genres.
• Recommended for: original artists, bands, solo portraits.

More studios

For more studios check out are database of great video and photography studios here.