Why the Artists With the Best Photos Win. A Practical Guide to Artist Headshots That Work And Don't Break The Bank.
- Editorial Board
- 18 minutes ago
- 3 min read
How to stop being invisible and build press-ready visuals with the tools you have.
At Goathead, we review a high volume of artist submissions every week.
Some arrive with incredibly well-executed photos, set-designs, edits and VFX, that immediately communicate identity, intent, and branding. Those artists understand that visuals are part of outreach. They are already speaking the industry’s language.
But we also receive many submissions from faceless artists. Selfies. No clear headshots. No presence. No effort to use the tools and technology already available to them.
In today’s landscape, that is a missed opportunity.
Image (and branding -faceless or not) it is not optional.. It is not secondary to the music. It is the first signal of seriousness. Technology has lowered the barrier to entry more than ever, and there is no reason for an artist to remain visually bland.
Artists who invest time into their visuals stand out instantly. They are easier to pitch, easier to remember, and easier to champion. Those who do not are often overlooked, not because the music lacks quality, but because the presentation does not invite attention.
At Goathead, we are not looking for perfection. We are looking for intention and creativity. Use the tools. Use the camera. Show up.
Why Press Shots Matter
Believe it or not, an artist’s success is 99 percent outreach and 1 percent music.
The music matters, of course. But visuals are what get people to press play in the first place.
Press shots are often the first thing a curator, journalist, brand, or collaborator sees. Before they hear your song, they see your face. Before they read your story, they judge your presence.
It is also important to understand this reality:
Most artist revenue comes from features, partnerships, brand alignment, and likeability. Big artists are essentially actors who can sing. Image is currency.
Strong PR photos help you:
Land press coverage
Pitch playlists and blogs
Look credible to brands and designers
Build a recognizable, memorable brand
When done right, visuals do most of the heavy lifting.
Your PR Photo Portfolio - The Must-Have Shots
A complete press kit is not one good photo. It is a small set that gives editors options.
Example Note: Black headshots are harder to execute and often require two separate lighting setups. We are focusing on proportions here for simplicity.
1. Clean Headshot
Best for profile images, press features, and articles.
2. Strong Mid Shot
Waist-up framing. Perfect for interviews, features, and editorials.
This is your most versatile image.
3. Confident Full-Body Shot
Ideal for posters, promotional material, and fashion-forward placements. Posture and styling matter here.
4. Natural Seated Shot
Adds depth and variation. Feels human and grounded. Editors love these for long-form pieces.
5. In-Action Shots
Movement, performance, candid energy.
These capture who you are, not just how you look.
How to Get These Shots DIY
You do not need a full crew.
You need:
A friend with a decent phone or camera
Natural light or a lighting setup (1-2 lights should be enough)
A simple and effective location
Confidence
PRO: A Green Screen And An Accel Subscription
1. Headshot
Stand in front of a clean wall. White or lightly textured works.
Face a window for soft natural light.
Frame from half-chest up.
Neutral expression with confident eyes. That is the key.
2. Mid Shot
Waist-up framing. Portrait mode helps with depth.
Vary poses. Arms crossed. One hand up. Slight profile turn.
Try both indoor and outdoor locations. Brick walls, alleys, greenery all work.
3. Full-Body Shot
Stand 6 to 10 feet away to capture the full body.
Use open spaces like rooftops, parking lots, or parks.
Keep posture clean. Add a slight lean or motion to avoid stiffness.
4. Seated Shot
Use stairs, curbs, chairs, or even the floor.
Lean slightly forward to engage the frame.
Look away from the camera for a candid feel.
5. In-Action Shots
Mimic performance. Walking. Holding a mic. Moving naturally.
Shoot in bursts to capture the right moment.
Energy beats perfection every time.
Extra Tips That Make a Difference
Use a tripod and self-timer if shooting alone.
Change expressions and postures. Smile. Go serious. Look intense. Relax.
Try leaning forward, leaning back, arms crossed, hands loose.
Send us the results. You will be surprised how strong they look.
Most artists feel awkward the first few times in front of a camera. That is normal.
It does not matter.
Confidence does 99 percent of the work. The more you own the moment, the more energy and presence comes through. Do not overthink it. Have fun with it. Kill the shots.
