Not knowing what to expect is the biggest source of nerves before a gig. In practice it runs in a fixed order, start to finish.

The session starts with a few minutes to settle in and talk through what you’re hoping to get, even if that’s already been discussed beforehand, and from there direction stays constant throughout so there’s no standing around wondering what to do next. Once the shoot wraps, a proofing gallery follows within a couple of days. A first look, before anything is retouched.

Final delivery follows once retouching is complete, with the timeline agreed clearly at the point of booking rather than left open-ended.

See also: Why a cheap gig often costs more in the end.

For everything this post didn’t cover, including current pricing, the Live Music page has the full picture, or reach out directly and ask.

FAQs

Two common questions, answered.

Can you deliver images the same night?
For time-sensitive releases, yes. A small batch of selects can be edited and sent while the gig is still going, with the full set following after.

Do you cover full sets or just a few songs?
Either. Some bookings only need the pit for the first three songs, others want the full set covered, including crowd shots and the wider room.

Further reading

A handful of related posts.

• A first-timer's guide to booking a gig
• Can I request a specific style or mood for my gig?
• Booking a gig in Wimbledon: what to know
• What's actually included in the price of a gig?
• What's different about a gig for venues

The steps

Broken down, it looks like this.

1. Settle in and talk through the brief. The first few minutes, even if it's already been discussed beforehand.
2. Be directed throughout the shoot. Constant, gentle direction means there's no standing around wondering what to do.
3. Review the proofing gallery. A first look within a couple of days, before anything is retouched.
4. Receive final delivery. On the timeline agreed at booking, not left open-ended.