The Pretty Ugly is a Yorkshire-based quartet whose alternative pop/rock sound draws on 80s-influenced indie rock, blending nostalgia with something that still sounds current. When they needed press shots to match, they booked an evening session at Dock Street Studio.
Why bands book a proper shoot
A photoshoot does three things for a band that a phone camera can't. It gives you a visual identity that matches the music, rather than fighting it. It signals professionalism to promoters, labels and press, who form an opinion before they've heard a note. And it gives you a bank of usable images — album covers, press releases, social profiles, merchandise — all pulled from one session rather than scraped together from gig photos and phone snaps.
The session
As soon as the band arrived, the studio had been set up with a white background and the lighting already dialled in. Drinks and snacks were on hand, music played softly in the background, and the whole thing felt more like an evening with friends than a formal shoot — which is usually when the best band photos happen. Mark stayed hands-on throughout, adjusting light and composition as the four of them found their rhythm in front of the camera.
The result was a set of images that captured the band's energy and chemistry as a group, rather than four separate portraits stitched together. That is usually the difference between a band shoot that works and one that doesn't: the room has to feel comfortable enough for the group to actually be a group in front of the lens.
What to plan for your own band shoot
If you're booking something similar, think about what the images need to do before the day: album artwork, press kit, socials, and a live gig look are not all the same photograph. Our guide to creative headshots for musicians covers how to brief that properly, and our write-up of shooting Leeds Festival shows the same team's approach from the photo pit rather than the studio.
A full band session runs as a half-day commercial booking from £450, editing included, which gives enough time for individual portraits as well as the group shot. If you'd rather bring your own photographer, the studio is available to hire from £125 for two hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a full band shoot take?
A half day comfortably covers a group shot, individual portraits and a couple of backdrop changes for a four-piece. Larger bands or a longer shot list may need a full day.
Can we shoot video as well as stills?
Yes — the content studio handles live-session clips, interviews and social content in the same building.
What should we bring?
A couple of wardrobe options each with some texture and layers, nothing with a big logo unless it's part of your identity, and a note of where the images will be used — that shapes the crops we shoot.
How long until we get the images?
Retouched selects are typically delivered within 48 hours.
Where is the studio and how do we book?
Dock Street Studio, Unit 9, 30–38 Dock Street, Leeds LS10 1JF — central Leeds near Leeds Dock, a short walk from the train station, with parking on site for kit. Book online or call to talk the shoot through first.
Book your band's photoshoot in Leeds
Send us a link to your music and a note of where the images need to go, and we'll plan a session around your sound rather than a generic look. Book online, email hello@dockstreetstudioleeds.co.uk, or call 0113 4400102.
About the author
Beya Mullan
Actor • Studio assistant & guest writer, Dock Street Studio Leeds
Beya is a working actor based in Leeds who assists on sessions at Dock Street Studio and contributes guest articles drawing on her experience on both sides of the camera.
Shot, written and built by the Dock Street team
Every guide on this blog comes from the team at Dock Street Studio — Mark behind the camera with 18+ years' experience, Nicole on styling and lighting, Beya on video and bookings and Austin keeping the site fast and findable. If you'd rather have us do it than read about it, book a session or explore our photography services in Leeds.