12 DIY Photoshoot and Videoshoot Ideas to Boost Your Music Promotion
If you’re not batching content for your music releases, you’re making life way harder than it needs to be—and leaving a ton of potential on the table.
20 to 30 pieces of content per single or album release might sound like a lot, but here’s the thing: batching makes it quick, simple, and way less stressful. Instead of scrambling for ideas last minute, batching gives you the chance to knock out loads of high-quality content in a fraction of the time.
With a bit of prep and a sprinkle of creativity, you can create a killer batch of content using what’s already around you—your home, your neighborhood, and what makes you you. All you need is a plan, a few fresh ideas, and maybe the guts to try something a little outside your comfort zone.
Trust us, your future self (and your release strategy) will thank you.
Step 1: Plan like a pro
Before we get into the exciting stuff, here’s our very obvious, but EXTREMELY important tip: PLAN. YOUR. SHOOT.
List your goals
Before your next release, get clear on what content you need and how it will support your goals.
Think beyond just posting random stuff. What kind of content do you actually need to promote your release? Here are a few ideas to kick off your planning:
- Short videos for socials: Instagram Reels or TikToks to hook the new audience. Think teaser clips, multiple takes of the song's main hook (you can post these with different relatable captions), live performance snippets, behind-the-scenes etc.
- Photos: High-quality photos for your presskit, Instagram, Spotify banners, merch pieces, or even the album/single cover itself. Bonus points for variety—shoot different formats, with different backgrounds and outfits.
- Longer videos: Got the time and vision? Even a DIY music video or live session can set your release apart and give fans something to obsess over on YouTube. ;)
Pro tip: Always tie this content to a goal. Is it hitting a new audience? Driving pre-saves? Selling merch? Breaking into the press? Nail that goal down first, then get to work creating content that makes it happen.
Batch content
Save time by shooting all your content in one session. Outfit changes, different settings, props—plan it all so you aren’t scrambling at the last minute. Use an app like CRESQA to generate content ideas tailored to your song and blend these into a perfectly scheduled campaign.
Don't have CRESQA yet? It'll help you brainstorm, organize your goals, and keep tracks of trends while you focus on shining. Set it up, and thank me later.
Alright, now to the fun part—rolling out the creativity.
Step 2: Out-of-the-box content ideas for DIY shoots
Here’s your bank of shoot ideas. You don’t need expensive gear, a high-end studio, or a major budget. Just your phone, your music, and a little imagination.
Pro tip? Use moodboarding to visually compile and organize inspirations for your shoot. (Need help with moodboarding? Check this blog to prep like a pro.)
1. Car jam session
Your car isn’t just for road trips—it’s your personal stage, vibe machine, and creative studio all in one. To make the most of it, pick a location with personality. A scenic hill for drama? A neon-lit gas station for a retro-futuristic aesthetic? Use your dashboard as the ultimate phone mount and vibe out to your track.
Pro tips:
- Stick to a tight frame for a more intimate look—capture the emotion on your face, your hands drumming on the wheel, or even subtle reflections in the rearview mirror.
- For more light control, record during golden hour or bring a portable RGB light to add vivid colors.
- Looking to experiment? Hook up a GoPro for multiple angles or use some handheld camera movement to amplify the "in-the-moment" feel.
Add friends for chaos! Carpool karaoke upgrades everything. A mix of everyone trying to sing their part (and failing spectacularly) makes for shareable, relatable content. Use a wide-angle lens to include everyone and make the scene dynamic.
2. Projector visuals
Transform your room into an immersive visual wonderland with a projector. Cast movie scenes, abstract patterns, or album art onto walls, ceilings, or even your body. Feeling artsy? Project self-made animated clips or create a trippy vibe by overlapping visuals.
Pro tips:
- Experiment with layering objects in front of the projector lens—try colored foil, clear glass, or textured materials like lace for ethereal distortions.
- Play with motion! Film slow pans across projected visuals or step into the projection to mix elements in real life with abstract visuals.
- Low light is key here—turn off all other lights and block the external lights to make the projections pop. Use a DSLR or phone with manual exposure settings to fully capture the colors without overexposing them.
3. Reverse lip-sync
Film yourself lip-syncing your track backward—yes, you'll sound ridiculous—but reverse the footage during editing, and you’ll end up with a surreal performance.
Pro tips:
- Use slow-mo to emphasize the reversed actions for an added dramatic effect.
- Pair your reversed lip-sync with interesting lighting—like flashing neon or strobing effects—to create tension and draw viewers in. It's going to look extra weird in reverse!
- For editing, apps like Premiere Pro or CapCut allow easy clip reversal. Don't forget to layer in dreamy transitions!
4. Floral overload
Yes, it’s cliché, but scattering blooms everywhere just works. Flowers on the ground, on your outfit, on your microphone—why not toss some petals in the air too for that dreamy, whimsical vibe?
Pro tips:
- For photos, use a macro lens to get close-ups of blooms mingling with your fabric or hair.
- For video, try a soft-focus effect. Use mesh or tissue over the lens to create romantic, diffused light.
- Enhance the drama by recording in slow motion.
5. Play with shadows
Have you noticed how shadows from window blinds or lace curtains can add striking patterns to your photos and videos? Use this to create your visuals—playing with light and shadow is a great way to add mood and emotion.
Pro tips:
- Position your subject (yourself/your bandmate) where the shadows hit best, like near a window during strong sunlight.
- Want drama? Use a flashlight or portable LED and manipulate the angle to cast sharper shadows at night.
- For extra polish, shoot in black and white to get a more radical contrast.
6. Double exposures
Inspired by that iconic Adele “Send My Love (To Your New Lover)” music video? Layer two images or videos for a haunting, surreal effect that captures attention instantly.
Pro tips:
- Use tools like Photoshop or After Effects to manually create double exposures—overlay natural textures like leaves or water for an organic vibe, or cityscapes for something urban.
- For real-time effects, hold a transparent photo print or reflective surface in front of the lens while filming.
7. Scanner magic
Yes, we mean your boring old office scanner. Place cool items—flowers, glitter, or even your face—on the scanner to create trippy, distorted visuals. Wiggle the subject during the scanning process for weird motion effects.
Pro tips:
- Enhance this idea digitally—after scanning, add animated overlays or glitch transitions to turn static photos into evolving video content.
- Set up a “how it’s made” post to reveal the behind-the-scenes. People love seeing your process and this one is usually very funny!
8. Night shoot
Take advantage of the moody atmosphere night time offers. Forests, neon-lit city streets, or even deserted parking lots can look awesome.
Pro tips:
- Pack a flashlight or a portable strobe. Use flashes intentionally for dramatic highlights. For a creepier aesthetic, flash from below for horror-like shadows.
- For video, try tracking shots—follow your movements in a neon-soaked alley or use time-lapse to capture traffic blur against your still silhouette.
9. Live sessions in unexpected places
Set up a live session somewhere unusual—a warehouse, a rooftop, or even a quiet library. Something about seeing raw performances in unexpected settings adds rawness and hooks viewers instantly.
Pro tips:
- Use multiple camera setups for dynamic angles. Even smartphone cameras will work—just stabilize them with tripods or gimbals (or tape them to microphone stands you've got lying around your house).
- Have fun with the sound design! If you’re playing live, mix the audio with ambient noise like birds or city sounds to create an organic vibe.
10. Mirror play
Mirrors can shift perspectives—literally. Use them to create reflections, symmetry, or layered dimensions in your frame.
Pro tips:
- Place your mirror off-center to avoid predictable shots. Or angle it toward light sources to capture sun flares.
- For an edgier result, break the mirror (safely!) and reflect fragmented visuals for a kaleidoscopic effect.
11. Retro camcorder or screens
Go analog with retro tools—film through old TV screens, record using a camcorder, or display grainy effects for nostalgia.
Pro tips:
- Use intentional glitches or distortions. Apps like VHS Cam or 8mm Vintage Camera are great for this.
- Pair retro visuals with futuristic audio, blending vibes to engage both old-school lovers and modern fans.
12. Golden hour magic
Catch that fleeting glow right after sunrise or before sunset. It’s warm, moody, and universally flattering.
Pro tips:
- Use a reflector to bounce golden light back onto yourself for insanely cinematic shots.
- Record B-roll of landscapes during golden hour to intercut with your performance footage.
Step 3: Keep the creativity flowing
Okay, so now you've got your ideas. But how do you make those ideas snowball into even more?
Moodboarding magic
Pinterest is your friend. Collect visuals for aesthetics you love—colors, settings, poses. Doing this upfront will save so much time during your shoot. It’s basically pre-visual storytelling.
Tap into trends
Stay tapped into TikTok and Instagram trends. Apps like CRESQA suggest content ideas weekly, so if you're not sure what’s trending, they've got your back.
Refresh, repeat
Once you’ve done your shoot, don’t toss your ideas. Reuse snippets, apply fresh edits, and stretch the content. That 30 pieces of content? It’ll feel more like 50.
Show your art!
Creating content for your music should feel as natural as creating the music itself—it's part of your artistry. Whether you're just exploring these ideas or already have a vision ready to execute, start small and work consistently.
Need a hand to plan better campaigns and keep everything organized? CRESQA is the ultimate artist assistant to help you brainstorm, batch, and beyond. Get started with their AI idea generator and campaign templates today.
Your story deserves to be told. Start telling it visually.