Choose a location where you want to shoot the band. This can be in the recording studio, your photography studio or another location. Showing photos of your proposed location to band members will help them understand what you want to do. Make sure the musicians and their record label, if they have one, approve of the location.
Dress the location. Does the band or the record label want a backdrop behind the band members? Do they want the location to look a certain way so that it parallels a theme of the album? If production design is needed, hire someone to help you do this so that you can concentrate on taking the photos.
Bring all necessary photo equipment, including your camera, tripod, extra batteries and lights or flashes you will need. Lighting is crucial, as each member of the band needs to have his face clearly visible in the photo. Make sure you have a power source to plug lights into on location. Bring more than enough film or digital memory so that you can take photos all day long if necessary.
Plan exactly what you want to shoot and where you want the band members to stand, how they should look, and what they should wear and hold. This will help you and your team move fluidly during the shoot. Try different angles and looks and maybe even different formats, with some shots on film and others on digital.