TL;DR
When Edd Carr, a professional guitarist and longtime friend, needed updated headshots to support his music career, we created a relaxed, authentic session above his guitar shop in Newcastle. By capturing him naturally playing different guitars and wearing varied outfits, the images highlight his personality, skill, and professional brand. This approach gave Edd versatile photos to use across social media, promotional materials, and personal branding efforts. He wanted to keep the shoot enjoyable and genuine.
Musician Headshot Photography for Professional Guitarist Edd Carr
An old school pal of mine got in touch with me and we had a catch-up over beers. When he told me that he needed a new set of Professional Headshots to help him with his plans for his music career, it was time to plan a shoot.
About This Musician Headshot Photography Case Study
Meet Edd Carr – Professional Guitarist
Edd has played the guitar for as far back as I can remember him in my school memories. I think I can even recall him strumming out some complex Spanish piece. Aged about 6, when we were in First school together.
Musician Memories
When I took up the saxophone in Middle School, some 5 years later, I became better friends with Edd. We would be shuffled to the back of a very cold and frosty mobile when the school “orchestra” rehearsals would occur. I was put there because the saxophone was very loud, and I’d likely frighten the more delicate Flute players up front. Edd was there because he was so talented the teacher let him hang away from the rest of the strings.
High School
Moving on up into High School I sort of lost touch with Edd. He went off to be much too cool compared to where I stayed in the school “band” (as it had been re-branded by then). I can recall he was more involved in the more honest and “angsty” teen bands at that time. The sort who got the headliner spot after the school band’s rendition of the Corrie Theme Tune (“For the Mam’s) or Sleigh Ride (At Christmas). During this, I only ever had about four or five notes to play for the duration to keep the tempo going. I guess I was far too preoccupied with teen vanity issues like “Is my hair straight enough?” or “Is my Rimmel lipstick smudging right now?”.
Musician Headshot Photography Location
3 months later, and 3-4 cancelled shoots later, we made the shoot happen. Using the flat above a Guitar shop, where Edd carries out some of his private tuition, we had a good backdrop to shoot in.
Musician Headshot Photography Shoot
Edd was set with different guitars and outfits. I had fashioned my limited flashgun onto my home broom with trusty gaffer tape, to make a boom. We referred to this throughout the session as the “Broom Boom”.
Here is more of a selection of the work of the day.
Relaxed Professional Headshots
As you will see, we had a chilled-out shoot. I loved the easy pace of this kind of work. Especially in comparison to the high-intensity compressed sessions I do with clients on a Personal Branding Shoot Day. It was important to Edd that we keep things real and honest. So, there was no call for me to put Edd into any contrived poses. Nor did we have to think over any subliminal narrative for the kind of musician he is or wants to be perceived as.
Edd simply played me a range of his music and songs we both like and we had a chat. I took photos whilst this was happening. I swore at my boom broom a fair bit and the dodgy sync cable for letting me down at times and Edd laughed at me.
More Inspiration
I know – seeing is believing. That’s why I’ve pulled together a curated selection of past client work to show you what’s truly possible when we collaborate on your professional headshots.
Over the last 14 years, I’ve worked with hundreds of professionals: virtual assistants, consultants, creatives, coaches, and corporate leaders. Helping them go far beyond the typical boring headshot. Together, we’ve crafted striking, personality-rich imagery that supports not just how they look, but how they lead.
Take a closer look at the range of photography services in my portfolio, and imagine what we could create for your personal brand.
Fancy a chat about your Professional Headshots? Book a call now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is musician headshot photography?
Musician headshot photography focuses on capturing professional, personality-driven portraits for musicians (or artists). It helps showcase your image, style, and personal brand for promotions, social media, or press materials.
Why do musicians need professional headshots?
Professional headshots create credibility and make you stand out in a competitive industry. They communicate who you are as an artist and help potential clients, venues, and collaborators connect with you. It’s a common expectation that you have these assets ready to go when you work with different venues and production companies.
How should I prepare for a musician headshot session?
Plan your outfits, instruments, and any props you want to include. Think about the mood and style you want to convey. Relax and be yourself, the best shots are natural and authentic. If you’d like to go deeper on this, I have this supporting guide.
Where can musicians headshots be taken?
They can be shot in a studio, on location, or even during live sessions of you on stage. The key is choosing a series of spaces that complement your style, whether it’s a rehearsal room, performance venue, or casual backdrop. Having a proper range of identifiable shots and action shots stands you in better stead than just a wide collection of you in a blur performing your heart out.
How can I use my musician headshots after the shoot?
Your photos can be used for social media, press kits, promotional materials, websites, and album covers. They become a versatile tool to strengthen your personal brand and music career. Here’s a guide to boost the ROI of your shots to really maximise your investment.
