Headshot Session with Violin Teacher Sophie Linfitt
There's something special about photographing someone you already know through people you love.
Sophie Linfitt came to my studio for new headshots this spring. She teaches violin for several music companies here in Calgary, including Mountainside Music, which is my daughter Hannah's studio. Sophie was one of Hannah's violin students for years, and now she's part of the teaching team. I've actually photographed Sophie before, once for Hannah's studio website, and before that for her grade 12 prom gown session. The last time she wore a formal gown in front of my camera she was 18. Now she's performing at the university level and building a professional career in music. Watching that happen, and being the one to document it, was pretty wonderful.
Sophie's previous professional headshots were DIY photos from high school, and her look has changed significantly since then. She's a working musician and music teacher now, and she needed images that reflected who she actually is today.
This was also my first in-studio session in three years. I won't pretend I wasn't nervous. But the moment we started shooting, it all came back. Sophie was relaxed and easy to work with, and that makes everything easier.
Two Outfits, Two Very Different Looks
Sophie came prepared with two outfits, and they couldn't have been more different from each other, which is exactly what you want from a headshot session.
Her first outfit was a black top and pants. She wears black to every lesson, apparently, and her students tease her about it. We shot these on a white background for clean, professional headshots she can use across her teaching profiles and website.
Her second outfit was a stunning black gown she recently bought for university music performances. For these we switched to a darker background and went for something more dramatic and artistic. The kind of images that belong on a concert program or a performance bio.
The Violin as a Prop
Sophie also brought her violin, and we incorporated it into several of the shots. Props only work when they're genuinely connected to who you are, and for a violin teacher and performer, it was a natural fit. The violin added texture and story to the images, which is a great addition to branding portraits.
She Did Her Own Hair and Makeup
Sophie did her own hair and makeup for the session, and she looked beautiful. I always encourage clients to come camera-ready in a way that feels like themselves, and Sophie nailed it. The images are polished without looking overdone.
Why Updated Headshots Matter
A lot of people hold onto old photos longer than they should, especially when those photos were taken during a different chapter of life. Sophie's high school DIY headshots weren't a bad effort, they just didn't represent the woman and the professional she has become.
If you're a musician, music teacher, or creative professional, your headshots are often the first impression you make on potential clients, students, and collaborators. An image that reflects your current look and personality builds trust before you've even said hello.
You can follow Sophie's work on Instagram @sophielinfittmusic
Thinking About Your Own Headshots?
My studio is not currently booking sessions, but I would love to photograph you when I reopen. If you'd like to be the first to know when I'm taking new clients, signing up for my email list is the best way to stay in the loop.
Questions About Professional Headshots
What should a musician wear for headshots?
It depends on the look you need. Clean, solid colours work well for professional teaching profiles. For performance headshots, something more formal like a gown or concert attire adds drama and context. Sophie brought both to her session and walked away with two completely different looks.
Can you use a prop in a headshot session?
Yes, when the prop is genuinely connected to what you do. A violin, a camera, a book, these things add story and personality to an image. The key is that it should feel natural, not staged.
How often should you update your headshots?
A good rule of thumb is any time your look changes significantly, or when your current photos no longer feel like you. Sophie's high school photos were a different era entirely. New headshots gave her images that match who she is now.
Do I need a professional photographer for headshots or can I DIY them?
DIY headshots can work in a pinch, and I've written a full guide on how to get the best results if you go that route. But there's a significant difference in the final result when you work with a professional. Lighting, posing, and knowing how to bring out someone's personality on camera are skills that take years to develop. When your images are representing you professionally, it's worth investing in the real thing when you're ready.
