When it comes to headshots as a flutist, it can feel really limiting when it comes to poses, but with a little guidance you can break free from the standard stances and end up with something new, original, and memorable! Check out these 7 poses for some inspiration before your next photoshoot.
1. Play and Pose
You can't go wrong with an in-action shot!
To master this pose, keep two aspects in mind:
Air/fake playing is best as we want the face to be nice and relaxed; another option is to give a soft smile rather than forming an embouchure at all.
Instead of facing straight on, try posing at an angle to give the pose some depth. Angling the pose will create longer lines to show off both you and your flute.
2. Cross My Heart and Look Away
This is one of the most comfortable position as a flutist, so to shake up this pose, angle the flute one way and turn your head the other. This elongates the neck and adds some openness to the center. Be sure that the headjoint isn't too close to your face and to have the tone hole facing the camera.
3. Tacet and Smile
If you're ever feeling stuck and running out of pose ideas during a photoshoot, a bench or chair is a great tool. To avoid looking stiff in this pose, relax your shoulders down away from your ears, sit towards the front of the chair/bench like you would when you're playing, and lean slightly forward; this will help you look more engaged in the photo versus leaning back which could give off the impression that you don't want to have your photo taken. For your flute position, make sure the flute keys are facing either to the side or to the front, never to the back or out of alignment.
4. Ha ha!
Classical musicians are thought of as being so serious and stuck up but we know that's not the case -- break this stereotype with a laughing pose! If I'm your photographer, I promise to tell you a terrible dad joke to help this pose happen naturally ;)
5. Long Lines
We've all seen headshots that feature the flute, but what about headshots that really show off the flutist? The key to this pose is to make sure your limbs are extended and relaxed. To extend the line even more, add in an ankle cross!
6. Down the Shoulder
Similar to the cross your heart and look away pose, this pose is great for a headshot that features you and your flute. What I love about this post is that there's an openness to it -- rather than having the flute over you, this pose allows the heart to be uncovered/unblocked.
7. The Back Bend
While I love all of my clients equally, I'd be lying if I said this wasn't one of my all time favorite photos. If you're in the world of design, you know how important equal lines and angles are! What you'll notice here that really takes this photo to the next level is how her flute is in line from the angle of her head while her outer leg is reached out to form a human right angle!
Really, the key is to be willing to try something new. Dance it out with your instrument in hand, try new angles, search in your memory bank for poses from America's Next Top Model and know that it's okay if it doesn't look the way you wanted it to. They may not all be winners but you'll never know if you never try! And, I promise as your photographer that not only will I always be down to try new poses with you, but help guide you to making them as amazing as you are.
Photoshoots at the 2024 National Flute Association Convention in San Antonio, Texas:
I will be offering photoshoots on Friday and Saturday at the 2024 convention in August! If you're interested in booking a session, fill out my contact form for more information!