Portraits and Headshots for a Double Bassist in Rochester, NY

Sep 11

It was an absolute JOY to work with Payton and capture some fresh new headshots and portraits! We had a great time photographing (and laughing) around Eastman’s campus in downtown Rochester. Payton’s vibrant personality was really shining through during her photoshoot — here’s what she had to say about it:

Tell us a little about yourself!

My name is Payton, and I’m a double bassist and music educator from South Carolina. I’m in the process of finishing up my studies in double bass performance and music education at the Eastman School of Music. Currently, I’m student teaching in the Webster Central District and Rochester City School District and teaching young bassists at the Eastman Community Music School! When I’m not consumed by all things teaching and music-making, I enjoy exploring Rochester, hanging out with my friends, and drinking reckless amounts of coffee.

Why did you need new photos? What do you plan to use them for?

It’s been over 4 years since I had professional photos done, and I needed some updated images to use on applications, social media pages, and websites. I wanted to have images that were authentic to my personhood and could best showcase my personality and passion to the world.

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What was the main reason you chose Meredith Hart Photography for your photo session?

I’ve had many friends and colleagues come to Meredith for photos, and they’ve all highly recommended her work. The convenience of being able to work with someone so close to the Eastman campus was also a huge plus!

What was it like working with Meredith?

Meredith is a GEM! I was so impressed by her preparation, professionalism, and enthusiasm during our shoot. She helped me navigate posing with the double bass while not looking awkward, and was knowledgeable about which locations/angles would best suit me. Her communication was spot on, and the whole process, from shoot to final photos, was easy and stress-free.

How did you choose what to wear?

I knew I wanted to wear something that would broadcast my enthusiasm/happy nature to my students, clients, and potential employers. I bought the blazer I used in my photos online a few months back for another event, and it turned out to be the perfect piece for a shoot. I paired it with a black turtleneck and pants to really allow the bright colors to pop. Adding a few, understated accessories helped to round out the final look.

What advice would you give someone if they were on the fence about getting professional photos taken?

DO IT! Doing this shoot was such a confidence booster. I feel so excited to share these images with others, and I know that these images will be an integral tool as I make my way into the post-student music and education world!