A Creative Graduate Starting Her Professional Journey
I recently had the pleasure of photographing Lizzie Eidson, a graduate of the Glasgow School of Art with a BA in Communication Design (Illustration). Lizzie is an aspiring curator, illustrator, and printmaker, and is now shaping her career within the arts and cultural sector. She currently works as a Gallery Assistant with Glasgow Life, a charity that champions culture, sport, and inclusion across the city. Her previous roles with brands such as & Other Stories, Nike, and Artangel, along with her volunteering as an Archive Assistant at the Glasgow Zine Library, have given her a strong foundation.
This blend of creativity and hands-on professional experience makes Lizzie’s career path dynamic. Her new professional headshots were created to reflect that balance, approachable yet professional, modern but timeless, artistic while credible.
Why Professional Headshots Matter for Graduates
For anyone beginning a career, especially within the creative industries, professional headshots are more than just a photograph. They become the first impression you make on potential employers, clients, and collaborators.
- On LinkedIn and job applications, a polished image can instantly make you look confident and approachable.
- In arts industry profiles and submissions, your headshot sits alongside your portfolio or CV and helps present you as serious about your craft.
- Within creative portfolios, a good portrait reflects not only how you look but how you carry yourself professionally.
A well-crafted headshot does more than record an appearance. It conveys your personality, intent, and the level of professionalism you bring to your field. In competitive creative industries, that extra edge is invaluable.
The Studio Session
Lizzie’s session took place in my Suffolk studio, where I used a combination of clamshell lighting and Rembrandt lighting. This blend provided flattering softness to enhance natural features while still giving structure and depth. The result was a set of portraits that feel modern and approachable, yet retain a sense of classical finish.
Lighting is one of the most important factors in headshot photography. The clamshell arrangement softens skin and brings an even glow, while Rembrandt lighting adds subtle drama with a natural shadow triangle under the eye. This mix allowed us to create versatile images that Lizzie can use across different contexts, from formal applications to creative platforms.
Styling and Presentation
Lizzie came well prepared, bringing a selection of outfits that offered subtle variation:
- A simple black top – classic and professional.
- A clean white tee – modern and versatile.
- A brown vest – understated and approachable.
- A polka dot blouse – stylish with a hint of individuality.
She paired these with gold earrings and minimal, natural makeup, creating an overall look that was elegant and professional without losing her personality. These choices ensured the final portfolio works across multiple uses, from job applications to creative showcases.
Lizzie’s Presence in Front of the Camera
What stood out most was Lizzie’s presence. She was charming, eloquent, intelligent, fun, and enthusiastic throughout the session. This confidence and warmth carried directly into the photographs, producing images that feel true to her character.
The best headshots don’t just show a person’s features; they reveal something about who they are. For Lizzie, the images strike a balance between professionalism and individuality, ideal for someone building a career in the arts, where personal character matters as much as professional credibility.
Building a Professional Identity in the Arts
In today’s job market, especially in the cultural and creative sectors, presenting yourself visually is as important as your CV or portfolio. With so many roles involving networking, applications, and collaboration, a professional headshot signals that you are ready to take opportunities seriously.
For graduates and emerging professionals like Lizzie, these portraits can serve across:
- LinkedIn and online profiles – where first impressions matter most.
- Applications to galleries, studios, and arts organisations.
- Freelance creative promotion – particularly for illustrators and printmakers.
- Networking events or speaking engagements.
It’s an investment in first impressions that pays back each time you use the images.
Closing Thoughts
Working with Lizzie was a genuine pleasure. Her enthusiasm, preparation, and professionalism made the session flow naturally, and the resulting images capture not just her appearance but her character. For graduates and early-career creatives, professional headshots provide a strong foundation. They give you confidence, strengthen your personal brand, and ensure you stand out in competitive fields.
Lizzie’s session is a reminder of why these portraits matter. They’re not just photographs; they’re tools for building opportunity.
See more about my professional headshots in Suffolk.