There is a certain nobility that comes along with a musical instrument which is why I enjoy photographing people holding instruments. They are great props and if the person knows how to play the instrument it becomes that much more magical. In way, it acts as a two-subject photo.
These photos were done with two lights. The key is a light with a snoot way up and aimed down at the girl. The second hair light is just a raw light. You can see it in most of the photos.
As for posing, mostly it was just her playing with the guitar. “Look here,” “look up towards the light (with some warning that it was a light),” and “look at the guitar.” She really liked this session (and the next one which I will follow up with on Wednesday). Posing with an item in the hands is always so much easier than posing without something which is why I recommend it so often. And the more interest or curiosity your subject has in the item, the better the session will go.
Contact me if you wish to book any sessions. I have a few openings in January and, of course, senior season starts in April.