Ann Taylor
ABOUT Ann Taylor
Ann Taylor is a brilliant Welsh mezzo-soprano who has sung with Opera North, Welsh National Opera, and Glyndebourne, alongside regular appearances at the BBC Proms. She was also teaching singing at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM). Back in 2017, she got in touch to update her photos, needing a practical set of images for both sides of her career.
WHAT Ann Needed
Ann was balancing two distinct roles: international opera singer and RNCM vocal tutor. A single generic headshot rarely works for both. Programme bios for opera houses need something polished and professional, while a music college faculty page needs an approachable, down-to-earth portrait. Rather than booking two separate shoots, she needed an unhurried 90-minute session with enough breathing space to work through different outfits and get both jobs done in one go.
WHAT I CREATED
Ann came over to my flat in Manchester City Centre for a 90-minute session. We kept the pace completely relaxed, which made changing outfits and switching between styles feel straightforward rather than rushed.
Using soft daylight from the window, I kept the setup clean and simple with zero heavy kit or awkward directions. We split the session cleanly: one look for her formal singing work and a warmer, more casual look for her RNCM teaching profile. We came away with a versatile set of portraits that covered all her working needs without spending all day in a studio.
Highlights
90-minute session in Manchester City Centre, giving plenty of time for outfit changes without watching the clock.
Dual-purpose wardrobe plan, cleanly dividing looks between stage programme bios and approachable teaching profiles.
Soft natural window light, keeping the tones honest and flattering without any harsh flashes or heavy kit.
Practical, versatile gallery delivering distinct imagery ready for websites, classical programmes, and academic bios.
