Gillene Butterfield
ABOUT Gillene
Gillene Butterfield is a principal artist at Opera North, known for roles like Despina in Così fan tutte and Zorah in Ruddigore. She’s also a mum of two, balancing her career in opera with family life — and bringing warmth, focus, and humour to both. When she reached out to update her headshots, she travelled down from Leeds for a relaxed session at my home studio.
WHAT I CREATED
We kept the set-up simple: soft natural light, minimal equipment, and a space that allowed for ease and conversation. There’s something about working in a homely, unpressured setting that helps people settle into themselves — and that’s exactly what happened here. With some gentle background music, a good chat, and a coffee in hand, Gillene quickly relaxed into the space, and that connection shows in every image.
The final portraits are quietly confident and full of warmth. They reflect her professionalism and poise, but also the grounded, down-to-earth person behind the performer. That balance — between stage presence and real presence — is what I aim for when working with singers and musicians. No heavy lighting setups, no stiff posing. Just honest photography that supports their next step, whether it’s for audition materials, programmes, or websites.
WHAT Gillene SAID
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