Headshots for Opera Singers with Gillene Butterfield
Headshots for Opera Singers: Gillene Butterfield’s Portrait Session at my Home Studio
When photographing performers, I always aim to reflect who they are on and off stage. So I was thrilled to create headshots for opera singers with Gillene Butterfield—an incredibly talented soprano and warm, down-to-earth soul. Gillene is a principal artist with Opera North, and you might know her from roles like Despina in Così fan tutte and Zorah in Ruddigore. She’s also a mum of two, balancing a vibrant singing career with family life.
Gillene travelled down from Leeds for the session, and we kept things beautifully simple. We shot right in my living room, using soft natural light and minimal setup—just a camera, a good chat, and some background music. With a coffee in hand, Gillene relaxed quickly into the space, and that ease really shines through in her portraits.
Shooting headshots for opera singers in a calm, familiar setting like this means we can focus on connection and authenticity. No stiff poses or harsh lighting—just a real person, doing what they love. The final shots reflect Gillene’s natural elegance and professionalism, as well as her warm personality.
Whether you need updated headshots for auditions, programmes, or websites, I tailor each session to help you feel comfortable and confident. And it doesn’t have to be fancy! With a bit of good light and a space where you feel at home, we can create portraits that truly reflect who you are as an artist.
If you’d like to learn more about Gillene and her work, you can find her over on Instagram at @mumwhosings.
And if you’re an opera singer looking for headshots that feel honest, elegant and easy, click here to book your session. I’d love to hear your story and help you tell it through portraits.
