Getting the best from a headshot session - Julian Guidera

We asked Julian Guidera, experienced opera headshot photographer, for his tips on getting the most out of a headshot session.

Plan: 

Put together a mood board of inspiring headshots and try to define what you like about them, so your photographer can share your vision.

Visualise: 

How will your images be seen & used? Concert programmes, Instagram stories & website homepages tend to be seen by different audiences. Do you need to leave negative space for text overlay, or to fill the frame? 

Chat: 

Talk to your photographer in advance - to make a connection, discuss ideas & plan out the shoot. This will help you relax & enjoy the session.

Practice:

Rehearse some key poses in a mirror or with a friend. Having more regular, shorter headshot sessions can help develop your confidence in front of a camera.

Wear:

Your usual audition outfit is a good starting point. Aim for comfortable & flattering clothing that looks right in the photo location, with colour schemes & fabrics to complement your skin tone & hair. Bring any relevant accessories to allow for more variety of images & show your artistic personality.

Prepare: 

Treat it like a mini-performance. Rest well the night before, do any personal grooming & iron clothes if necessary, so you look & feel your best.

Bring:

The more creative ideas you can bring to the shoot, the better! Have an open mind about playing with range of looks & moods.

Julian has kindly donated 2 x free headshot studio sessions (worth £120) to our Singers’ Preparation Award 2025.

These sessions will take place in Julian’s new studio at the 1901 Arts Club.

Log in or register your free account to Submit your application here.

Julian says:

“When I was a student at RSAMD (RCS) there weren't many photographers on the scene, and I went through my whole BMus with a single, out-of-date headshot. I'd like to provide student musicians & emerging artists with access to affordable professional headshots in a relaxed setting & convenient location: my artist portrait studio opens in January 2025 at the 1901 Arts Club in central London.” 

Julian is a London-based photographer working in opera productions & rehearsals, concerts, natural light & studio portraits, and education & outreach projects. He trained as a baritone and sang in operas & choirs before moving into photography in 2018. He takes headshots of singers, instrumentalists & other creative professionals, and has worked with companies including WNO, Garsington, ETO, Dorset Opera, Oxford Lieder, NOS & Aurora Orchestra.