News & Views

Getting the best from a headshot session - Julian Guidera

Audition Oracle – Mon 27 Jan 2025 @ 11:54

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a student at RSAMD (RCS) there weren't many photographers on the scene, and I went through my whole BMus with a single, out-of-date headshot.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.

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Sharon Kempton: 5 Steps to Boost your Career

Audition Oracle – Thu 23 Jan 2025 @ 14:00

Performance Success Coach and freelance opera singer Sharon Kempton and has generously offered one 60 minute Transformational Success Coaching session as part of our Singers’ Preparation Award 2025. 

 

Today Sharon is sharing 5-steps to help you find clarity and create a career that you want:

Feeling stuck or unsure about your next steps? Here's your 5-step guide to gaining clarity and unlocking your full potential!

 

1. Define Your Unique Voice:

What makes you stand out as an artist? Remember that you are divinely unique - that is your competitive advantage.

Reflect on your vocal strengths, repertoire, and personal brand.

 

2. Set Clear Goals:

Where do you see yourself in the next 1, 5, and 10 years?

Write down specific goals like "debut in [role]" or "work with [company]."

 

3. Identify Your Network:

Who can help you achieve your goals? You need a team!

Connect with coaches, directors, and mentors who believe in your talent.

 

4. Create a Plan:

Break down your goals into actionable steps.

Schedule auditions, seek new opportunities, and focus on your growth areas.

 

5. Invest in Yourself:

Training, branding, and mental wellness are key!

Take care of your voice and your mindset.

 

Your Action Step Today:

Write down ONE thing you're going to do this week to move forward. Share it below to inspire others!

Remember: The opera world needs your unique artistry—don't let doubt hold you back.

 

APPLY NOW for a free Transformational Mindset Coaching with Sharon, and find out how to reach your true potential.

 

About Sharon Kempton

Sharon Kempton is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience as an opera singer, having performed more than 40 major operatic roles worldwide. Her extensive stage experience has honed her expertise in voice mastery, performance under pressure, resilience, and career longevity.

In addition to her illustrious singing career, Sharon is a certified mindset and performance coach. She empowers professionals across various fields—including the corporate sector and the arts—to enhance their presentation, influence, and communication skills with clarity and conviction. Her coaching approach is informed by her personal journey of overcoming performance anxiety, achieving success in international singing competitions, and balancing a demanding career as a single mother in Germany.

 

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Audition Oracle Testimonial: Nazan Fikret - Soprano

Audition Oracle – Thu 9 Jan 2025 @ 11:17

Nothing brings us more joy than hearing how Audition Oracle has helped our members with their career. Today, we’re delighted to share this fantastic review from the wonderful soprano Nazan Fikret.

“Audition Oracle has been such a useful resource over the years: it saves such a huge amount of time scouring the internet and collating potential opportunities.

In early years and before I had an agent, I looked for YAP production, chorus and cover contracts, as well as training opportunities and competitions across the globe. In recent years, I have returned to it largely in order to scour open opera auditions abroad (and occasionally, things I might not have been on my radar on home soil). I have not forgotten that it was where I found out about Opera På Skäret in Sweden. From the information I saw on AO, I secured an audition for their Zauberflöte, as Queen of the Night (production Summer 2019, with the Swedish Chamber Orchestra). I went on to get the role and it opened lots of doors for me.

In recent months, a call was put out for another Queen of the Night, in Poznań. Lots of kind souls reached out to bring my attention to the opportunity, but it was on AO that I was able to clearly see all the details, find a link to the source information and verify that it was worth applying for, before handing over to my brilliant agent. I auditioned in November and have just signed the contract!”

The reason we love this review is that it highlights everything we strive to offer at Audition Oracle:

A reliable, time-saving resource for opportunities at every stage of a singer’s career. The other thing we love is how gracious Nazan is to all the elements that come together to support her. This career is hard—it truly takes a village! It’s a joy to know we’ve played a part in her journey—from her early days to her recent successes on international stages.

If Audition Oracle has helped you in your career, we’d love to hear your story!

Drop us an email to [email protected]

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