This was my first time at Winslow Hall. I love visiting new opera houses as each place always has their own individual set up. Getting to know the teams at each new place is always fun, and Winslow Hall was as unique as ever. I was there to shoot Un Ballo in Maschera by Verdi and the performance was beautifully atmospheric.

The final scene

Amela seeking Ulrica’s help

Opera Photography of Un Ballo in Maschera at Winslow Hall 2017

The mysterious atmosphere was present from the start and enhanced enormously by some stunning lighting. It reached its peak in the second scene at Ulrica the fortune-teller’s dwelling. This is the point at which I go into overdrive, taking photo after photo after photo, knowing these are going to be the most eye-catching photos from the opera performance. Strong beams of blue lights, thick purple smoke emerging from a trap door and the bright white of the fortune-teller’s crystal ball. This, coupled with the rest of the cast peering from the shadows made for a dark, sinister feel, and some opera photos that I am really proud of.

A warning

Stunning light in Ulrica’s dwelling during Un Ballo in Maschera

Amelia seeking Ulrica’s help

A change of setting

The projection at the back of the stage was used cleverly too, with my favourite occasion being its use as the partly cloud covered moon. The lighting effects were all extremely well thought out and made the pictures almost feel like genuine street scenes rather than photos shot on a stage.

Amelia in the outskirts of town

An ominous setting

Un Ballo in Maschera opera photography at Winslow Hall

The performance was made more photogenic for its simple, uncomplicated use of set changes. The rich red curtains on the balcony at the Palace, and the gallows in the town scenes offered simple but visually interesting changes to the set.

At the palace

Beautiful backdrop

The costumes were very photogenic, with a wide variety of fabric being used. Opulent, red velvety fabric for Riccardo and Renato was reminiscent of royalty and the palace, while Amelia was clad in a delicate dress, hidden by a blue cape.

As you can see, my first experience as opera photographer at Winslow Hall was fantastic. The opera was beautiful, and a treat to photograph, and I can’t wait to go back and see what other performances they have in store.

Invitation to the masked ball

At the masquerade ball

Secrets told at the Masquerade Ball

The masquerade ball’s elaborate costumes

The final scene

Costumes and set using similar tones created an almost painterly feel to the images in this scene.