As a Hawke’s Bay photographer, I had the pleasure of working with the talented opera students from Waikato University during their visit to Napier. Inspired by the iconic style of Annie Leibovitz and the cinematic feel of Vanity Fair editorials, I crafted a series of group portraits that captured the grandeur and drama of classical opera.

Each image was carefully composed with intentional posing and controlled lighting, designed to reflect the elegance and formality of the genre. From soft directional light to sculpted highlights and shadows, the lighting setup played a key role in creating a theatrical mood and visual depth—something I consistently aim for in my work here in Hawke’s Bay.

In addition to the group shots, each student received a set of stylised headshots. These individual portraits embraced the glamour and flair of opera, showcasing the unique personality and artistry of each performer. The final collection was not only a celebration of their craft but also a striking portfolio of professional images, created with the same attention to detail I bring to all my photographic work across Hawke’s Bay.