It was great to be back at West Green House Opera for the fourth consecutive year, photographing all 4 of their operas. This occasion was Madama Butterfly, by Puccini. An opera famous for its tragic story. The simple yet elegant décor, colourful costumes and unique backdrop led to an extremely interesting shoot.

The Geisha arriving on stage at West Green House Opera

Upon arrival, I immediately went to find the cast backstage, the atmosphere exuding excitement as the singers hurried to-and-fro getting ready for the dress rehearsal. The geisha costumes were bright and intricate, the men’s suits crisp and plain, already alluding to the culture clash that would be revealed in the story. The geishas were patting on white makeup and helping each other with their kimonos, as the men rehearsed their parts one final time.

I absolutely love backstage opera photography – fixing Madama Butterfly’s wig at West Green House Opera

Madama Butterfly getting dressed backstage. As an opera photographer, getting this behind the scenes type of photos always feels great!

One of the things I love about returning to the same venues year on year is getting to know the singers and backstage staff, which allows me to blend into the background and capture candid back stage shots.

Rehearsing one final time before the opera dress rehearsal

Last minute adjustments to the set before the start of Madama Butterfly

The stage itself was simple and elegant but it was clear that great attention had been paid to all the details. The simplicity of the set only served to highlight the beautiful backdrop better, which had different panels covered in ancient map details, reminding the spectators of the travelling and foreign aspects of the story to come. The panels were located apart from each other, creating an interesting depth to the stage, and between them was a light panel, which later on would change colours and patterns, reflecting the mood of the scene. All these elements contributed to the atmosphere and made photography the opera really enjoyable.

The first Act of Madama Butterfly

Mr Pinkerton toasting to his wedding

The brighter and bolder Kimono worn by Madama Buttefly stood out against the paler shades worn by the other Geishas.

Madama Butterfly getting undressed for her wedding night

The American flag was used regularly in the opera, which produced an extremely photogenic backdrop, especially with the blue light panel behind.

The wedding ceremony. One-off moments such as this are always the hardest to capture, but when I capture them well, it is what makes being an opera photographer so much fun!

The fun of photographing operas is capturing un-replicable, natural looking images or the singers in interesting positions. This production of Madama Butterfly offered lots of exciting opportunities for this, with the geishas kneeling and bowing, the main characters embracing, and even scattering bright rose petals, adding the unique element of bright red petals frozen in mid-air.

Madama Butterfly scattering rose petals

West Green House Madama Butterfly

The uninvited uncle

The renouncing of Madama Butterfly

The characters’ facial expressions were also extremely diverse, whether it be happiness, anger, disappointment or despair. Capturing the everchanging expressions, especially those of Madama Butterfly made the photographs come alive.

After the wedding ceremony.

The wedding night

Even when she was motionless, kneeling, with her back turned to the audience as she waited during the Humming Chorus, the scene was made special by the beautiful lighting.

Madama Butterfly waiting during the Humming Chorus. With absolutely stunning lighting, this is exactly what I love most about being an opera photographer.

Incense sticks added an interesting atmosphere at the beginning of the second act. Patterns of flowers had also appeared on the light panel, adding even more to the photogenic set!

Madama Butterfly set at West Green House Opera

Madama Butterfly and a suitor

However, opera, and as such opera photography isn’t just about the performers on stage. It would be nothing without the orchestra. With the orchestra set up directly in front of the stage, I was able to capture a few images of the conductor, Jonathan Lyness and some of the musicians. I love witnessing the interaction between the singers on stage and the conductor in the pit, who is responsible for holding the whole performance together.

All in all, Madama Butterfly was a beautiful experience to photograph, as is every performance at West Green House. The costumes, the décor, the singers, the music all come together for an eye-catching shoot.

Jonathan Lyness conducting the Humming Chorus. As an opera photographer, I often find myself capturing images of the orchestra and conductors, which are an equally important part of the performance as those on stage.

Violinist playing during Madama Butterfly

French Horn players for Madama Butterfly

Madama Butterfly and her son

Madama Butterfly fighting off the Marriage Broker

Madama Butterfly getting ready to see Mr Pinkerton

The Humming Chorus

Mr Pinkerton and his wife

Madama Butterfly before her death (sorry for the spoiler!)

Final Scene of Madama Butterfly – such a dramatic scene.