Artistic Portraits of Olivia Carrell at The Whitworth
The Whitworth as the Perfect Backdrop for Artistic Portraits
On-location portrait sessions like this one are often both challenging and rewarding. The Whitworth Art Gallery, one of my favourite spots in Manchester, is an incredible venue for artistic portraits. Its blend of historic and modern architecture offers a wealth of unique backdrops, and the vast windows in both the original building and the newer wing allow abundant natural light to flood in. On a typical overcast Mancunian day, this light is soft and diffused, creating a flattering glow that highlights the subject beautifully—perfect for capturing the essence of Olivia Carrell in this creative portrait session.
However, shooting in public spaces like The Whitworth comes with its own set of challenges. Not everyone feels comfortable posing in front of an audience, and busy locations can make it tricky to capture those quiet, intimate moments. That’s where tools like Google Maps can be invaluable. By checking the ‘popular times’ feature, you can plan your shoot during quieter periods. While it’s not foolproof, it’s a great way to minimise disruptions and ensure your subject feels at ease.
This particular shoot took place on a quiet day in April 2019. Olivia Carrell, then a student at the Royal Northern College of Music, chose The Whitworth as her location due to its proximity and its unique atmosphere. Olivia is a talented soprano who has since established herself as a versatile performer and teacher, with a growing reputation in both the UK and Europe. You can learn more about her impressive work on her website, oliviacarrell.co.uk.
For this session, Olivia came prepared with several outfits and a clear vision of what she wanted from her portraits. Her professionalism and focus made the session both efficient and enjoyable—a perfect fit for a venue like The Whitworth, where timing and preparation are key.
Working with Olivia was an absolute pleasure, and the results speak for themselves: natural, radiant portraits that reflect her vibrant personality and artistic depth. If you’re considering a portrait session at a location like The Whitworth or elsewhere, feel free to get in touch—I’d love to help bring your vision to life.