Headshot photos with Dr Gillian Warson

Dr Gillian Warson is a busy woman. It always surprises me to find out just how many superstars there are in our little town of Bicester, and Gillian is definitely one of them. Among her many achievements are the following highlights:

• She’s presented Songs of Praise
• She’s flown all around the world as the keynote speaker for conferences in places as far flung as Canada, China and Nigeria
• She’s shortly finishing her seventh book, which will be published next year
• She has a Phd
• She’s a professional musician, who performs as well as teaches (viola and piano)
• She set up and runs a Junior String Orchestra here in Bicester, called ‘Palenka!’

She’s also proud mum of two grown-up children, and super-proud Gran to one-year-old Juliette.

In fact, I reckon the only thing she hasn’t done is eaten a McDonald’s. Ever. Instead, she likes to eat healthy home-made dishes (although she is partial to a good pizza!).

In her studies and reading, Gillian’s area of interest is hymns: their history, language and cultural importance. She points out that hymns surround us. Turn on Eastenders, and there’s one playing on the radio in Pauline Fowler’s kitchen. Read a detective novel and there’s reference to a hymn in a pivotal clue or scene.

Worried about biodiversity? It’s importance has been highlighted in a hymn (All Things Bright and Beautiful). Looking for a modern beat with meaning behind the words? Elvis, Boney M and Rihanna have all performed traditional hymns. Frustrated by litter and pollution? There’s a hymn for that.

Gillian argues that the benefits of hymns goes beyond the social benefits of group singing and the feel-good factor of belting out a powerful verse. She argues that they can move us to action, often highlighting important topics like food poverty, climate change, inequality, liberation and suffering.

The topic of hymns isn’t without controversy, though. Some hymns contain lyrics that lack gender inclusivity or include obscure references. Gillian enjoys discussing whether editing the lyrics or simply acknowledging the now-inappropriate lyrics is the best course of action in each case.

Her encyclopaedic knowledge of hymns, their history and their controversies is what has led to her travelling and speaking at venues around the world. It’s also the reason she booked in for some professional headshot photos with me: she felt it was time that she had a good image she could use for all the conference literature and book jackets she’s featured on!

Gillian is turning 60 next year, but has no plans to slow down. Instead, she’s taking on a new project: running a marathon every month for the year. She hopes to complete each run in four hours 50 minutes, which is considered a very good speed for her age. I have no doubt she’ll succeed, having listened to her discipline and determination: she’s already running three times a week to prepare for the challenge, including a 17-mile run at the weekend after her shoot with me.

In the rare moment she takes to rest and relax, she loves reading The Simple Things magazine and cooking. Her signature dish is an Indian twist on a Shepherd’s Pie, with Garam Masala and Tumeric added to spice things up.

But with her seventh book due out shortly, and the monthly marathons due to start in a couple of months, there might not be too much time for cooking: Gillian has got another busy year ahead of her. 🙂

Hair and makeup by Holly Andersen

After our shoot, Gillian said:

“I had a lovely morning with Sarah and her colleague Holly. It was an extremely positive experience and I love the photos. They are exactly what I needed for publicity.”

Gillian, professional headshot client from Bicester, Oxfordshire

If you’re looking for professional headshots, and you’re based in the Oxfordshire or Buckinghamshire area, please get in contact.

I am a full-time professional portrait photographer based in Bicester, Oxfordshire, and the Master Photographers Association Newborn Photographer of the Year 2019 for the Central Region (covering Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire).