Billie Suggett / Actor Headshot Shoot

Billie Young Actors - Blog

Within the competitive world of acting and the creative industry, young actors are constantly seeking opportunities to help differentiate themselves from the crowd, all the while making a lasting impression on casting directors. One of the most crucial factors within the industry is having professional headshots that help showcase their uniqueness and talent. With high-quality headshots, it helps to convey an actor’s personality, skill set, and potential to be able to excel in a diverse group of roles. Furthermore, with these photographs often being the first point of contact between industry professionals and actors, investing in professional headshots is an important step for aspiring young actors to help boost their progress within the acting industry.

The headshot session with Billie was filled with creativity, motivation and a lot of experimental poses and angles, all the while with inspiration wafting in the air! 

In the beginning of the talent’s headshot session, it was evident that Billie seemed more reserved in comparison to later on within the session. Her mother accompanied her to the Leeds-based studio to chaperone and provide support towards Billie throughout the experience, as well as to ensure the marks are being hit within the shots. The team, composed of Photographer and studio-owner Mark Wheelwright and Photo-assist and aspiring actor Devon Nixon, welcomed them into the space and offered refreshments or of any other assistance.

To start the session off, the team sat down in the Leeds-based studio with Billie and her mum to discuss different outfits, looks, and backgrounds that could potentially be explored during the shoot. This consultation is vital as it allows all parties to gain clearer understanding of the goals of the shoot, as well as to talk more about Billie’s personality, her aspirations, and what she aims to achieve within the acting industry. With a plan in place, photo assistant Devon stepped in to guide the young talent through a range of emotions, which benefited and became a catalyst of creating a variety of looks that would capture her versatility and range as a creative performer. 

As the shoot progressed, it became visible that Billie was growing more confident and comfortable in the studio, as well as in front of the camera. Her initial shyness disappeared, replaced by a vibrant energy that showcased her maximum potential as a performer. It was a wholesome process, seeing the transformation taking place in front of all parties!

In a creative twist, the team had decided to experiment with using equipment to create a manual wind effect, gently wafting through the talent’s hair to showcase an ethereal and fierce look. This unique approach resulted in a dazzling pose that further boosted the young actor’s versatility. Additionally, the wind effect added a touch of magic within this headshot session, with everyone present seeing that it helped to capture truly special images.

As the headshot session wrapped up, there was a feeling of accomplishment from all parties as well as satisfaction as the shoot had provided an array of options to choose from for the select and re-touching process. The young talent had embraced the process and came out of her shell, resulting in a collection of absolutely stunning headshots. It really did allow all parties to see how bright the future looked for Billie, with her journey only beginning!

Customer’s Testimonial / Interview with Billie Suggett

“The atmosphere was relaxed, Mark helped put us at ease and ensured we got a selection of looks. He was very knowledgeable about the industry and helpful with selecting the images, checking that we had everything we needed and always available to offer advice.”

When did you start acting?

When I was 8! I went for my first stage audition for an amateur production of Annie – My mum took me along and told me that the audition was a kind of workshop, where I would get to enjoy some acting, singing and dancing and then a few children would be asked to put on a production. I couldn’t believe it and was over the moon to find out that I had been successful at the audition and was going to play a main role – Molly, the youngest orphan.

What attracted you towards the acting world?

When Annie finished I just knew I wanted to continue acting. It was so much fun, I loved it, being part of a team that made something happen, that’s when I joined my agency and started to look for professional work.

What was the most memorable experience you’ve had within this industry?

I enjoyed working with some really big stars on the set of a massive TV production! We had specific makeup and used greenscreen and I got to act alongside some really famous actors! There were a few children in the scenes I was in, and we became friends, so even the waiting around between the shoots was so much fun.

What’s the most challenging concept that you face with acting/the acting world?

Knowing what the Casting Directors are looking for, when you read a script you interpret it one way, but the Director might have a different view.

Are there any types of roles that you aim to book?

As a child actor I will try just about anything to gain experience, but my agent and my parents have final say, depending on my availability particularly around school and family commitments. But for me – anything with special effects makeup would be amazing!

What is an important factor in terms of choosing which agency is best fitted for you?

It is good when the agent has got to know me and that helps them to understand which parts would suit me best.

How do you prepare for auditions? Is there a specific acting method that you do?

For a musical I listen to the music. For TV work, I repeat my lines again and again and again, then film them several times trying different looks until I feel like how the character would feel.

What is your process for self-tapes?

Always follow the instructions, I give a short introduction if it is asked for. Then find a plain and tidy background with lots of light. Keep filming until you get it right.

Onto questions about the shoot - How did you reach out to Aire Street Studios?

We selected them online (Google) They had good recommendations and a friend who is an actor also had a good experience. 

Did you discuss any specific looks you would like to achieve? If so, what kind of looks/angles?

Not really, we took a selection of clothes and hair styles to capture different looks, but most of all, we wanted ‘me’ to look like ‘me’ and be natural.

What pose/style was your favourite and why?

I liked the smiley poses, it felt easier for me, I was enjoying myself so it was easy to smile! 

How would you review the photoshoot at Aire Street Studios out of 5 stars?

5/5 Everyone was nice, and also patient with me, I didn’t feel rushed and everyone on hand to give me advice was really helpful.