Studio spotlight: headshots with The Black Actors collective
Over the past month, we've had the privilege of working with The Black Actors Collective in the studio, capturing a series of portraits that reflect their personalities and professional aspirations. In total, nine actors came through our doors, each bringing their own unique energy and story. From seasoned professionals to those just taking their first steps into acting, the experience was as much a learning opportunity for us as it was for them.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was witnessing how each person relaxed into their role. The camera can often feel like a barrier, but as sessions went on, we saw nerves fading, confidence building, and authentic personalities shining through. Creating a space where the actors could feel comfortable, expressive, and empowered was key to capturing portraits that truly reflect who they are.
Working with actors at different levels of experience taught us valuable lessons about directing and adapting to individual needs. Some needed more guidance, while others instinctively understood how to be in front the camera. Learning how to balance direction with allowing creative freedom was an insightful process—one that will influence our approach to future shoots.
The feedback from everyone involved has been incredible. Hearing that they felt at ease in the studio and that the portraits captured their essence has been hugely rewarding. This project has reinforced how important it is to create an environment where people feel seen, valued, and celebrated.
We're grateful to the Black Actors Collective for trusting us with their portraits and their stories. This collaboration has not only strengthened our understanding of working with actors but also reminded us of the power of photography in capturing identity and expression. We can’t wait to do more projects like this in the future!
A huge thanks to Paislie and Cherise the co-founders of The Black Actors Collective and to One Fell Swoop for helping us to get this project off the ground initially.
