Jasmine Rio Taylor is a Leeds-based actress with nearly a decade of training behind her and the unfamiliar terrain of a post-graduate career unfolding in front of her.
She started in musical theatre at Gillian Banks Theatre School before transitioning to screen acting at MetFilm School, where she graduated with a First Class BA (Hons) in Acting for Screen. Like many recent graduates, the move from structured training into the professional industry hasn’t been seamless.
“Navigating the industry as a recent graduate has been a rocky road,” she says. “Balancing full-time work alongside filming has been intricate, but I finally feel like I’m finding my feet.”
That footing has begun to show in her recent work. She starred in Don’t Believe A Word I Say, a short film supported by Yarns 2025 that screened at Curzon Soho in November, and filmed her first commercial — a mobile advert for an O2 Priority and LADbible collaboration.
When the headshots stop matching the actor
Alongside new credits came the growing awareness that her headshots no longer reflected where she was as an actor. She isn’t alone in this. The industry is moving faster than ever, and actors can feel it.
“For me, as someone who’s anxious about having their photo taken, a headshot refresh felt really daunting,” Jasmine explains. “But it was also well overdue.”
She knew she needed a photographer who would approach the process with patience and care. By chance, she came across Dock Street Studio — a small studio just a short walk from her home in Leeds city centre.
“After seeing Mark’s headshots on the website, I knew he was the right choice.”
The booking process, she says, was straightforward and reassuring. Each package included a consultation, access to a clothes rail and steamer, a beauty mirror, and a same-day private online gallery. More importantly, communication before the shoot helped ease her nerves.
“Any questions I had beforehand, Mark was happy to talk through. It meant I arrived feeling as relaxed as possible.”
The session
On the day, Jasmine brought a wide range of outfits but approached the shoot wanting to stay true to herself rather than over-constructing a version of who she thought she should be.
“I came as I usually would, so the shots felt unique to me.”
The session itself quickly became collaborative. Because the studio shoots tethered, Mark regularly showed her the images as they went, inviting her input and adjusting based on what felt right.
“It never felt like I was being told how to look. We figured it out together.”
In 45 minutes, they captured multiple casting types across five outfit changes and two backdrops. The result was a set of headshots that felt, to Jasmine, both varied and grounded.
“I wanted headshots that felt authentically like me. I was over the moon with the outcome.”
Choosing, and what came next
Before leaving the studio, Jasmine received access to her online gallery. Narrowing hundreds of images down to five proved to be one of the hardest parts of the process.
“In the best way,” she laughs. “Having so many strong options meant I could choose a headshot for each casting type — commercial, drama, even period.”
Her final selections were edited and delivered within 24 hours.
Now, Jasmine is focused on finding representation and continuing to build her career as a screen actor. With updated headshots that reflect where she is now, and who she is now, not where she was a few years ago, she feels better equipped to take that next step.
“With these new headshots, I feel much more confident putting myself forward,” she says. “I’d absolutely recommend Dock Street Studio to any actor looking for fresh, professional photos.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Which session did Jasmine book?
Five looks, two backdrops and five retouched images in around 45 minutes maps onto the Quick-Fire Spotlight at £150. If you need ten retouched images rather than five, the In-Depth Portrait at £200 gives you an hour. Our guide to how many headshots actors need helps you decide.
I’m nervous about being photographed. Is that normal?
Completely. Most people are. The consultation before the day and seeing the frames land on the screen as you go are what settle it. You don’t need to arrive knowing how to pose. That part is Mark’s job.
What should I bring?
A few outfit options in plain colours — there is a rail and a steamer at the studio — and a note of the casting types you want covered. Our guide to what to wear for headshots has the detail.
How quickly are the images delivered?
The gallery is supplied the same day and retouched selects are typically with you within 48 hours — Jasmine had hers in 24.
Where is the studio and how do I book?
Dock Street Studio, Unit 9, 30–38 Dock Street, Leeds LS10 1JF — central Leeds near Leeds Dock, a short walk from the train station, with parking on site. Book online or call and Mark will talk your casting through first.
Book your actor headshots in Leeds
If your headshots are a few years and a few credits behind where you are now, that is a 45-minute fix. Book online, email hello@dockstreetstudioleeds.co.uk, or call 0113 4400102. Session details are on the headshot photography page.
About the author
Nicole Sheyni
Actor • Copywriter • Lighting assistant & guest writer, Dock Street Studio Leeds
Nicole is a working actor and copywriter based in Leeds. She is part of the Dock Street Studio team, contributing guest articles that draw on lived experience in auditions, casting, and professional practice.
Shot, written and built by the Dock Street team
Every guide on this blog comes from the team at Dock Street Studio — Mark behind the camera with 18+ years' experience, Nicole on styling and lighting, Beya on video and bookings and Austin keeping the site fast and findable. If you'd rather have us do it than read about it, book a session or explore our photography services in Leeds.