As a parent, you want to make sure your child’s headshot session is a success. A good headshot can open doors for your child in the future, whether it’s for modeling work or as an actor. To ensure your child’s headshot session goes smoothly, here are some tips for preparation.
Dress for success – Choose clothing that is simple, timeless and fits well. Avoid anything too busy or distracting, such as patterns, logos or large accessories. A neutral color palette is usually best but you can add a pop of color. Keep in mind that the focus should be on your child’s face so make sure their clothing does not overpower their features and goes with with their eyes and complexion. Portland agencies and casting directors have specific preferences for kids headshots so make sure your photographer is connected with the industry and knows what’s needed.
Hair and makeup – Your kid should have a fresh haircut a week or so before your shoot and their hair should be styled appropriately for the headshot session. If they have long hair, make sure it is styled neatly and out of their face.
As for makeup, most agencies and casting directors want to see no makeup on kids under 12. If your kid is closer to teenage than toddler, a bit of makeup may be OK. But it should be minimal: a light touch of powder, lip balm and a bit of mascara can help enhance their features. As with clothing, make sure you photographer is experienced with kids headshots and knows what the acting and modeling industry in Portland want to see.
Give your child time to warm up – Children can be nervous in front of a camera, especially if they’ve never had a professional photo shoot before. Get to the session early and give them time to adjust and get comfortable before starting the session.
Consider your child’s personality – It’s important to remember that your kids headshot should reflect their unique personality. It’s important kids know they are accepted as they are from the very first minute of the session, that a quiet kid won’t be expected to jump around, that an energetic kid’s not expected to be quiet. Eventually, the shy kid will “warm up” and the excited kid will “cool down” and a full range of their personality will show in the pictures.
Set realistic expectations – Children are children and they may not be exactly as as you’d like them to be. Pay attention to the previously paragraph and trust your photographer to make things work.
Research photographers – Not all photographers are created equal. Before booking a session, research photographers in your area and look at their portfolio to see if their style is a good fit for you and your child. Make sure you understand what the session fee includes and what to expect from the photographer.
Plan ahead – Make sure you have a schedule and arrive on time for the session. Being on time will help reduce stress and make sure your child has enough time for the session
Be positive – Your child will look to you for cues on how to act and feel during the session. Encourage them, tell them how proud you are of them and be positive throughout the session.
After the session – Once the session is over, it’s important to be patient as the photographer edits and retouches the images. You may see a preview within a few days or a week but the final images can take longer. Once you receive the images, choose the ones that best fit the needs of the industry and use them to create a portfolio.
Follow these 9 steps as you work with your photographer to ensure you get a great kids headshot.
Michael Verity is a photographer in Portland, Oregon specializing in acting and business headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors and models of all ages for more than fifteen years.