Different Looks for child and teenage actors
Your child or teen actor may need different looks during their session to get a complete set of marketing images for your agency. The most popular headshot sessions for child actors normally include 3-4 looks:
Commercial headshot
Theatrical headshot
Disney look
Character headshot or second commercial look with a different personality represented
Here are a few examples of actors under 18 who opted for multiple looks during their session!
Several looks can be a big bonus if your young actor plans to audition for theater productions and also film or commercial. In the Orlando market, at the very least, having at least two looks is important for your agency to market your child’s range and abilities. With the parks, commercial market, and theater opportunities in Orlando, I always recommend going for 2-3 looks, as each market requires a different style of headshot to stand out.
When you book a session with more than one look, make sure your child’s outfits are different, but remain youthful. Patterns, bright colors, and fun layers make children’s acting headshots some of the most vibrant you can achieve in the studio! If you are unsure exactly what your child should wear for their session, contact your coach or agency for their guidance. They know your particular market and what casting directors like to see.
Two-Look Acting Headshot Sessions for Teens and Kids
Very often, a child actor, young actor, and even teen actor only need a two-look session to stay updated. Because young actors need headshots at least every year (and even more when they are going through growth spurts, hair cuts, and other changes), a 2-look session will get the job done well.
Commercial Headshot for Florida’d hot commercial market
Theatrical Headshot for theater and film
-OR-
Commercial Headshot
Character Headshot (for TV/film)
For the theater kids, the two different looks allows us to get a true theatrical look, since young actors are often on the stage. This session also allow for a friendly, commercial look since Orlando has the third largest commercial market in the US, and kids often book commercials here.
This session also work great to capture different types of characters for film acting. If your child or teen can play several types, you need headshots to represent each type.
Two-look actor headshot sessions are great for beginners
If your child or teen is just getting their feet wet with acting, pick a 2-look session.
Often, kids are already in theater, and are adding film to their field of study. A two-look session allows us to get a fresh theatrical headshot, and also a strong commercial shot.
A commercial headshot is the first type of “film” headshot your child or teen should get for the Florida market.
Commercial headshots are the most popular need in Florida.
Commercial acting is the best way to get started in front of the camera with so many opportunities here and not a heavy time commitment for jobs.
Your agency will need your child to provide a strong marketing headshot for commercial submissions.
If your child is a film and TV actor only, a 2-look session will allow you to get a strong commercial headshot and a headshot that’s more type-specific.
If you would like more info on common types for young actors, check out our actor’s wardrobe and types guide here!
What do casting directors and clients need to see in teen and child headshots?
It’s important to know that headshots for theater and headshots for the TV/film, and commercials are different. For theater, we’re going for depth of talent, and connection - normally in an environment that’s not too bright or commercial.
For commercials and tv/film, casting directors and clients want to see:
Your child’s personality
An accurate representation of what your child looks like
Your child is right for the role (type-specific)
Your child is friendly and easy to work with
Your child is professional and can be entrusted with the role
Your child’s personality needs to shine in their headshots. For commercial, your child needs to appear friendly, fun, and easy to work with - all while having a strong sense of professionalism and expertise.
Capturing your child’s look accurately is incredibly important. Your images will be captured correctly right in the camera with exposure, lighting, and backdrop, so that excess editing is not needed. We will edit flyaway hairs, blemishes, and generally keep your images blessedly natural. Casting directors have learned to be wary of over-edited images, including over-softened skin, and anything that looks like a filter. Be careful that your photographer provides natural acting headshots so they are received well.
For your young actor, we will craft each look according to their needs so that their headshots work FOR them instead of potentially against them. Our goal is to get your teen or child’s foot in the door with an audition call.
Indoor headshots vs. Outdoor Headshots
Normally agencies prefer the look of studio portraits, even headshots that look environmental, but sometimes there is a good case to be made for an outdoor look.
For outdoor headshots, we will still bring studio lighting with us to create a crisp, professional look, and we will normally try to avoid too many “palm tree greens” in order to keep the coloring neutral.
If you think an outdoor headshot is needed for your agency, let me know in advance so we can plan the right time of day for this type of headshot.
Book Your Child or Teen Acting Headshots in Orlando
Order your young actor headshot photography session online today with Eldeen Annette Headshot Studio!
I will get in touch after your order to schedule your date and provide details about how to prepare for your photo shoot.
