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The Importance of a Professional Headshot for Your Child: The Dos and Don’ts


kids headshots, example of good headshots, child actor headshots

Hey there, amazing parents!


As you embark on the exciting journey of helping your child pursue their acting dreams, one of the most crucial elements you'll need is a professional headshot. A great headshot can open doors and make a lasting impression, while a poor one can do just the opposite. So, let’s dive into why a professional headshot is so important and what you should look out for to ensure your child stands out in the best way possible.


Why a Professional Headshot Matters


First impressions are everything in the entertainment industry. Casting directors often sift through 3,000-5,000 headshots for a single role 😳 Your child’s headshot is their calling card—it’s what gets them noticed and remembered. A high-quality, professional headshot conveys that your child is serious about their craft and ready for the opportunities that come their way.


Dos for a Great Headshot


  1. Hire a Professional Photographer: Investing in a photographer recommended from Industry Professionals who specialize in headshots is worth every penny. A good photographer is going to know what an Agent & Casting is looking for. They understand how to capture your child’s best angles, expressions, and essence, ensuring their personality shines through.

  2. Keep It Simple: The focus should be on your child’s face. Avoid busy backgrounds and overly elaborate outfits. Bright colors as background or in clothes are good to make the photo pop and stand out from the thousands of other headshots. Simple, solid-colored clothing works best—nothing too distracting. The goal is to highlight your child’s unique features and expressions.

  3. Ensure Good Lighting: Good lighting is crucial. Whether it's natural or artificial, it needs to be good. A professional photographer will know the best times and locations to shoot for optimal lighting.

  4. Capture Different Expressions: While one neutral, smiling shot is essential, it’s also good to have a range of expressions. Show a bit of your child’s versatility—happy, thoughtful, serious, and playful. This gives casting directors a glimpse of their range as an actor.

  5. When to Update Your Headshot: Kids grow up fast, and their looks can change quickly. Update headshots when your child no longer looks like the headshot. You don’t want to catfish casting directors 😆 An outdated headshot can be misleading and may even cost your child opportunities.


Don’ts for a Great Headshot


  1. Avoid Over-Editing: Your child should look like themselves. Avoid excessive retouching that alters their natural appearance. Casting directors want to see the real, unfiltered version of your child.

  2. Say No to Props: Props can be distracting and unnecessary. The focus should be solely on your child. Let their face and expression do all the talking.

  3. Don’t Use School Photos: While it might be tempting to use a nice school picture, these often lack the professional quality needed. Professional headshots are specifically tailored to highlight your child’s potential as an actor. Remember, school photos scream "I'm new to the business and have no idea what I am doing."

  4. Skip the Heavy Makeup: Keep makeup to a minimum. The goal is a natural look that showcases your child’s true features. For young kids, makeup is often unnecessary.

  5. Avoid Busy Patterns and Logos: Stick to plain, solid-colored clothing without logos or busy patterns. These can distract from your child’s face and overall look.


Supporting Your Child’s Dreams...


Remember, this process should be fun and exciting for both you and your child. It’s about capturing their unique personality and potential. By investing in a professional headshot, you’re taking a significant step in supporting their dreams and showing the industry that they’re ready for whatever comes their way.


If you ever feel unsure or need more guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to support you every step of the way, helping you make informed decisions that will benefit your child’s career. Together, we can navigate this journey with confidence and joy, creating lasting memories along the way.


And speaking of guidance, don’t forget to check out my FREE webinar, "How to Find the Right Agent Without the Stress of Making the Wrong Decisions." Let’s dive deeper into the world of representation and equip you with the tools you need to make the best choices for your child’s future in Show Business.




Good luck, and happy shooting! 📸 ✨


Your Guide to Showbiz!


Jenn Boyce

Creator of The Hollywood Prep Method

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"Jenn Boyce was instrumental in my daughter’s career path as an actress. She discovered Addison at an acting school in New Orleans, LA. Jenn not only became her Agent, but also her biggest cheerleader and our family’s close friend. She is a wealth of knowledge for parents just starting out in the business, as it can be very overwhelming. There is no one I would trust more with my child starting out in the entertainment industry than Jenn Boyce."

      -Jeanine Riecke

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