Surefire Tips For Getting Spectacular Kids' Headshots

[Gina Lai]

Too stiff, too age-inappropriate, not what casting directors want to
see - these are some of the problems that occur when parents try to
take kids' headshots on their own. While it's understandable that many
of you want to save a few dollars when you are just starting out, your
child's success depends on his/her actor shots so it's incredibly
important to invest in great shots. You have to hire an experienced,
professional photographer who knows how to deliver the kinds of photos
casting directors, managers, and agents want to see.
Pick a Photographer Who Likes Children
Not only should the photographer you hire have experience shooting
with children, he/she should also ENJOY shooting with children. There
are several Los Angeles headshots photographers out there who aren't
open to shooting children so make sure that when you speak with
potential photographers you ask them how they feel about the matter.
It's essential to find a professional who gets along well with
children and who knows how to communicate with them. Actor shots must
reveal a child's communication with the camera and only a photographer
who likes kids and enjoys shooting with them will be able to bring out
this natural expression.
Another important factor to consider when hiring someone to take kids'
headshots is whether the photographer works quickly and efficiently.
Speed and efficiency are essential when shooting with young children
because after 10-20 minutes, children get antsy and are about ready to
melt down. In this short amount of time, a photographer must be able
to get several great shots. In addition, it's always helpful if a
photographer is easygoing and has a great sense of humor in order to
bring out your child's natural smile and persona.
Achieving the Right Look
Kids are supposed to look like kids in their photos, not mini-adults.
Los Angeles headshots photographers with experience taking actor shots
for children will tell you that the most important thing about
children's shots is that they must look natural. Actor shots aren't
pageant photos so don't put your child in a frilly dress or tux. Keep
clothing casual, simple, and clean cut. Avoid shirts with characters
or logos because they are distracting. Make up is generally not
necessary and as for hair, a natural style will usually do. One of the
keys to a great shot is that the child looks his/her age in the photo.
In most of the shots, your child should be pictured with a warm,
natural smile and in other shots with a more serious expression.
How to Prepare for a Shoot
When is your child the most alert and pleasant? Make sure to schedule
your shoot within that time frame. Grumpy, sleepy children don't make
for good kids' headshots. If your child usually naps in the afternoon,
schedule the shoot earlier to avoid interrupting his typical schedule.
Make sure your child gets enough sleep the night before the shoot and
feed him or her a nutritious breakfast on the day of the shoot. Avoid
sugary foods because sugar tends to make kids hyper and distracted. A
healthy, balanced breakfast of fruit and oatmeal or something of the
like will help your child feel focused and energized for the shoot.
Don't forget to bring bottled water and light snacks to the shoot in
case your child gets hungry.
When speaking with different Los Angeles headshots photographers, ask
to see examples of their work to review. Do the children in the photos
look happy? Do they appear natural? Are the photos flattering? Is the
child the focus in the photo with nothing else distracting from him/
her? If you answered yes to all of these questions, then you have
potentially found a photographer who's capable of taking spectacular
shots of your child.
Whether you're hoping your child will be the next Haley Joel Osment or
you simply want to test the waters of the acting world, great kids'
headshots are absolutely essential because they will get your foot in
the door. Fabulous shots will help your child get more work and
achieve success as an actor. This is one area in which you don't want
to try to scrimp and save - hire a professional photographer and get
professional results!