Acting Headshots for Teens in Orlando
There are many different reasons your teenager might need professional headshots.
From teen actors on the stage, commercials, or film & TV to print and fashion models, your teenager’s headshots have a specific set of requirements in order to stand out to casting directors.
Let’s go over the 4 different types of headshots (and portraits) that we offer so that teenage actors and models truly pop off the page!
Types of Teen Headshots
There are 4 main types of headshots that a teenage actor or model may need:
Commercial Acting Headshots
Film & TV Acting Headshots
Light-hearted, “Disney,” youthful
Dramatic roles, also called “Theatrical”
Personality shots with more character
Theater / Stage Actor Headshots
Modeling Headshots or Test Shoots
Catalog / Commercial
Fashion / Editorial
Your teenager may need more than one of these looks in order to achieve their (and your!) goals as an actor or model.
Let’s go through each type of headshot so you can know which types are right for your teen actor
Commercial Headshots
If your teenager lives in Florida, they will need commercial acting headshots in order to get representation in the area.
Orlando is the third largest commercial market! We film a ton of commercials here, and many of them right here in the Orlando area. With Disney and Universal nearby, there are never-ending commercial opportunities.
Commercials pay well and have a short time-commitment, plus they are super fun to film and be a part of!
Casting directors see hundreds of headshots when looking for the right actor for a role.
There are a few specific things agencies need to see in your commercial headshots so that your teen stands out:
A youthful outfit
Your teen needs to look as young a possible for their headshots. Casting directors prefer to book actors who are a few years older than the role they will be playing. For instance, my 17 year-old daughter booked a commercial playing a 14 year-old at school.
One of the mistakes I often seen teen girls make is that they want to look older in photos and may wear too much makeup or bring an outfit that is too revealing. This will likely result in needing to re-shoot.
When planning your teenager’s outfits, think of what a child would wear that is 2-4 years younger than their actual age.
Youthful colors, simple patterns, overalls, and always a modest neckline are best for helping your child “stop the scroll” to casting directors as a possible option for teen or tween roles.
An authentic, natural smile
Your teen’s smile needs to highlight their friendly personality and easy-going nature (but still highly professional!)
Their smile needs to show the world right away that they are confident and willing to give their all to a project - that they have nothing to hide and are excited about life!
Great lighting and a light-hearted feel
This one is on me!
We will create lovely light that works for your child’s skin tone, hair color and texture, and we will choose a background that helps bring out their best.
Sometimes we will use punchy studio lighting, and sometimes a combination of natural and studio light.
A two-look session is usually all you need for teenage actor headshots.
Abby’s session was designed to appeal to film and TV casting directors in Los Angeles.
This 2-look acting headshot session is a great example of how we photograph your teenager in a wide variety of poses, environments, and with a different expressions to appeal to any agency.
Film & TV Headshots
Normally those who love acting have more than commercials in the future, with goals of being on the big screen, or prime time.
It is important to get a second look that your agency can use to market your teen for film and TV roles, and once in a while they do make it to Florida! One of my clients just had the opportunity to work with Dean Cain and Kevin Sorbo in a sweet movie about pickleball which was filmed in Palm Beach!
Or if you plan to get representation in Atlanta, New York, or LA, your teen should have a theatrical headshot.
Another great way to get seen is to highlight your teen’s unique personality and specific talents.
More and more, casting directors are drawn to personality — especially as it aligns with certain roles.
This teen’s agency in New York requested a re-shoot so her headshots could have MORE personality - she is a very unique kiddo and the agency wanted to market her for exactly who she is!
If your teen has a more emo/gothic look, they should lean into darker colors and can even add a choker or chains.
If they are funny and comedic, they should dress with a bit more whimsy and we will photograph them in a way to highlight that unique offering!
The most important second look to have is a neutral theatrical look.
These types of headshots can work for many different types of roles for TV and movie roles.
A semi-serious expression can be very powerful and effective at communicating readiness and professionalism.
We will still keep your teen’s outfits feeling young - modest and age-appropriate.
In addition to teen headshots, your agency is likely going to require a full body and/or ¾ shot.
We can include this type of shot within one of your looks!
For this type of shoot, we will use a clean, solid colored background, and recommend a well-planned full outfit, including shoes that are new or like-new.
If you require a shot like this, I need to know in advance so I can set up my space with the right lighting and background.
We will also shoot some headshots in this outfit so you have variety within the one look!
Headshots for Theater and Stage Actors
For actors who frequent stage productions, we will go a pretty different direction with your teen’s headshots in order to stand out as professional.
We will be more in line with the standards in New York and take inspiration from their choice of backgrounds, lighting, posing, and expression.
Summer Theater programs are going to not only require a professional headshot that is geared toward stage work, but these headshots often even get critiqued by a panel!
Teen theater actors can wear darker colors (and should).
Clothing should be one color, one layer, and medium to dark in tone for teen actors. We will also use a solid-colored background in most cases to align with professional New York style acting headshots.
Simple is always better!
The expression for theater actors is normally semi-serious.
Even though smiling headshots are ok for theater, a more professional expression for teens will be a semi-serious look where eye contact captivates.
How should my teen do their hair and makeup for headshots?
Because we are trying to keep your teenager look as youthful as possible, we want their look to be very natural in both hair and makeup.
Foundation is important to keep the skin looking perfectly natural, but make sure it is a perfect match! Eye makeup should be minimal, and lip color should be very natural.
Style hair away from the face so we don’t have a hard time seeing their eyes and face shape.
For teen girls, I strongly recommend booking a session with our professional hair and makeup artist. Teen guys can get away without if they are confident about doing their hair and have clear skin.
Modeling Test Shoots and Headshots for Teens
Modeling in Orlando is fun for teens! From Catalog to Disney and Universal ads, there are ample opportunities for models in Florida.
What is a test shoot for models?
According to My Model Reality, “a model test shoot (sometimes referred to as an agency test shoot) is a photoshoot that an agency sets up to see if a new model they’re interested in representing or one they’ve recently signed can work well in front of the camera (hence where the term “test” comes from!). It’s not uncommon for new models to have more than one test shoot, and after each shoot will receive feedback from their agent, which aids in their career development.”
Our Modeling Sessions are different than headshot sessions. Everything from backgrounds to lighting and styling is different. Hair and Makeup is always included because of how vitally importnat having that perfect look is for your teen’s modeling portfolio.
Modeling sessions include headshots and full body shots.
Your teen will need strong close-ups, and strong full-body shots.
Remember to practice and come prepared so that your session is a success!
Your teen model needs to practice before they book a session.
Your teen’s job is to bring their skill as a model - my job is to photograph your teen in a way that helps them appear professional.
I tend to see a lot of teens think that they can be models when they have had no classes, lessons, or even independent study on modeling.
I can’t create a model out of your teen, so make sure that your teen has a true passion for modeling and gets practice posing so that when they come to their photo shoot, they are ready to show their best to the camera. If your teen isn’t sure what to do and is just waiting for me to pose them, you’re not quite ready for a session :)
What is a Teen Actor Headshot Session Like at Your Orlando Photography Studio?
In a word? Fun!
We play your teen’s favorite playlist, and get started with hair and makeup if you have decided to include that in your session.
Then with our first look, we settle on an appropriate background and tailor the lighting to your teen so their eye color, skin tone, hair color, and outfit shine.
Often we pop into another type of background with that first look so there is plenty of variety for your agency.
Then we will craft a totally new style of headshot for your second look and shoot for another 20 minutes!
Then after your session, your teen will go home with a little gift fro me, and I will have your gallery delivered to your inbox usually the same day as our session!
Once you select your favorites, your images will be perfected and emailed over to you in several resolutions.
During our session, we capture lots of different expressions, usually on a couple of different backgrounds and even different cameras for different effects!
Ready to book?
You can book your teen actor’s headshot session now! Once your order comes in, I will be in touch soon with all the available dates.
I tend to keep a few sessions open each week if you are on a time crunch, or, if you have to know about a particular date, get in touch! While I don’t hold dates, I’m happy to review my current availability with you over the phone.
Each look includes:
The session time (varies for each child :)
Unique backdrop / scenario per look
2 images, retouched, per look (with 40 to choose from)
Each session includes both Commercial and Theatrical expressions and can be for either Film or Theater actors.
For children age 8 - 17 only
(have a kiddo under 8? Get in touch - we still may be a good fit! Littles take a little longer to capture that perfect shot and so there may be a slight increase of $25 - $75 in price depending on your needs).
TO BOOK A SESSION, CHOOSE AN OPTION BELOW AND COMPLETE CHECKOUT.
I will then be in touch with you via email or text within 48 hours with all of the date options and details!
FAQ
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No. My space isn’t set up well to host other children that aren’t involved in the photo shoot.
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Glasses tend to reflect the lighting - even those with anti-glare.
If you would like your teen to wear glasses for the session (which is definitely appropriate if they wear glasses usually), I recommend buying a similar pair of costume glasses and popping out the lenses.
We also have a few pairs here if you aren’t particular about the style.
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That is up to you!
If your son has acne or isn’t sure how to style their hair, then I do recommend booking our hair and makeup artist.
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Definitely!
You can send your agency or coach the gallery link and ask them to heart their favorites. I can then let you know what they chose.
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No - my opinion will nearly always differ from yours :) your final headshots should reflect your teenager’s personality, which only you truly know!