TEEN

HEADSHOTS

CHICAGO

What we plan for before the camera comes out

With young performers, the plan is everything — because their look changes quickly and you'll get limited mileage out of any one set. Here's what we sort out together first.

Frequently asked questions about teen headshots

How often should teens update their headshots?

My advice to parents is to come in with a plan rather than throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks — and I'll help you build that plan before we shoot. Most teens want something commercial: bright, outgoing, a little over the top, the kind of thing used to submit for ads. From there it depends on your kid's direction, and specificity matters more with kids than adults. Going out for Disney-style work? That's a real, specific thing. Local theater? Completely different look. And because a teen's face changes fast, you'll usually get one season out of these, maybe two if you're lucky — so it's worth getting the plan right rather than guessing broad.

What's the difference between a commercial and a theatrical look for a young actor?

Commercial is the bright, friendly, big-energy look — the kid in the cereal ad, the one casting reaches for when they need warmth and approachability. Theatrical is more grounded and character-driven, the look that says this young person can carry a scene. Most teens starting out lead with commercial, but which one you need depends entirely on what your child is actually submitting for — which is exactly the conversation we'll have before the session.

My teen is just getting started — what do we actually need first?

Less than you'd think. One strong commercial look is usually the right place to begin — it covers the most ground for a young performer just starting to submit, and it keeps you from over-investing before you know which direction your kid is headed. We can always build from there once there's a clearer sense of the roles they're going out for. I'd rather you start lean and add than buy a wardrobe of looks your teen outgrows by spring.

Should my teen wear makeup for their headshots?

Keep it minimal to none. The whole point of a young performer's headshot is that they look their age and look like themselves — casting needs to see the real kid, not a made-up version. A little something to even out a rough skin day is fine; beyond that, anything that ages them up works against the shots. Clean, natural, and current beats polished every time at this age.

Can I stay in the room during my teen's session?

Yes, always — parents are welcome in the room, and with younger teens I prefer it. You know your kid, you can help them relax, and you're part of the team getting a good result. The session should feel comfortable and easy for everyone, and a parent in the room is part of what makes that work.

How do we prep a nervous or camera-shy teen?

Mostly by taking the pressure off. I direct the entire time — your teen is never left guessing what to do with their face or hands — and we warm up slowly so the first few minutes don't count for much. It helps if they come in having seen a few reference images so the goal feels concrete rather than scary. And honestly, a relaxed parent in the room goes a long way; kids read the room off you.

How quickly will my teen outgrow these shots?

Fast — and I'd rather be upfront about it than oversell. A teenager's look can change in a single season, so plan on getting one good run out of these, maybe two. That's exactly why I push for a specific plan instead of a broad one: there's no value in a big stockpile of looks when the face in them won't match your kid by next year. Shoot what they need now, and we'll update when the look shifts.