Child Actors Headshots: Simplified for Success

If we may be so cheeky, at Dock Street Studio we do headshots and we do it well. From helping young talents sign to top agencies, to landing blockbusters that everyone and their mothers saw, we’ve had it all. It’s a known truth in the industry that your headshot is a reflection of you as an actor or actress, and every celebrity you can think of who has stepped foot on the big silver screen has one. On Spotlight, or The Mandy Network, or Backstage, or whatever else the kids are using these days, it’s the first thing casting directors see, and if you’ve got a smashing headshot it will be an awful lot easier to land roles that you’d otherwise need to go the extra mile (or ten - if you know you know) for. To avoid us repeating ourselves, please allow us to shamelessly promote our other article on the Dock Street blog, which goes into even more depth about the importance of a headshot.

Glad to see you haven’t fallen asleep reading this yet, because we actually wanted to discuss what makes our children’s and young adults’ actor headshots so successful in the acting industry. If we’re lucky enough, Mark might even give you some photography pointers.

1. Leave the logos at home

First of all, we’re so glad to see children taking an interest in brands and fashion, but please keep in mind that our poor Mark has to edit these, and a lovely-albeit-huge graphic logo will take a considerable amount of time to edit. At Dock Street Studio we understand that a good shot is a good shot, so we offer a very wide selection of edited photos, whereas most other studios wouldn’t. This being said, editing does take a long time, and large logos don’t always look the best professionally. The casting director also likely doesn’t want to see an image which has been photoshopped within an inch of its life. Our guide to what to wear for headshots has the full rundown.

2. Options, options, options!

We have access to shoot directors in-house. If you’re paying for our services, please do use them! Simply tell Mark you’d like help with styling when booking, and then bring your looks along, or email us photos and we will pick options. One thing we do differently to other studios is that we can promise you will look stylish on your shoot, even without the ‘dripped out’ logos. Playing around with different textures usually works great. However, avoid thin stripes and big bold and bright patterns as the camera doesn’t exactly love them. Plus, it takes attention away from the star - you!

3. Collaboration

It’s important that the client is comfortable with being their best selves, and isn’t putting on an act. Pun intended, by the way. We know it’s hard and child actors tend to get especially nervous. If at a headshot session (hopefully one of ours) a member of the team asks you to give them a particular expression, try to think about a memory attached to that expression, or a character, or a script. If you try to visualise that, the rest will usually flow quite easily. Try to especially use your eyes to emote, and your body language shows most in your shoulders and head positioning. Remember, most headshots will be taken armpit upwards, so don’t be afraid to move your neck and shoulders! If it’s not a good look, we will readjust you. And because we shoot tethered, you and your parents can see the frames on the big screen as we go, which settles most nerves faster than anything we could say.

If you still aren’t sure about booking with us, here’s a recent testimonial from the parents of one of our exceedingly brilliant and gifted actors: ‘Mark was very professional yet very friendly and welcoming. He helped my son relax and settle for the two hour shoot. Communication with him after the shoot was very efficient and we had our final photos within a week. Also he is very reasonably priced for the amount he dedicates to his clients. Highly recommend!’ That wonderful child actor has now gone on to book his first role in an impressive feature film, and we wish him the very best of luck!

Also, news just in from Rafaelle and his parents: Rafaelle had his first filming on the 23rd May as a supporting acting role for WARP Films, and at school he has been cast as one of the main characters, Kate, in their gender-reversed adaptation of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew.

Rafaelle has also just landed a lead role (Ivan) in a production about a 12-year-old boy’s coming of age set against a war-torn backdrop. More details on that exciting production here.

“Heirloom” is a bitter-sweet, coming-of-age drama and deals with the aftermath of war and the broken families that are left behind in its wake. We follow Ivan, a 12-year-old boy who has lost his father in the war and is determined to bring some sort of joy to his mother’s life. Ivan hopes to find a medal for his mother that would give her a moment of happiness, but his quest takes a turn when his metal detector picks up something unusual, and Ivan must confront his inner demons and face death head-on.

Finally, just as promised, some wise words from in-house photographer and studio owner Mark Wheelwright:

“Try to do your research on what looks best on camera. The Spotlight website has brilliant examples and top tips on what casting directors want. Then, leave the rest to us!”

Frequently Asked Questions

Which session should I book for a child actor?

The Quick-Fire Spotlight at £150 — 40 minutes, two or three looks, five retouched images — suits most children and teenagers. It is long enough to settle in and short enough not to lose their attention. If your child has an agent asking for a wider set, the In-Depth Portrait at £200 gives five looks and ten images over an hour.

How often do children’s headshots need updating?

More often than adults, because they change faster. Every six to twelve months is typical, or sooner after a growth spurt, a haircut, braces on or off, or any obvious shift in how they look. Our post on how many headshots actors need covers this in more detail.

Can a parent stay in the room?

Yes, and we would expect it. There is a client lounge with a sightline to the tethered screen so you can see the frames as they land. A relaxed parent tends to mean a relaxed child.

What should my child wear?

Plain, solid colours with a bit of texture, and nothing with a big logo or a busy pattern. Bring two or three tops and we will pick under the lights. Casting wants to see the child, not the clothes.

How long until we get the images?

Your gallery is supplied the same day and retouched selects are typically with you within 48 hours. If there is a submission deadline, tell us when you book.

Where is the studio and how do I book?

Dock Street Studio, Unit 9, 30–38 Dock Street, Leeds LS10 1JF — central Leeds near Leeds Dock, a short walk from the train station, with parking on site. Book online or call and we will talk the session through with you first.

Book your child’s actor headshots in Leeds

Every session starts with a free consultation and planning call with Mark ahead of the shoot, so nobody arrives guessing. Book online, email hello@dockstreetstudioleeds.co.uk, or call 0113 4400102. Full details are on the headshot photography page.

About the author
Nicole Sheyni
Actor • Copywriter • Lighting assistant & guest writer, Dock Street Studio Leeds
Nicole is a working actor and copywriter based in Leeds. She is part of the Dock Street Studio team, contributing guest articles that draw on lived experience in auditions, casting, and professional practice.