Free Guide · PDF Download
The Kids & Teen Headshot Parent's Guide
For parents of children and teens ages 4 to 17: what agencies want at each age, when to update, what to wear and how to prepare your child. Fill out the form and your download appears right away.
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What's Inside the Parent's Guide
What each age needs
How sessions differ for ages 4 to 10, tweens, and teens, and what agencies want at each stage.
Timing + updates
The best time of day, how often to update, and the changes that mean it is time for new headshots.
What to wear
Comfortable, solid-colored clothes, what to skip, and letting your child help choose.
Preparing your child
What to say beforehand, what to bring, and the one thing not to rehearse at home.
Three checklists
A packing list, a headshot update tracker, and questions before signing with an agency.
12 headshot looks
Six for ages 4 to 10 and six for tweens and teens, with a tip for parents on each.
Book Your Child's Headshots
See what each session includes on the kids and teen headshot sessions page, or read the parent's guide to child actor headshots.
Example photos are AI-generated illustrations created to show each pose clearly. They are not photographs of Photography Shark clients.
Tips Inside the Guide
Kids do not need to know how to pose; the best frames come from a relaxed, playful session. For more, see teen modeling in Boston and dance and audition headshots.
Don't rehearse the smile
A practised camera smile is the one we spend the session undoing. Real expressions come from games and questions.
Pick the right time
A rested, fed child gives you their best. Choose a time of day when they are naturally energetic.
Simple, solid colors
Two or three well-fitting tops in solid colors, with no logos, characters or writing.
Share their favorites
Pets, shows, games and jokes give the photographer material to make your child laugh.
Natural, not polished
Agencies want the child as they are today. Freckles and gap-toothed grins stay; heavy makeup and smoothing do not.
Update as they grow
Every 6 to 12 months for younger children, about once a year for teens, and sooner after a big change.
Parent's Guide FAQ
Is the kids headshot parent's guide free?
Yes. Fill out the short form and the PDF download appears right away. It covers what each age needs, timing, what to wear, preparing your child, session day, three checklists and 12 headshot looks.
How often should my child update their headshots?
Every 6 to 12 months for younger children and about once a year for teens, and sooner after a big change such as losing front teeth, braces on or off, a big haircut or a growth spurt.
Can I stay in the studio during my child's session?
Yes. Parents are welcome for the whole session, and for younger children a parent in the room is usually essential. Many teens prefer a little space while shooting, so that is decided together on the day.
More Free Guides
When your teen moves toward adult casting.
Comp cards, digitals and avoiding scams.
Dance programs, intensives and competitions.