Headshots Kids and Teens - Young actors and child models.

KIDS ACTING HEADSHOTS.  MAKE UP OR NO MAKE UP?

The general rule for acting headshots whether a kid, teen or adult is that it must look like you.  Heavy make up on kids may be the norm for pageants but casting agents don't want to see this with a child's acting headshot.  A little bit of chapstick and moisturizer if needed is perfect for very young children. 

Kids Acting Headshot.  In this image the child does not have make up.  The headshot shows her natural beauty and look.

The general rule for acting headshots whether a kid, teen or adult is that it must look like you.  Heavy make up on kids may be the norm for pageants but casting agents don't want to see this with a child's acting headshot.  A little bit of chapstick and moisturizer if needed is perfect for very young children.

With older children ages 9-12 I often recommend Burt's Bee's Natural Lip Shimmers or Cherry Chapstick and a light dusting of natural mineral powder. (I also love the one from  MAC cosmetics). If the eyes need brightning or the lashes are on the light side a little bit of clear mascara does the trick.  Other then that make up isn't recommended for kids headshots under age 13.

Kids Headshot with very little make-up.  A tiny bit of mascara on top lashes and very light pink lips.  Her skin is naturally beautiful and make up would have aged her.

A little bit of clear mascara brought out her natural look without being over made up or aging her into a teen for this young actors headshot.  Photo location Los Angeles.

 Once a child hits thirteen make up is recommended for acting headshots, however it should be kept fresh and natural.  With teen headshots I like to start out with a girl next door look using light foundation, a little bit of blush and mascara.  After shooting this look, we can add some eyeliner to pop the eyes a bit more.  Then towards the end of the shoot we can go a little heavier with the eyeliner, pulling out a little edge.   Depending on the actress, we might go very edgy or some teen actors may even do a goth look, if that is a role they would like to portray.  These are additional looks that their talent agent might want for their commercial headshot portfolio.

With a teenage boys acting headshot you typically don't need make up unless a very uneven skin tone or to cover up blemishes.  Always keep kids and teen headshots very natural.

Regarding teen boys headshots, a little bit of foundation or cover up may be needed if there are blemishes or pimples.  Also, some foundation or concealer can be helpful for under the eyes or to even the skin tones.  Typically I like to evaluate this on an individual basis.  Many young actors have great skin and there is no need for make up during their headshot session.

Call or email me with any questions or when your ready to book your kids or teenagers headshot session.   Break a leg!


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