Young children don't need professional headshots to get started: clear, current snapshots are enough until an agency asks for more. When you do book a shoot, the rule casting directors repeat most is that the photo must look like your child today, natural and age-true. Of the 18 casting directors we asked for headshot do's and don'ts, at least 15 said exactly that.
On this page
Not to get started. The Federal Trade Commission's guidance on modelling scams says legitimate professionals who work with young people generally ask for casual snapshots, not professional photos. Child acting expert Karen Workman told us the real starting kit is curiosity, the ability to take direction and a strong support system; headshots and classes can come later.
Once your child is auditioning regularly, good headshots matter. Kym Jackson's advice for young performers approaching agents is to reach out with the best headshots, reel and attitude you can, because with little on the resume, agents look hard at the work itself.
Snapshots are what legitimate professionals usually ask for first, so make them clear and current, with your child's face fully visible. Once an agency signs your child, expect to be asked for professional shots suited to your market. Karen says that is normal: an agency wants photos of a certain standard, and photos taken somewhere else may not do the job in Hollywood.
What isn't normal is being forced to use one photographer with no choice. Karen's test is to work out whether your photos genuinely aren't right for the market, or whether the agency simply has a favourite. A recommendation is fine; a requirement deserves questions. Our guide to getting an agent for your child covers the agency side.
Your child, as they look today. We asked 18 casting directors for their headshot do's and don'ts, and at least 15 gave the same core rule: it has to look like the actor right now. They were talking about actors of every age, but the rule bites hardest for children, whose faces change fastest.
More often than adults. Karen Workman told us children change their look a lot, so you'll pay for headshots more often than for a teen or adult. Her family budgets for new headshots about once a year while the kids are young, then stretches it out as they get older.
Use the casting test rather than the calendar: would a casting director recognise your child from the photo when they walk in? Kym's general warning applies to every age: an out-of-date photo gets you called in for roles you're wrong for and skipped for the ones you're right for.
Clothes they actually wear, in solid colours, that suit their real age. Skip costumes and anything that hides the face. Our what to wear for headshots guide has the detail on colours and necklines.
As for makeup: keep it minimal or none for young children, so the photo matches the child who walks into the room. The casting directors above were clear that heavy makeup and airbrushing work against any actor, because the person in the room doesn't match the picture.
Choose for rapport first. Jess Orcsik says to find someone your child relaxes with, who has a good reputation and photos that bring out your child's personality, and to be reasonable about money. Casting director Kahleen Crawford adds that you don't have to spend a fortune: a relaxed relationship with the photographer is a big part of what makes a headshot work.
In California there's an extra check. As of November 2026, anyone who provides photography to a minor for a fee, for use as a performer, needs a Child Performer Services Permit from the Labor Commissioner, which involves a fingerprint background check (some exemptions apply). You can search current permit holders on the same page.
It varies with session length and how many looks you get. Karen Workman described a range from a short session with two or three looks up to a full day with many character looks. Jess Orcsik's view is that a child's headshots should cost about the same as an adult's, and a beginner doesn't need to spend thousands. For current published prices from LA photographers, see how much headshots cost.
One firm rule from the FTC: real modelling agencies won't ask you to pay for a test shoot or for photographs. If an agency wants money for its own shoot before signing your child, treat it as a red flag.
Stay with them, and make sure they know they can say no. Karen Workman's approach to every audition, class and job is the same: keep a relationship where your child can tell you straight away if something felt wrong, and give them permission to say no. Check a photographer's reviews and, in California, their permit.
This is general information, not legal advice. Rules differ by state and country, so check your local requirements.
Upload them to your child's casting profiles and send them to your agent. Kahleen Crawford suggests having two or three photos to choose from on a casting profile. Our child acting expert keeps printed headshots in the bag in case someone asks, but never hands them out on set: the crew are working, and they probably have access to your child's headshot already.
Not at first. The FTC says legitimate professionals generally ask for casual snapshots of young people, and an agency that signs your child will tell you when it wants professional photos.
More often than adults. Karen Workman budgets for new headshots about once a year while her children are young, because their looks change quickly.
Keep it minimal or none. Casting directors told us heavy makeup works against actors of any age because the person in the room should match the photo.
It depends on session length and the number of looks. Jess Orcsik says a child's headshots should cost about the same as an adult's, and beginners don't need to spend thousands.
Treat it as a red flag. The FTC says real modelling agencies will not ask you to pay for a test shoot or for photographs.
If your child is a teenager, Your Free Teen Actor Book is a good read to share with them before the shoot. It's free to download.
Kym's free class: the ten steps, in order, from first class to first booking. Free, just pop in your email.
Get the free classKym's free class for actors who've been at it a while and want things moving again. Free, just pop in your email.
Get the free classWant the whole library? Start your 7-day free trial and watch every answer on this page.