WHETHER YOU ARE APPLYING TO THE AGENCY OR TAKING UPDATES OF YOUR CHILD...
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A Head-shot is the first thing an Agent will look at when considering a new applicant and the first thing a Casting Directors will see, when choosing kids for their project, so we want the headshot to do them justice.
By following these few tips, we can help you get the best out of your home head-shots/self tapes and make it a fun experience. 1. LOOK LIKE THEY WOULD USUALLY LOOK WHEN AUDITIONING Firstly, headshots represent your child and showcase who the casting directors could be working with. For that reason – make sure that in their shots, your child looks like they would usually look when auditioning. Keep the photos simple and up to date – no fancy attire or props are necessary. 2. CHOOSE A PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOT PHOTOGRAPHER WHO WORKS WITH KIDS If you are going for a professional photographer, choose one who specialises in headshots. They will know what is required of good headshot photos and how to take them. Also make sure the photographer is experienced in working with children – they will know how to handle your child and make them feel comfortable. 3. CLOTHING WITH NO LOGOS For the headshot shoot, dress your child in clothing that has no writing or logos on them. Not only can such clothing take away the attention from your child, it works as unwarranted marketing. 4. AVOID BRIGHT COLOURS Along with ‘’no logos’’ rule, try to avoid clothing in bright color. That too will take the attention away from your child and in headshots all the attention needs to go to them. Neutral colors and simple clothes will work best. 5. TRY TO USE NATURAL LIGHT Natural light, like it says, looks more natural and doesn’t skew your kids features. Using natural light over studio light is suggested as it will give a closer resemblance to the film lighting that may be used in productions. So find an area in a well let room, near to a window. 6. WORK WITH A PLAIN BACKGROUND If setting up at home, try to find a plain, light coloured wall and stand your child slightly away from the wall to avoid dark shadows behind them. Failing that, hang a sheet up or use a cheap photographers pop up white background screen. 7. TRY DIFFERENT EXPRESSIONS When we are submitting to castings, we may want to switch up your child's main headshot based on the type of role. Make sure you take head-shots with different expressions. Don’t forget to also take full body shots and hand shots too. 8. CAPTURE YOUR CHILD'S PERSONALITY Make sure your child's individual personality shines through in their pictures. If they are goofy and always smiling – capture that. If usually they are more serious – capture that too. Their personality is what will help them get relevant roles. It is not to be hidden! 9. AVOID MAKEUP FOR CHILDREN UNDER 16's Kids will be Kids! So they should! And that’s exactly what casting directors are looking for – kids who look like kids. It is suggested to avoid makeup if your kid is under 16 – especially if they aren’t usually wearing it in their daily life. 10. FOCUS ON THE EYES The importance of focus on their eyes is huge. Your kids eyes are full of expression – capture that. Showcase their spark. Make sure their eyes in the photos are sharp and in focus. Keep your camera at eye level when taking your pictures and ensure they are looking right down the lens. 11. QUALITY IS IMPORTANT If you are taking your child's head-shots yourself, do make sure you use a quality camera or smart phone - a tripod will keep the camera still.. Avoid using any apps that will reduce the quality and do not add filters before sending these to the Agency. |
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