One week before the session
Start with the purpose of the photographs. Is your child submitting to an agent, updating a casting profile, building a first portfolio or simply replacing photos they have outgrown? Clear goals determine whether you need a fast refresh or enough time for commercial and theatrical variety.
Share current submission needs
If an agent or manager gave specific instructions, send them before the shoot. Mention required backgrounds, framing, wardrobe guidance and whether the team wants a friendly commercial expression, a grounded theatrical image or both.
Try: “We’re going to make some pictures that show your real personality.” Avoid telling them they must perform perfectly or produce one specific smile.
Choose familiar grooming
Headshots should match the child who will walk into the audition. Avoid a dramatic haircut, unfamiliar styling, spray tan or a new skincare routine immediately before the session. Casting needs an accurate current representation.
Build a small wardrobe plan
Lay out complete outfits, photograph them together and send options if requested. Make sure everything fits today—not six months ago—and check how collars, sleeves and necklines sit while your child moves.
The day before
- Confirm the time, address, parking plan and selected setting.
- Steam clothing and pack complete outfits on hangers.
- Charge devices, but do not rely on screens as the only calming tool.
- Keep the evening normal and protect sleep where possible.
- Avoid overscheduling sports, rehearsals or late events.
Do not run an intense posing rehearsal. A child who arrives worried about remembering instructions often looks more guarded than a child who simply understands what the day will be like.
The morning of the shoot
Prioritize food and water
Give your child a familiar meal with protein and carbohydrates. Bring water and a clean snack that will not stain clothing, teeth or hands. Hunger can shorten attention much faster than shyness.
Arrive ready, but not extremely early
Ten minutes is usually enough. A long wait can use up the energy and patience you hoped to bring into the session. If traffic is unpredictable, wait nearby rather than asking a child to sit in the studio for an extended period.
Keep skin and hair natural
Use products your child already tolerates. Bring a brush, comb and simple touch-up supplies. For teens, light camera-ready grooming is helpful, but the final portrait should still match their real everyday appearance.
What to bring
- Two to four complete wardrobe options, depending on package.
- Hairbrush, comb, hair ties and familiar styling products.
- Water and a non-messy snack.
- Agency or manager notes, if any.
- Necessary glasses, hearing devices or other everyday items.
- A favorite small object for a young child, kept off camera unless useful.
The parent’s role during the session
Your calm matters. Stay nearby and encouraging, but allow one person—usually the photographer—to give directions. Multiple simultaneous prompts such as “smile,” “chin down,” “stand straight” and “look here” can quickly overwhelm a child.
Try not to critique expressions while images are being made. If something important is not working, Julia will adjust the light, pose, pacing or prompt. Your child should not feel that every frame is being graded.
Breaks, movement and a change of approach often create better expressions than repeating the same instruction more loudly.
Adjusting for age
Younger children
Shorter instructions, movement and quick visual changes usually work best. Outdoor sessions can be a strong choice for children who feel confined in a studio, while a controlled studio can be better when distractions are the bigger concern.
Preteens
Give them a little ownership. Let them help choose between two wardrobe options and explain why different expressions are useful. Respect for their opinions usually creates more cooperation than treating them like a very young child.
Teen actors
Teens often need privacy from constant parental feedback while still having a guardian present. The session can feel professional without becoming adult or overly stylized. Current hair, realistic skin texture and believable energy remain essential.
Final checklist
- Your child knows what will happen, but has not rehearsed one forced smile.
- Wardrobe is clean, current, comfortable and casting appropriate.
- Everyone has eaten, hydrated and allowed enough travel time.
- Agent requirements have been shared in advance.
- You selected studio, outdoor or on location during booking.