Tips for professional Child Headshots

As a leading headshot photographer in Dallas, TX, I’ll be using examples of headshots from the well-known “rising star” Eurpoean (Dutch) child model Summer de snoo for this article. Her striking looks and bright blue eyes have made her a favorite of many, causing her career to rise with predictions of even greater future success. As of this article, she’s just over 10 years old, and has been modeling since age 4.

I’m starting with black-and-white headshots, on purpose, to show that — with the right post and lighting, you can convey a captivating and effective headshot, even without the blonde hair and blue eyes. Color headshots are also great, but if a headshot does not work in black-and-white, and can’t stand alone in that format, it probably will not work in color either. Each of the color headshot examples, later in this article would also be a great success were they shown in black and white format.

SHOULDER REVEAL HEADSHOT
The first type of headshot we’ll talk about is what I will call the “shoulder reveal” modeling headshot. Now, if the off-the-sholder goes too far down then it is more of a sensual photo, and too alluring of an image for a child modeling headshot. This example below shows a “shoulder reveal” done right in my opinion — feminine and still innocent.

Great example ot tasteful modeling “shoulder reveal” style headshot for child modeling portfolio.

Here’s another example of a tasteful off-the-shoulder portrait that is both heautiful and wholesome.

WHAT IS AGE APPROPRIATE?
In this next set of images: the spagetti strap top is fine, but better suted to an outdoor, sundress type of photo in a field with flowers. But when it comes down too low, or the top is removed, now it becomes an alluring photo, suggesting the child wants a sexual response from the viewer. And this is too far — not appropriate for professional children’s headshots and fashion photography. Obviously those using sexuality to sell everything will push the boundaries and this is something you, as a parent, or an agency need to guard against in a child’s commercial image.

Pushing the boundaries into dangerous terrirory that can quickly become not appropriate. This is not an adult and should not be sexualized into a lurid object. A truly professional headshot photographer will know not to present a child in a sensual fashion.

A child and a young adult woman should not be presented the same way becuase they are not the same.

Let Sumer be what she is — a beautiful child — and let her headshot honestly convey that without over-glamorizing or objectifying her image.

Color Children Headshots

Marcus is a professional photographer, based in Dallas, TX, specializing in headshot photography for models, actors, and commercial purposes. See examples of his Dallas headshots at www.HeadShotPros.com