Child Actors Headshot Photographer Orlando FL
Our headshots for teens, kids, and children are designed to POP! We want to make a strong impact on agencies and casting directors so your teen or child actor immediately stands out.
Read on to discover the ways that Palm Lake Headshots helps your child stand out through professional lighting, studio settings, outdoor headshot concepts, and modern posing designed to get your young actor immediately noticed!
Hi, there!
I’m Eldeen Annette, a professional photographer who has specialized in headshots for actors for over 15 years.
I have two teenage girls who began acting when they were about 10 years old! I’ve been in this industry for a long time and love seeing how it has evolved over the years.
I have had the joy of photographing hundreds of child and teen actors during my career as a headshot photographer. These sweet young actors I get to work with have landed roles not only in this commercial Florida market, but also in Denver, Atlanta, and New York!
Every photo shoot is fun! We play music, get laughs going, and capture a genuine smile from each young actor or actress. I can’t wait to meet you and capture your child or teen in a way that casting directors can’t ignore.
You are here because you are curious if I’m the right photographer for your teen or child. Let’s talk a bit about what makes young acting headshots sessions unique, and what a session like me could look like! First things first, though - let’s ask a basic, but super important question:
Why is it so important to have your child acting headshots done by a professional?
Your teen or child’s acting headshot has a direct impact on how a casting director will determine whether or not they would like your audition tape. If you submit a headshot that is obviously not taken professionally, then casting directors are not likely to take you seriously.
Having your headshots done by a pro who specializes in headshots for actors, whether film or theater, is vital to your potential success as an actor.
Not only does your headshot highlight your best features and character, your child or teen’s headshot quality will help directors know that you take your career and talent seriously. And in Orlando, that is a very important piece to your portrait.
We have loads of amazing talent here in central Florida! Making this investment is incredibly rewarding and will pay you back many times over the course of your career.
How do you create natural-looking actor headshots that pop?
Excellent question. Let’s talk about how!
To capture headshots that really stand out for young kids and teenagers in Florida, we have to capture all-natural, commercial youthfulness in a way that immediately draws in the viewer (and leaves them wanting to know more).
There are a few very important things to know to capture headshots that pop. These elements, when you put them all together, create a winning recipe for excellent headshots that book.
Here are a few important elements we focus on so your headshots stand out above the others:
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Excellent Lighting
I use modern, proprietary lighting techniques that were influenced by private acting coaches here in Central Florida, who know the market intimately, and from two of my mentors in Los Angeles.
These original techniques are specifically designed to highlight your child’s best features and help them appear youthful and captivating.
I also often use fully natural light for a portion of our time together. Natural light provides a soft appeal, youthfulness, and when the sun hits just right, a beautiful glow that captures attention and softens skin. A combination of photography studio lighting and natural light is the best way to capture a natural, profssional headshot for your child.
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The Right Choice in Environment and Backdrop
The Florida market from Orlando to Miami (and everything in-between) requires that a child or teenager’s headshot be youthful, natural, and friendly. I have a wide variety of simple-but-effective backdrops so that your actor headshots aren’t full of distractions, and the focus immediately goes to your child’s eyes, smile, and personality.
Often, casting directors like to see a simple outdoor backdrop. We have a wonderful variety of neutral outdoor backdrops here that photograph beautifully for actors.
Whether your headshot session requires an in-studio or an outdoor natural background, our goal is to focus on creating headshots that help your young actor stand out.
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Authentic, Effective Expressions
Your agency wants to see both theatrical expressions, as well as commercial expressions for the actors. …but they don’t want expressions to feel forced or fake.
We will capture authentic smiles that communicate joy, youthfulness, and of course, your child’s unique personality!
We also focus on capturing images that draw you in. For teenagers, theatrical expressions can be a bit more serious - but for younger actors, even theatrical expressions must have a spark of sweetness, innocence, and child-likeness. I have lots of experience (and fun!) drawing out the characteristics that work best for getting auditions.
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Eyes That Shine
You can tell a lot about someone through their eyes. So, eyes that sparkle are incredibly important to an effective headshot. Eyes can immediately draw in a viewer, and offer instant connection when they shine.
The eyes are the most important piece to successfully communicating your child’s expertise, unique personality, and of course, the color itself! Casting directors want to know your child’s eye color, so we are sure to photograph them in a way that has stunning catchlights and immediate interest.
Whether your child’s eyes are blue, brown, green, or hazel, they will sparkle and captivate.
How Often Should You Update Your Child’s Acting Headshot?
We have one simple answer, with lots of good reasons why:
EVERY 6 MONTHS TO A YEAR.
Assuming you plan to audition for several shows, films, or productions each year, it is vitally important to keep your headshot fresh when you are a teenager or child.
There are three big reasons why your child’s headshots should be updated regularly:
Your child is changing and growing like a weed!
Directors want as accurate a representation as possible for your headshots. Especially during the pre-teen and teenage years, kids can grow quickly, which will have a major impact on if they are right for the age of the character or not. Not having a professional and accurate headshot will not start you out on the right foot with your casting directors.
Make a strong first impression by offering a clean, professional, and accurate headshot for your auditions.
In the first headshot of our actor, Summer, she is 13 years old (and was normally cast as a 9-11 year old). The second headshot is just 3 years later! At age 16, this teen has blossomed into a completely different type of audition. Each year, she received a new set of headshots in order to keep her auditions relevant and her casting directors and agency excited to see her work.
Keep your headshots fresh, so directors don’t pass on you quickly.
Often, there are the same set of casting directors in Orlando that will select actors for auditions on many projects that you may desire to have your child audition for.
Getting a new set of images, sometimes even within 6 months, will help your image be “new” to casting directors. If they have passed on you as their choice previously, submitting the same headshot would be a difficult way to get that audition the second time around.
Give your directors something new to think about, show them your progress, and keep your image exciting and relevant.
As you move forward with your young acting career, you may gain experience, expand your range of roles, or shift your focus within the industry. Your headshot should align with your development. Yearly updates help to capture your growth and versatility, demonstrating your ability to fit different characters or modeling styles.
Updating headshots regularly helps you develop your portfolio and range as an actor.
Your teen or child has not only grown physically but also as an actor! She is developing new skills, abilities, and characters. When you have your headshots done regularly, your web page can be full of the appeal of professional experience, making your teen or child seem ready for the role.
Having headshots taken each year is also excellent practice for thinking outside the box. We challenge our young actors to play different characters during their session, often giving them small “scenes” to imagine.
In the fast-paced world of acting, trends and industry standards can change constantly. By updating your professional headshots, you show directors that you are up to date and understand the latest industry expectations. This will give you a competitive edge and catch the attention of casting directors, agents and clients.
What are your goals with your child actor headshots?
I would love to get to know you and your young actor a bit more, learn about your experience and acting goals, and see how we can help you achieve those goals.
Are you looking for theater actor headshots? This is a different style of headshot more akin to what you might find on Broadway in New York City! For theater actors, you can easily get by with a basic theater actor headshot session.
Are you in need of a simple commercial headshot to submit to agencies? Book our 1-look headshot session online where we will capture a Florida-market-ready headshot that pops.
Do you want a great headshot for film/commercial, and also a dedicated theater headshot? With older kids and teenagers, this is most often the case! Book a 2-look session to get started.
Do you need a full re-do on headshots because of a new hair-cut, color change, or just good ol’ getting older? Schedule a multi-look session for fresh, relevant headshots overnight.
Simple 1-look session
$249
Are you just getting started, or looking to get signed with a talent agency? I recommend getting your foot in the door with our most basic 1-look session. Try professional acting on for size and see how you like it before investing in a more full acting headshots session!
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1 Look - $249
2 Looks - $349
3 Looks - $449
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Eldeen Annette will get in touch with you within 48 hours to schedule your session. Sessions are available Tuesday - Friday from 10am to 4pm
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Each session is about 30-40 minutes per look. Your session comes with one edited headshot per look (with 30 to choose from per look).
Hair and Makeup available for $165. Contact to book a stylist.
Multi-Look Acting Headshot Sessions
If you are just starting out, get a major jump-start with more than one look during your teen acting headshots. Show directors that you can play several characters and help them envision you in the role you are auditioning for. We always recommend one look that is neutral, one bright and commercial, one that is more theatrical or serious, and always love to see one headshot that works for a comedic or character look!
Are you feeling like your teen or child is ready to commit to this field and need to build your portfolio of headshots for your agency and casting director? We would always recommend a multi-look session to show directors you are serious about this field and will be exactly the right choice professionally for their production.
With every look, we shoot for multiple expressions, so you have LOTS of choices for your final images. We keep posing simple, lighting professional and clean, and help guide you through different “characters” to help you create a unique personality and style that stands out.
My services as your photographer
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After booking, we will schedule a call to talk about what you need from your headshot session.
Then, I can help you plan outfits, hair supplies, and everything else to fully prepare you for a successful shoot.
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After we’ve decided what looks are best for your child, I will get to work creating a plan of action. The type of light, backgrounds, and environment will all be tailored to your acting headshot session.
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My main job!
This is our day to have fun and capture your perfect headshots.
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Casting Directors want images that look naturally perfect. As a photographer for over 15 years (and 5 years previously as a graphic designer), I have a specialized set of skills made for naturally perfect editing. Your favorite headshots will be edited and sent back to you in several crop options.
See what others are saying about their child and teen actor headshot experience…
“Eldeen was amazing! I’m an actress and needed my headshots updated! She was super friendly, receptive and made me feel comfortable and confident! She asked about me to try to catch my essence in the pictures, which I think she did perfectly! Her eye for what looks best for you in terms of colors and style is superb! I will definitely work with her again!! The shoot was also super efficient and she knew exactly what to say to capture the best in me!”
~Emma
“I cannot recommend Eldeen enough. She made my daughter not only feel comfortable during her photo shoot, but seeing her confidence grow throughout the session was amazing. The proofs came back super fast! A ton of recommendations and advice provided which I appreciate so much :)”
~Jessika
“I had so much fun working with Eldeen! I’ve never had headshots done before, so I was nervous! But Eldeen was so kind and laid-back, she made me feel completely comfortable in front of the camera. I’ve never had so much confidence in my life. She helped guide me through each pose so I’d know what to do. My pictures are amazing! Thank you so much, Eldeen ( and the awesome hair/makeup stylist Vanessa!), I truly hope we get to work together again soon!”
~Kat
“Not only does Eldeen have a mastery of her own profession, but has tremendous knowledge of the entertainment industry which is so helpful in pinning down looks and poses for actor headshots. From the beginning to the end of my son's session, her total focus was on him and making them feel completely comfortable. I was so amazed at how quickly we received the proof gallery, and even more astonished at how fast edits started arriving in our inbox!! Blown away by how great the headshots look!! Highly recommend!!”
~Shannon
“Eldeen is fantastic! My son had a blast working with her to get his first professional headshots! All the shots came our so great, it’s hard to narrow down to our faves!”
~Nikki
Acting Student Headshots in Orlando
Many times, actors are students and work with coaches and companies. I will coordinate with your coach to get a better feel for how your son or daughter should be uniquely photographed in order to stand out. From what they need to wear, what their agency would like to see, to what roles they go for and what looks they need for their portfolio, your child’s acting headshot session will be tailored to your unique needs.
We also always include several expressions with each look. We know that young actors and acting students need headshots for both theater, film, and commercials. You will have several options of expressions with each outfit to best fit your auditions.
Would your coach like to partner?
I partner with coaches and agencies to provide discounted rates for students. If you’d love to know more, talk to your coach, send them here, and ask them if they’d be interested in partnering in order to offer all of their acting students a special rate.
Acting coaches and agencies who partner with me will receive a unique check-out code that their students can order their headshot session with, and get a pre-arranged rate.
FAQ
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We are located in Orlando, Florida, near Universal Studios. Windermere and Dr. Phillips area.
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We will discuss all of your options during the pre-session consultation call.
In general, you will need to prepare clothing that is youthful, simple, bright, friendly, and well-fitting.
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24-48 hours after your purchase, I will be in touch via email or phone to schedule your photo session.
Haven’t heard back yet? Check your spam folder and if you are still unable to find the email, please contact me.
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In short, no. Each look includes 1 edited image provided in full resolution (with 30 to choose from). However, additional edited images are just $25!
There is also an option to upgrade your session to include all unedited shots for $100 more per look. You can decide after you see your images if you’d like to have them all, and I will send you to the correct order page!
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I archive the chosen edits for 12 months. I do not archive images that were not selected for editing. It is strongly advised that you save your images somewhere safely on your computer and back up your images.
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No-shows and photo sessions that are canceled within 24 hours are non-refundable. If you find that you need cancel your session, let us know sooner than 24 hours before your session time to receive a full refund or re-schedule.
Of course, there are exceptions for weather or sudden illness! I do my best to work with you :)
If you ordered hair and makeup, that fee is non-refundable as well if canceled within 24 hours of your headshot session.
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Super fun! I love to pull out your best, and tend to “act” right along with you! I will guide students’ poses and help children communicate types and characters. I have found that a super relaxed environment helps it to feel like we're just hanging out, having a good time. Feel free to bring your own playlist to rock out or we have full music services to choose from. Come ready to collaborate and have a great time!
As you know by now,
I am a Professional Acting Headshot Photographer Located in Orlando, Florida
Well… Windermere, FL, more specifically :) Let’s talk about how blessed I feel to be at this location!
Orlando is a wonderful place to start your acting career. From the Dr. Phillips Center to Disneyworld, there are so many opportunities for actors here, it is the perfect state for your child to begin his or her acting career. For student actors pursuing film, Atlanta is a short flight or day’s drive away, and we have several talent and acting agencies in the Orlando area that represent talent that regularly books work on set in Georgia.
I serve the greater Central Florida area, including Windermere (where my home studio is located), Winter Garden, Orlando, Ocoee, Horizon West, Tampa, Kissimmee, Gotha, Clermont, Winter Park, and the surrounding areas. I have also had the joy of photographing kids from Miami, St. Pete, and the Space Coast (Deltona and Daytona areas).
Being a centrally-located professional photography studio that specializes in acting headshots is great for me (hello, Universal Studios rides!), and great for my acting headshot clients.
So let’s get started! Head over to the acting headshot session page or scroll up to the headshot session product link to order your session. Then stay tuned for an email to get things rolling on your acting headshot session!