What to Wear for your Headshots:

The Boys Edition

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I recently had a young actor come in for his headshots, and his mom NAILED the wardrobe. So many versatile, clean, and perfectly castable looks. We were able to capture everything from Disney kid to dramatic roles, just with wardrobe changes and, of course, Wyatt's amazing ability to step into character.

Take a look at how we styled this little star:

The Disney/Nickelodeon Kid

Casting directors flip through hundreds of images, you want to make sure you are popping out of that thumbnail.

This bright red sweatshirt communicates Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, Commercials for toys, cereal, and theme parks, to name a few.

Casting directors flip through hundreds of images, you want to make sure you are popping out of that thumbnail.

Red communicates warmth, enthusiasm, and playfulness, which is ideal for upbeat commercials or Disney/Nick-style shows.

Perfect canvas for expression. With a clean background, the red shirt draws attention to the face and lets personality shine.

Pro Styling Tip: Stick to primary colors when you want a bold youthful feel like red, blue, and yellow all photograph beautifully. Just avoid overly saturated or neon versions that can reflect color onto the face or feel too trendy.

Smart & Serious Schoolboy

This red plaid shirt with a navy vest communicates maturity, thoughtfulness, and emotional depth. It reads perfectly for indie films, dramatic family roles, or the “good kid” with something going on beneath the surface.

The layered styling adds polish and structure without being too formal. It’s ideal for characters who are grounded, responsible, or wise beyond their years or even the rich kid with an attitude.

Pro Styling Tip: Choose timeless patterns in muted tones like navy, burgundy, or forest green for a more dramatic read. Brighter colors are best for commercial looks.

Cozy & Approachable

This cozy tan zip-up sweater communicates warmth, sincerity, and relatability. It’s the kind of look that instantly says, “sweet kid,” and works beautifully for commercials, family films, or holiday-themed projects.

The texture of the sweater adds visual interest without overpowering the image.

This is a great wardrobe option when you're aiming for natural, grounded roles—kids who are genuine, kind, or at the heart of a feel-good story.

Pro Styling Tip: Stick to soft, solid neutrals when you want the expression to shine. Light earth tones like tan, oatmeal, or soft grey photograph beautifully and create a calm, honest mood.

The Young Professional

This fitted blue blazer and dress shirt combo communicates confidence, intelligence, and precocious charm. It’s perfect for “mini executive” roles, gifted-kid characters, or campaigns with a polished, upscale aesthetic.

The key here is fit, when a blazer is tailored just right, it elevates the look without feeling like dress up.

Add glasses or a serious expression, and you’ve got instant “young CEO” or “kid genius” energy.

Pro Styling Tip: Choose blazers in solid navy or grey with a soft, structured fit. Pair with a simple shirt underneath—no ties needed—to keep it clean and age-appropriate.

Period Piece

Catch casting's eyes with something that feels unique yet grounded in character.

This white button-up with navy suspenders communicates vintage charm, sweet innocence, and timeless storytelling energy. It’s perfect for stylized roles, period pieces, or festival short films looking for a child actor with “that something special.”

Suspenders add an instant storytelling element, they feel intentional, thoughtful, and like the child is stepping into a character. Paired with a neutral expression or soft smile, it gives off “old soul” vibes in the best way.

This look helps your child stand out without being overdone and adds a cinematic quality to their headshots.

Pro Styling Tip: Choose suspenders in navy or muted tones, and pair with a crisp shirt and fitted pants. Keep the hair neat and expressions gentle to match the nostalgic feel of the outfit.

The Precocious Professional

This crisp white shirt paired with a yellow tie communicates quirky charm, intelligence, and vintage-inspired flair. It could be the precocious son of a high-powered executive or maybe he inherited the company and is now incharge of directing a bunch of adults around.

The yellow tie adds just enough character to make the image pop, giving off “bright kid with opinions” energy without going too costume-y. It’s perfect for stylized roles, retro-inspired films, or commercial work that leans into wit and nostalgia.

Pro Styling Tip: Bring lots of tie options as well as crisp button up shirts and nice slack options.

The Quirky Genius

This white shirt and yellow tie combo gets a whole new personality boost with glasses and a goofy expression. It instantly reads nerdy-funny, charmingly awkward, and wildly castable.

Think Young Sheldon, The Goldbergs, or even the sidekick in a Disney Channel comedy, this is the kid with the oversized backpack who gets run into by the bullies or helps someone write their essay for them.

Pro Styling Tip: Bring glasses options with lens popped out. Laura does have a few options at her studio.

The Class Clown

This Hawaiian shirt instantly communicates fun, bold, and full of personality. It gives casting directors a clear sense of a kid who could carry a scene with charisma and comedic timing.

Think Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Modern Family a little offbeat, totally lovable, and likely to steal the scene with one raised eyebrow or unexpected line delivery.

The bold pattern works here because it’s balanced with confidence and a bright expression. Paired with a simple background, this look feels stylized without being costume-y.

Pro Styling Tip: Loud prints can work great if the fit is right and the colors don’t overwhelm the child’s face.

Gritty, Edgy, Serious

This layered leather jacket over flannel, paired with an intense expression, instantly communicates grit, attitude, and emotional depth.

Think Stranger Things, The Walking Dead: World Beyond, or a younger version of The Outsiders, this is the kid who’s been through something.

The textures—worn leather, soft flannel—give the photo cinematic depth, while the expression tells casting this kid can act.

Pro Styling Tip: When styling for drama, texture and structure matter. Stick to muted or darker tones, and avoid anything overly trendy. Let the wardrobe support the story, not overpower it.

💡 Final Tip for Parents:

Bring multiple options and let me help style them on-set. We’ll make sure your child gets a full range that truly shows their personality and casting potential.

Ready to book a session? Let’s create your child’s standout headshots: BOOK SESSION HERE