Share your headshot for an acting audition
With a trusted adult's help, take a simple headshot photo using natural light, plain background, and neutral expression to practice audition presentation.
Step-by-step guide to share your headshot for an acting audition
Step 1
Ask a trusted adult to help you set up and take your headshot.
Step 2
Choose a plain backdrop or stand in front of a light-colored wall.
Step 3
Put on a solid neutral-colored top so your face is the focus.
Step 4
Brush your hair to make it neat and tidy.
Step 5
Stand or sit near the window so soft natural light falls on your face.
Step 6
Ask the adult to hold the camera or phone at eye level about an arm’s length away.
Step 7
Relax your shoulders so you look calm and natural.
Step 8
Keep your chin level with the camera to show your face clearly.
Step 9
Practice a neutral expression with a tiny friendly smile.
Step 10
Have the adult take several photos while you keep the same pose and light.
Step 11
Look through the photos with your adult to find the clearest ones.
Step 12
Choose the photo that has the best lighting and a neutral expression.
Step 13
Smooth your hair or straighten your top if you want a small fix.
Step 14
Ask the adult to take one more photo using the same setup if you made a change.
Step 15
Share your finished headshot on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have a plain backdrop, neutral top, or a phone/camera?
Hang a smooth white bedsheet on a wall as your plain backdrop, wear a solid-colored T‑shirt as the neutral top, and use a tablet or any camera held by the trusted adult at eye level near the window.
My photos are too dark or have harsh shadows—how do we fix that?
Move closer to the window for softer natural light, ask the adult to hold the camera at the instructed arm’s-length eye level and use a white poster board opposite the window as a reflector to fill shadows before taking several photos.
How should we change the steps for younger or older kids?
For toddlers, sit them on the trusted adult's lap, use a favorite toy to elicit a tiny friendly smile and take many quick shots, while older kids can try slight head turns, different neutral tops, and review photos to choose the clearest one.
How can we improve or personalize the headshot after taking photos?
After choosing the photo with the best lighting and neutral expression, make small fixes like smoothing hair or straightening the top, retake the single final shot with the same setup, optionally crop lightly, and then share the finished headshot on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to share your headshot for an acting audition
how to have a great acting headshot: everything you need to know
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Facts about audition preparation for kids
☀️ Soft natural window light is one of the easiest and most flattering lighting options for headshots.
🙂 A neutral, relaxed expression is the most versatile for auditions because it lets directors imagine you in many roles.
🎭 A plain, uncluttered background helps casting teams focus on your face and expression, not the scene.
📷 Casting directors often form a first impression in under 30 seconds when reviewing headshots.
👕 Solid, mid-tone colors usually photograph better than busy patterns or neon colors that can distract.
How do I take a simple headshot for my child's acting audition?
What materials do I need to take a kid's audition headshot at home?
What ages is taking a practice headshot suitable for?
What safety tips should I follow when helping my child take audition headshots?
Make things. Learn new skills. Share safely.
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