Back to blogJanuary 15, 2025

My First Headshot Day

Hi everyone! I still remember waking up early and being SO nervous about my first professional headshot day. My mom kept telling me I would do great, but my tummy still had butterflies the whole car ride there.

When we got to the studio, the photographer was so kind. She showed me the lights and the camera and let me look through some pictures other kids had taken. That helped me feel a lot less nervous, because I could see it was going to be fun, not scary.

We tried a bunch of different looks — some smiling big, some more serious and thoughtful, and some laughing for real because my mom made a silly joke behind the camera. The photographer kept saying 'there it is!' whenever she caught a shot she loved, which made me want to keep going.

By the end of the session, I actually didn't want to stop! I learned that headshots aren't just about smiling pretty — they're about showing who you really are so casting directors can get to know you before they even meet you.

My biggest tip for any kid getting ready for their first headshot day: get a good night's sleep, drink lots of water, and remember it's okay to be a little nervous. Once the camera starts clicking, it turns into so much fun.

Those very first headshots ended up helping me a lot — not long after, I booked my first commercial, the String Ring commercial, and things kept growing from there!

P.S. I'm represented by The Brock Agency, Inc. — casting directors, please contact my agency for auditions and bookings!

My credits

  • 2025String Ring commercial
  • Aug 2023CBN commercial, Virginia Beach (Liquid Talent)
  • Apr 2023Children's Hospital of Richmond commercial (Liquid Talent RVA)
  • Feb 2023Tanya Taylor Kids Collection, New York (model)
  • Jan 2023Tanya Taylor Photo Shoot, New York (model)
  • Jan 2023The Therapist, a Storytellers Production film, Richmond (role: Rita)
  • NBC12 Toy Drive for Home Again shelter, Richmond (spokeschild)

Casting directors I'd love to work with

I'd be so honored to read for these amazing casting directors who tell Black stories on screen. I'm available in the DMV, Atlanta and North Carolina!

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Eleaya Neveah youth talent full-body photo, standing in a denim jacket and jeans with a big smile

Booking & representation

Talent agents, casting directors, and managers — reach out for auditions, film and TV projects, commercials, and print bookings. Local hire in the Richmond, VA area, Virginia Beach / Hampton Roads, D.C. and Maryland, and available across the East Coast. Full portfolio, resume, and availability provided on request.

Represented by The Brock Agency, Inc. (East Coast) and L.A. Talent Youth & Emerging (California).

Local hireRichmond, VA areaVirginia Beach / Hampton RoadsDC & MarylandEast Coast

Agency contact

The Brock Agency, Inc.

Contact
Beverly Brock

Agency contact

L.A. Talent - Youth & Emerging (CA)

Contact
Jeremy Apody

Casting directors: please contact her agency (Brock for the East Coast, L.A. Talent for California) for auditions and bookings. Brand collaborations and general inquiries can use the form below.

Download PDF resume

For casting directors and model/talent agents.

All bookings are handled by Eleaya's parent/guardian. Use the form above to get in touch.