What to bring to a photo shoot.

Headshots should be shot with solid colors, stay away from whites. Stripes and floral will take away from your face and so will straps, suspenders and short sleeves. You don't need to purchase a new wardrobe, but many models will buy clothes for a shoot and then return them. Our sessions are mostly done outdoors with natural lighting so bring water.

-Men-

Business Look: Bring a business suit with a starchy shirt (not white) and an assortment of classic ties. A single-breasted suit tends to photograph better than a double. All clothes should be clean and pressed and ready to shoot.

Casual Look: Solid sweaters and long sleeved shirts, jeans, sweats, turtlenecks and leather jackets should give us a variety of choices. We will choose several looks. Have an outfit that is a bit conservative or young and the other more artsy.

-Women-

Business Look: Bring a simple classic suit (pants or skirt) in a solid color. The blouse needs to be simple, no frills to take away from your face. DO NOT BRING shiny, glittery or metallic material that cause reflection. All clothes should be clean and pressed and ready to shoot. Wear nude color undergarments.

Casual Look: A soft pastel sweater and jeans is a great, classic, fresh, clean look. Turtlenecks look fabulous, especially if you are a few pounds overweight. Bring some pants that are comfortable to sit on the floor with. Stay away from short sleeves and straps; they draw attention away from your face. Solid colors only and NO WHITE.

Diva/Soap Look: This is your fun look! Add more make-up and make your hair a little more high fashion. (Not too much) Bring your favorite black top or that one sexy outfit that looks fabulous on you. Stay away from strapless or strapped shoulder lines, metallic and shine. They can take away from your face. Bring more than a few choices.

-Models - Men & Women-

Fashion Models sell clothes! So, make sure everything you bring looks new, pressed and ready to shoot. Including your shoes! Nude color undergarments are a must!

Commercial Models sell products! Tell a story in each look. Don't bring clothes for fashion models if you are less than 5'8. Know your market.

• The business man/woman at the PC or on the phone: Aleve to Alltel ads.
• The mom or dad reading to the kids or cooking on the grill: Weber to Barnes and Noble ads.
• The Nike Sport ad, power walking or jogging.
• Driving a great car or meeting a friend for coffee: BMW to Folgers ads.
• Dancing in eveningwear from: Geritol to Claritan ads.

Do your homework and look through magazines. Get ideas and bring ideas.

Beauty/Headshot: Commercial and Fashion Models This is the front cover of your card or the front page of your book. You should wear a color that looks fabulous on you! Something that makes your eyes jump off the page! A pastel turtleneck or a bright color that does not wash you out. Bring several choices and we will choose together. Look through the latest fashion magazines and get ideas. Search through your friend’s closet.

Casual/Fun: This is the Gap/Old Navy ad. khakis, capri pants, polo shirt, raincoat or slicker. Bright colors are recommended. You want to jump, laugh and have fun with this look. Commercial/Older Model's consider this the golf, gardening or playing with the family shot.

NYC/Sophisticated: Fashion Models This is an Armani/Versace ad. Leather pants and cool boots. The very high fashion look! Think funky, yet sophisticated. Scarves, hats, accessories.

Commercial/Business Look: Commercial Models (Not for teens) a simple business suit, briefcase, newspaper or cell phone. Men bring simple ties, ladies bring pumps that are classic.

Lingerie/Bathing Suit: If you are not in great shape, don't bother with this look. Choose your best asset and accentuate it. Men, if you have a great upper torso and skinny legs, consider a Guess ad and wear jeans without a shirt. Ladies, there is a fine line between sexy and sluty. Be careful with your choices and bring several alternatives. Long scarves and robes help to accessorize this look.

Winter Warm: On your composite you need a variety of looks, not just spring/summer. This is a turtleneck, a great winter coat or a handmade wool sweater. Women, bring opaque hose and boots. Gloves and hats can also add to this look.

MPE’s Photo Sessions are outdoors with natural lighting. Above all rules please wear comfortable clothes that you look and feel good in.

• Wear all solids. Never anything white!
• You do not need make-up. But if you decide on wearing the secret to wearing make up is to make it look like you are not wearing make up at all. No dark lips or heavy eye shadow. You want to look natural. MPE can provide you with a make-up artist for your shoot; contact us for pricing and available dates.
• Wear your hair down; casting directors need to see your hair length.
• Look Natural and be yourself. Your headshot needs to look like you when you go into an audition.
• Always look at the camera.
• Try not to look too sexy, natural is the key word here.
• Casting Directors are looking for comfortable, approachable, inviting looks.
• Select your favorites and ask everyone, "Who would you like to work with?"
• Get your 8x10 printed in a professional lab! Decide where to crop it. MPE can provide you with a Photo Lab (Located in Hollywood) that will crop and touch up your pictures.

After you have received your headshots on a disk take it to a Photo Lab (MPE can provide you with one). Remember it is always best to have your name printed at the bottom of your headshot and never print your resume on the back. It's better to have your resume on a different sheet of paper, stapled to your headshot in case you have to update it. If you have 300 resumes printed on 300 headshots you are stuck with them. Have an enticing cover letter the grabs attention. After you have your headshots, cover letter and your resume written mail the packet to agents to find auditions.