At The, your abilities take center stage.  But while you’re attempting to leave a lasting impression on the industry professionals with your performance abilities, you also want to leave them something tangible to bring home with them to remember who you are.

Your photos are your business cards and should do the job of presenting you to the industry professionals.

Actors and models both need to bring photos with them to The for the industry professionals to remember their performances and allow them to compare you against other talent and models for possible representation.

But what are the requirements?

For actors, headshots are the key.  An 8 x 10 color photo of your face is industry standard.

Remember that the photos are a direct reprsentation of you and should therefore look like you.  Refrain from excessive makeup or stylization (I.E. Glamour Shots).  You will also want to have printed your name along the bottom.

Most actors have two variations of their headshot:  a theatrical and a commercial headshot.  Theatrical headshots are more serious in nature.  There is no smile but the focus is more on their eyes, jaw line and cheekbones.  Commercial headshots are more typically seen in the industry.  These have a smile and showcase the personality of the individual (as much as it can be shown in a photo).

For models, a comp (or zed) card is important.  These are a 5 x 7 color card with a good headshot on the front and anywhere from three to four photos on the back showing you in various outfits and looks to symbolize your diversity for modeling.

You will also want to include basic statistics like:  hair color, eye color, height, weight, measurements (girls – hips, bust, waist; boys – suit size, pant size, shirt size).  In addition to this information, include your name on the front with the main photo.

It also doesn’t hurt for models to have a starter portfolio ready.  These are 8 x 12 glossy photos of you in your favorite looks.  Later on down the line, this portfolio will also include tear sheets of your various modeling jobs.

Keep in mind that all photos are a direct representation of you.  Stay away from overstylized photos with excessive makeup, jewelry, overdone hair, etc.  Keep things simple.  And since they are a direct representation of you, be sure to update your photos if any major changes occur in your appearance (I.E. hair color change, hair length change, braces on/off, major changes in features).  Keep your photos updated because industry professionals want to see current photos that look like you.

We recommend that you bring 75-100 headshots and/or comp(zed) cards with you to the event.  You may not distribute all of them, but it’s always better to have too many than to run out.

If you have not already had your photo shoot completed, keep in mind the following guidelines:

NAILS: Well-manicured nails are important.  No long nails.  Clean, medium length nails for women.  No color on nails.  Model’s manicure for women should be clear polish only on hands and feet.  Natural, clean, short nails for girls and boys.

SHAVE: Legs and underarms need to be clean-shaven (girls) and any unwanted facial hairs are to be removed (both girls and boys).  Well-groomed eyebrows are a must for girls and boys.  An alternate to shaving is to use ‘Veet’ cream which easily wipes off hair.  We recommend doing this for the first time several weeks prior to the shoot in case of bumps or reactions.  Body hair takes away from a person in photos and shaving also helps show muscle tone and definition.

HAIR: Arrive to your shoot with clean, dry, simple styled/set hair.  DO NOT SHOW UP WITH DAMP HAIR IN A PONYTAIL.  Most photo shoots provide a make-up artist who will assist in putting the hair up in pony tails and some up-dos and to manage fly-away strands.  FULL HAIR SERVICE IS NOT TYPICALLY PROVIDED.  It is advised to wear your hair down with whatever product you normally use to style your hair naturally.  If you have naturally curly hair, arrive with your hair curly with any styling products you normally use in your hair.  If you straighten your hair, please arrive with it straightened.  Be sure that your cut and color is updated.  If you plan on cutting or coloring your hair, don’t do it the day before!  Cuts and color should be done at least one week in advance.

JEWELRY: Headshots – no jewelry for photo shoots – no earrings, necklaces, watches, and no body jewelry (nose rings, belly button rings, etc.).  Comp(Zed) Cards – no body jewelry (nose rings, belly button rings, etc.) should be visible.  We recommend staying away from wearing jewelry, however, there are a few exceptions.  If you have a great piece of jewelry that completes the outfit, bring it to the shoot – just remember that the stylist may not sure it.

TANS: In spite of what people believe, models/actors should stay out of the sun and avoid harsh winds that dry out the skin.  We do not encourage UV tanning.  It is VERY important that you do not have tan lines.

MAKE-UP: Come with your face clean and moisturized.  Most photo shoots provide a professional make-up artist who will apply all make-up.  If you have dry skin or dry spots, please apply moistrurizer several times prior to the shoot.  If you have sensitive skin, or a skin tone that is hard to match, you should bring your own concealer and foundation to the shoot.  No colored contacts or fake eyelashes.

FOR HEADSHOTS: For headshots, remember to keep it casual when considering the top and understand most photographers will only focuse on the mid-chest and up.  We recommend bringing long sleaves if you have long hair.  Boys and girls with short hair should bring short sleeve shirts.  Solid, dark or rich colors work best for most skin tones (Warm Red, Navy Blue, Fuchsia, Dark Pink, Rust, Brown, Deep Purple).  Black is fine too, however, color sets a better background for your face.  Stay away from pastels, logos or overwhelming prints.  Light weight jackets are great!  Denim jackets and leather jackets are easy to put on to completely change your look.

FOR FULL BODY SHOTS – COMP(ZED) CARD: Photo shoots are designed to give the talent/model a wide range of looks and marketability.  An updated, flattering and fitting wardrobe is a must.  Always bring extra outfits.  We recommend bringing at least 6-8 complete outfits to the shootf and allow the stylist or photographer to help select the looks you will shoot in.  Outfits should be complete with matching shoes and accessories and make sure that the clothes are not boring!  Plain black pants and a solid blue shirt are not considered a “complete outfit” – ask yourself:  is there a jacket that matches?  A belt or hat?  What is the theme – back to school or spring catalogue?  Look in catalogues and commercial advertisements for commercial print ideas.  Look in high fashion magazines for high fashion wardrobe ideas – try to ‘copy’ ads.  When selecting your wardrobe, keep in mind that the photographer is trying to market your best features.  Select outfits that vary in color, season, and style.

Updated, stylish, well fitting, age appropriate clothes are a must.  Jeans and khakis are good staple pieces to build around.  Also, coats and jackets are great – you can put jackets on easily to get an entirely different look.  Avoid heavy layering.  Too many layers add pounds.  Avoid tight fitting clothing that will leave marks on your skin.  If you are shooting in an outfit barefoot, make sure you don’t wear binding shoes prior to the shoot that will make marks.  Again, for your full body outfits, color is better!  Lots of color – brighter colors will make your photos stand out.  Bring as much color as you can.

Avoid overwhelming prints, no logos on clothing (unless they are minor and not overpowering) and nothing age inappropriate.  Girls under 14 should not bring stiletto heels.  Stay away from evening dresses, prom dresses, puffy sleeves or long dresses.  Avoid sleeveless if you don’t have great arms.  Variety is important.  Bring a choice of skirts, pants, shorts, jeans, tops, dressy, casual, business, school, sporty, summer and winter wardrobes.  Be careful not to have too much of one color.

Belts, scarves, purses, hats, ties, and jackets make the complete outfit.  Props add purpose and interest.  Never show labels!  Books, reading glasses, backpacks, purses, umbrellas, briefcases, coats, sports equipment, beach items, and iPods always work well.  Keep props simple and appropriate for each outfit.

Do not bring wrinkled or worn out clothes.  Have your wardrobe crisp and pressed on hangers before arriving.

OUTFITS FOR HIGH FASHION MODELS ONLY (GIRLS 5′8″ OR TALLER; GUYS 5′11″ OR TALLER): Think New York!  Because high fashion is constantly changing, it is more difficult to give specific guidelines.  We recommend looking through the latest fashion magazines and tearing out looks to go for (Bazaar, W, Vogue, Lucky, Glamour, Cosmo, etc.).  Be creative and use your imagination.  Be sure your wardrobe shows your best features (collar bone, jaw line, legs, height, and abs).  These are a few key features agents and managers look for in high fashion models.  Fitted clothes are very important.  High fashion does not mean show as much skin as possible.  Think classy, European looks – from sophisticated to creative.  You can find great high fashion looks at stores like Betsy Johnson, BeBe, Guess, Express, Express Men, H&M, BCBG, Hugo Boss, Nordstrom, and Macy’s.  Models who can be considered high fashion may bring heels to wear, if they meet the heigh requirements and are under 14 years.

JUST HAVE FUN: Remember to come prepared, have fun and relax!  Nervousness will show on camera.  Look through catalogs and magazines to get ideas for your shoot.  Tear out ads and bring them with you.  We also recommend that you bring CDs that you can dance  to and have fun with.  Music helps with your posing.

Bring your smiles and personality to the shoot!  The photographer will help you pose, however, it is up to you to bring a variety of smiles, serious looks and personality looks to the shoot.  Practice your expressions and different angles in the mirror.  They will take many pictures of you so they can select your best looks to market you as a professional.