BRAND GUIDELINES FROM M&T CORPORATE

 Photo Shoot Overview

• Please arrive promptly to your photo shoot with your hair and/or makeup ready for the day. Upon arriving at the photo shoot, you will be greeted by the photographer or their assistant. They will review your wardrobe with you and take care of any last-minute touch-ups prior to having you step on set.

• Once on set, the photographer will discuss with you any issues or concerns you may have. They will direct you through a variety of poses and looks to ensure the creation of an image that you are happy with and that meets our brand standards.

• Be honest and direct with the photographer about any concerns you may have, as many can be minimized on set with small changes to pose. Additionally, please inform the photographer of any retouching notes or requests you may have.

• Your final retouched image may be used for a variety of internal and external marketing/advertising materials.

How to Prepare for the Photo Shoot 

• Come with your hair and makeup done to the standards of your day-to-day wear. In addition, we ask that you bring your own makeup for any needed touch-ups on set, primarily to control shine. It is suggested that anyone not wearing makeup (including men) invest in some shine-control powder or oil-blotting sheets, such as Shiseido or Clean & Clear brands. 

• Keep your makeup simple and business appropriate. 

• Avoid spray tanning in the week leading up to the shoot because it can cause streaks on the skin that are difficult to remove in postproduction. 

• Avoid using skin products that contain Retin-A or alpha hydroxy in the week leading up to the shoot, as they can cause the skin to peel and take on a red tint that is difficult to correct in postproduction. 

• Stay well hydrated – drink plenty of water in the days leading up to the shoot because it will help your skin look healthy and minimize oiliness and redness. 

• Use a light moisturizer in the days leading up to the shoot. This is especially important in winter and in colder/drier climates where the weather can cause redness and dryness. 

• Use a lip balm in the days leading up to the shoot to ensure that your lips are not cracked or chapped. This is especially important in winter and in colder/drier climates where the weather can cause redness and dryness. 

Wardrobe Suggestions

• Please refer to your business line’s specific wardrobe guidelines.

• Make sure that all wardrobe is properly tailored and pressed. A good fit is important to making sure you look your best on shoot day.

• Avoid intricate patterns or very small repetitive prints because they tend to photograph poorly. Please also avoid pinstripes and glen plaid for the same reason.

• Suits, shirts, dresses, and business-appropriate knitwear in dark-gray, dark-green, blue, black, and cream tones tend to photograph best. If you want to include some brighter colors, do so sparingly – in a tie, pocket square, or piece of jewelry, at most. Please also avoid very saturated primary reds, as they can draw the eye away from the focal point of the image.

• Ties are not mandatory, but if wearing a tie, solid or simple-patterned options are best. No novelty ties are permitted.

• If wearing jewelry, keep it simple and contemporary.

• Avoid wearing any clothing items or accessories with a sheen, as it will photograph poorly.

• Avoid wardrobe items with visible logos or branding on them.

• Please use a garment bag to bring your wardrobe to the shoot location. Do not wear it to the shoot, as commuting and regular day wear prior to the shoot will cause wrinkles, rumples, and worse. Make sure your wardrobe is fresh, and change just before the shoot.

• When in doubt, keep it simple and keep it classic.

Wardrobe Examples

The following images are examples of appropriate wardrobe choices for these portraits. They are also indicative of what your final image may look like. (these photos were not taken by Tammy Brice)