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HEADSHOT PREP INSTRUCTIONS
PRESCREEN PREP INSTRUCTIONS (coming soon)
HEADSHOTS + prescreens
book together & Save!
Need BOTH Headshots & Prescreens?
SAVE $100!
(promocode ‘IndividualCombo’ in the MTCA Store)
HEADSHOTS
natural light + studio sessions, full resolution downloads, professional retouching and optional hair + makeup stylists
Headshots that focus on positioning and marketing you towards the type of performer you are! It’s not just an 8×10 of your face, it is a tool that works for you when you are not even in the room! The sessions usually lasts about 45-60min - rates includes 2 outfits/looks, hi-res downloads and 1(one) retouched image of your choice. Hair & Make Up Stylist options (Brooklyn Studio Only) and additional looks/retouches available upon request/availability. Dates and times are avail by appt on a first come, first serve basis based on Matt's availability. Please schedule sooner than later to avoid him filling up! Your time slot with him is reserved when we receive payment through the MTCA store!
$450
pearl Headshot Days
Located at PEARL STUDIOS on Select Days
(FYI - NO Hair/Make Up Stylist avail on these days)
$450
studio Individual Session
Located at Matt Simpkins Photography Studio in Brooklyn
Add on options: Hair/Make Up & Extra Looks
prescreens
Your MTCA approved Prescreen Videos DONE RIGHT with a professional camera, lighting & sound setup!
THE 2026 MTCA PRESCREEN TEAM:
Sessions are filmed by Matt OR one of his fellow MTCA prescreen-trained professional videographers!
MTCA Prescreen Days at Pearl Studios are booked via MTCA. For Individual Prescreen Sessions at his studio, schedule directly with Matt by contacting him via this site below. The Prescreen Sessions last 1.5 hours and includes all needs for songs and monologues, as well as editing. Dance filming is done separately (see the Prescreen Choreography Package in the MTCA Store). Expedited Turnaround and additional filming time is available upon request.
Dates and times are LIMITED and only avail by appt on a first come, first serve basis based on Matt's availability. Please schedule sooner than later to avoid him filling up!
$600
pearl Prescreen Days
Located at PEARL STUDIOS on Select Days
(FYI - NO Hair/Make Up Stylist avail on these days)
$600
studio Individual Session
Located at Matt Simpkins Photography Studio in Brooklyn
Add on options: Hair/Make Up & Additional Time
CHECK SCHEDULE FOR AVAIL BEFORE PAYING!!
Headshot galleries
Each student gets an easy to use private, interactive downloadable online gallery to help you sort, favorite, share and choose your best shot!
quick 7-day turnaround
Don't worry! You'll have your final media in time for that big time college application. We want you to get those prescreen videos and new headshots in ASAP!
digital downloads
Only the highest resolution for our clients. It's 2026, isn't it? Easily download the entire shoot from your online gallery. Prescreen videos sent easily with dropbox!
customized options
Need extra retouches? A Hair/Make Up Stylist? Expedited Turnaround or Extra Recording Time? We are happy to customize our packages to meet your needs. Yes, it's that easy.
retouching
Say goodbye to those unwanted blemishes and problem areas! Matt does his own professional retouching by hand ....no filters, or outsourcing to third party apps here!
payments
We keep things easy and all in one place!
Headshot & Prescreen Sessions are purchased right thru the MTCA Store!
About Matt
Like many, my love of photography began years ago as a creative outlet while performing. In between shows, gigs, auditions and classes, I would experiment with different lenses, lighting and subjects. It wasn't long before I discovered the power of a photo that truly captures people at their best while helping them in their own careers. My passion became a driving force and turned quickly into a successful business.
As a NYC based headshot photographer, I have the great joy of getting to meet and collaborate with so many talented artists, and it’s one of my favorite aspects of my job. Coming from a professional performing background, I know how important marketing yourself wisely is, and how much of a difference it can make in your success. A good headshot not only makes you look great, but it captures who you really are and is ENGAGING! This is the moment that I strive to get out of my clients on every shoot. My #1 goal is to discover the aspect of each person that makes Casting, Directors & Producers scream "I want to get to know them!”
Beyond photography, I’m an award-winning Director of Photography, whose work has been distributed globally on major platforms including NETFLIX, HBO MAX & AMAZON PRIME - including the critically acclaimed ‘UPROOTED: THE JOURNEY OF JAZZ DANCE’ & ‘GOLDEN OPULENCE: 500 YEARS OF LUXURY IN ANATOLIA’. Known for his striking visual style and intuitive storytelling, Matt has garnered multiple best cinematography awards for his work on narrative and documentary projects and has had his work featured at over 50 international film festivals.
I still remain active in the professional theatrical community as member of AEA and currently direct and choreograph for productions around the Country. I look forward to meeting you and guiding you towards a personally unique and captivating image...while having a lot of fun in the process!
Matt’s clients are currently represented all over Film/TV, Broadway, Tony Nominees, Off-Broadway and hit National Tours.
kind words
HEADSHOT PREP INFORMATION
WHERE do i go?
1
If you booked a session with one of MTCA’s HEADSHOT DAYS, those are at Pearl Studios 500 8th Avenue in Midtown NYC. MTCA will notify you of the studio number.
If you booked an INDIVIDUAL SESSION at Matt Simpkins Photography in Brooklyn, you will get an email 48hrs prior with the directions and information pertaining to the exact location of his studio. It is located at Industry City in Brooklyn right off the express N or D train from midtown or if driving, off the BQE. Safe parking is available (minimal cost ex. $5)
At either location, if you arrive early, please wait outside the studio till the time of your appt.
What clothing do i bring?
2
Bring what you get complimented in and what you feel most comfortable wearing. Bring as many options as you'd like and we'll go through them together! Fitted outfits (tops, tanks, pants, dress shirts, casual dresses and T-shirts) in colors that compliment your skin tone. Nothing that adds too much weight to you or makes you loose your shape. Light layers are awesome. Vest/light jackets are good choices as well. Keep it fashionable (only if you do wear them in real life, we want you to look like you). Women, focus on necklines that show off your collar bones (scoops, tanks, v-necks, button downs, etc). Don't worry about shoes, we won't see them.
If I booked a Hair & Makeup Stylist, what do I need?
3
Make sure you bring anything you will need for hair & makeup whether or not you hire a stylist. Maybe a favorite lipstick color or other make up preferences to run by the stylist. If you do hire a stylist, please arrive with clean hair and a moisturized face. It's easier to clean up that unfortunate breakout in the retouching than layer on makeup. Personally supply of hair products and lip balm are preferred regardless of booking a stylist or not.
HMU stylists are only avail add ons for Individual Sessions at his Brooklyn Studio.
Anything else to know?
4
Music: We've got Spotify, Apple Music, etc and a whole slew of our fav playlists! Or bring your own playlist and we'll gladly jam along to your fav songs!
In Preparation: Make sure to drink plenty of water the night before, come hydrated and refreshed! Please make sure to bring clean clothing & iron or steam your tops. If a wrinkle or two find their way onto your outfits during transit, no worries, we'll have a steamer handy and normal wrinkles can be eliminated in the retouching as well.
Anything else? Bring anything that will keep you happy and grooving. Thirsty? Don't worry, we have plenty of Coffee/Espresso, Teas & Water for you during the whole shoot! :)