I received an MM message from a photographer based out of Houston TX who said:
"Hello Model, This is to inform you of an upcoming photo shoot in the United State by Hello magazine and this shoot will be great, if you are interested kindly email the person in-charge for more info about the shoot,thank you"

they provided me with the email of "the person in charge" and I've looked up the magazine, it seems like it at least exists but does anyone know anything about its reputation or anything? what do I do?

Just by the grammar alone, I would say it is probably another advance fee scam. Read the resources on MM on scams. Also remember the fact that just because they mention a magazine that actually exists does not really mean anything.

Probably a scam. Read this, and be aware of what might really be going on:

http://www.newmodels.com/Nigeria.html

I was doing some research and it looks like this scam has been around a while, thank you for the help!

First two words is a tip off! "Hello model". They don't even bother to change it to your name!

If the email you were given is someone@ hotmail, gmail, etc., instead of @ the magazine it is a scam.

If the original member was brand new, and has now disappeared from the site, they were a scammer that waqs found out & booted.

Do not reply to that email address. Do not give further contact info or personal info.
Report the original member to Mayhem via Contact a Mod

if you have to ask; then 99.99999% of the time it's a scam!

and yes...scam.