Working with models can be both a pleasure and a challenge. A superbly matched team of models will take your photo shoot a few levels higher. On the contrary, an unreliable or unmotivated model can spoil the whole atmosphere and often the results. So how to approach a photo shoot with people who are supposed to represent the emotions, moods and lifestyle of the brand in front of the lens?

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Preparation is the basis

Before you even get to the site, there are a few key things that need to be mastered. The first step is to choose the right models — not only visually, but also humanly. If you have the opportunity, request a casting call or at least a portfolio with video samples. In lifestyle photography, expression and naturalness are more important than classic modeling beauty.

Next, prepare moodboard, shotlist and, if possible, a short briefing for the models — ideally in collaboration with the production. Models will appreciate knowing what is expected of them and why.

At the same time, however, good preparation is the basis. The more accurate you have an idea of the scenes, poses and atmosphere, the smoother the photo shoot itself will be. The photographer should not invent situations all the way up on the spot — this leads to confusion and loss of energy on set. We recommend that you have a list of poses, a moodboard, as well as specific scenarios. If you are looking for inspiration, how to do it, read our article on posing clients: This will help you think through different types of situations and build a visual vocabulary that you will then use in practice.

When we have a choice, we often prefer Actors rather than classical models. The reason is simple — actors are usually more natural, flexible and have a greater sense of authenticity in the situation. They don't have fixed expressions and poses that they repeat over and over, and are more willing to try new things. Instead of telling them a specific hand position or smile “on command,” we give them a situation -- like they're just ordering a drink, having fun with a partner, or that they've just arrived at a hotel. They play, react to each other, and then the result seems much more believable. In lifestyle photography, this is a huge advantage, which often saves time and brings more natural images.

Atmosphere on set

During the photo shoot, the most important thing is to create a friendly and safe environment. Even an experienced model will feel better in front of the lens if she knows she has your support. Encourage them, communicate with respect and praise every time they do something well. Small details such as water, coffee or breaks in the shade can fundamentally affect the mood of the team.

If a model feels that someone cares about him and that his work has meaning, this is reflected in both expression and attitude. And that's exactly what we're looking for - authenticity.

Using tethering, that is, connecting the camera to a computer or tablet during a photo shoot, can significantly improve not only the result itself, but also the atmosphere on set.

If technically the situation allows, I recommend tethering whenever you are working with models — whether on a commercial contract or a personal project. It allows you to instantly display captured images on a larger screen, which is beneficial for several reasons: the model can see how she looks, can adjust her expression or pose, and gets motivated by quick feedback.

The client can participate and comment directly on the composition or styling, and the entire team — including the stylist or make-up artist — has the chance to detect and correct minor flaws in time that they would otherwise have noticed when selecting photos.

The whole process is thus more efficient, collective and much calmer. More about tethering can be found in the article on our website: Using tethering.

Our story from practice: Three-day hotel photo shoot, video and models who had their day

This year we took pictures for a wonderful hotel. The first task was to capture interiors and exteriors, followed by lifestyle photography and parallel video shooting. We were lucky to be able to join the video production and work with models on lifestyle shots.

This method — combining photo and video production — is very common today. For the client, it is more practical both in terms of organization and budget. But for us photographers, it means more pressure to have precise timing, team coordination and energy during the day.

We were supposed to start the day early in the morning -- taking pictures of the sunrise around 5 o'clock. Everything was perfectly prepared. The models arrived an hour later. I understand, it can happen. We made it in the end, but we were going for the reserves right from the start.

As the day progressed and the temperature increased, the motivation of the models began to decline as well. When we wanted to repeat something after them in the later hours, they started rolling their eyes, sighing, commenting loudly, and overall their attitude got worse.

As a photographer, you stand in that moment between several fires: you want the result, you have to keep the mood on set, you can not “burn out” in front of the client, and at the same time you know that it is just The first day of three. Replacing the models was out of the question — on the one hand, they would not fit into the video, and on the other hand, the logistics would collapse.

So we kept quiet. They tried to do their best, concentrate, praise, motivate and keep calm.

Fortunately, we were not alone — there was also a producer on the set, who handled the situation with the modeling agency in the right way. After an unpleasant but important phone call, the atmosphere changed. The next day the models arrived on time, and although fatigue was felt, the energy was already much better.

10 tips on how to master a photo shoot with models:

1. Prepare thoroughly — have a moodboard, specific scenarios and a clear plan of what you want from the models.
   
   
2. Correct selection of models -- if you can, insist on casting to verify not only the appearance, but also the behavior.
   
   
3. Communicate openly — keep the models informed about what you are doing and give them positive feedback.
   
   
4. Ensure comfort — water, breaks, comfortable facilities and a real schedule help maintain a good atmosphere.
   
   
5. Be patient and consistent -- when things aren't going well, keep calm, but at the same time hold structure and authority.
   
   
6. Motivate and praise — even a simple “this was cool” can lift your spirits and improve performance.
   
   
7. Ask about feelings -- short query “everything cool? “will show that you care about models.
   
   
8. Prevent stress A good mood on set often depends on your energy and leadership.
   
   
9. Be prepared to improvise -- not everything will go according to plan, so don't be afraid to adjust the script or pace.
   
   
10. Respect models as partners — when you take them seriously, they will return it to you with a professional attitude and result.

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Conclusion? Be prepared, but count on the fact that not everything goes according to plan

You will never fully guess the models. Therefore, it is necessary to have Plan B, peace of mind and the ability to maintain a team atmosphere even in challenging situations. Every photo shoot is about communication, empathy and consistency. If you manage to be a leader and a psychologist at the same time, your reward will be not only great photos, but also repeated assignments. And have you ever met models that you immediately wanted to dump?

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