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Writer's pictureSean Arbabi
Aug 242 min read

Working with models and non-models

My photographic expertise covers a myriad of subject matter, lighting scenarios, world locales, and client goals. Photographing people, whether non-models or professionals, is a nuanced challenge I love. 


The key to producing impactful images of people stems from a myriad of talents. Great models make it easy to focus on your behind-the-camera responsibilities, yet often you play the role of shooter, producer, director, psychologist, all with the intent to create something that feels real, dynamic, or comfortable for the viewer. Sometimes the final selects are yours to choose, sometimes it's done by committee. You're selling products, experiences, places, happiness, which includes your client's satisfaction. 



When working with professional models, you provide direction, space to work within, background, then you let them show their abilities while guiding the process toward the goal or goals. However, real people or non-models require a completely different set of parameters. The balance of direction can be swayed easily by self-consciousness leading to stiffness. The key is to make them comfortable with you, explain your idea, provide them confidence in your abilities, then shoot and interact until you find that sweet spot. That relaxed zen state helping to illustrate who they are. What they're about as an individual. The connection you develop is a joy to experience, and one of great memories and satisfaction in my career.



These days I work on both sides of the lens as a conduit between creative direction, digital production, project management, equipment and set needs, partnering with crews to ensure all of the parts are provided to succeed. A cohesive team that plans well and excepts the challenge leads to successful execution.

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