You may have lots of chances to shoot model, known faces, celebrity, business tycoon etc these all people are familiar with lime-light, facing camera, poses etc. Shooting those people are quite easy because they are good at face expression etc. these people are very well known that how to deal with photographer and vice-versa. But when you have got the assignment to shoot people and these people are not models, actors, artist, dancers etc. These people may be family person, any workers, any street hawkers, staff person, friend etc Most important and toughest thing that these people are facing camera first time etc dealing with those people is extremely challenging.

Today I am writing this article about few important tips which can be taken before shooting non-model people. Let’s discuss how to shoot people who are not models. Few important tips to follow

Get to know your person – Once you finalised the person to shoot then try to meet him before the shoot, gel with him, discuss with him what are you looking to bring out of him. What is the purpose to shoot him, the things that make him comfortable to shoot? and can give you the best shots as you desired.

Suggest him a better outfit to wear – Most of the non-model people hardly know whats outfit suits better on them. Give them 02-03 better dress option to carry. This option will definitely present him at a better level and will give better shots. If possible must have a look on their outfits before the shoot. Must use props (discussed earlier)

Shoot REAL, not REEL – Once the person is final, the outfit is final then the most important thing to shoot a real shot of your person, your shot must connect him to keep him as real not a reel shot. Sometimes adding too much sugar can cause diabetic, you must know how much artificial things to be added to shoot a real shot. see the below-posted image. Must capture meaning full images

Other miscellaneous tips

• One must settle lighting setup, camera and lens arrangement in advance to shoot the people.
• One must know when to stop, a slight borderline where the photographer must identify to stop.
• Must recce in a better way to avoid goof-up, confusion etc
• Must have a habit to write every detail before the shoot
• Must work on poses and facial expression as per the project requirement

Conclusion – When you shoot celebrity or known faces then viewers hardly notice your photography but you shoot common people in a stunning way then your viewers always notice your photography and hold his stay for a long time. It is a challenging job to shoot non-model people.

Keep experimenting! Have wonderful and Happy photography to you all.
Photographer & Blogger Prasenjeet Gautam (www.prasenjeetgautam.com) has captured above all the images. INDIA