Sometimes real team members are better than models.

There are lots of ways that models are better than actual employees for a shoot. They’re used to being in front of a camera. You can cast for the exact look you need. They know how to stand and move and look great in any wardrobe. They can quickly deliver a range of expressions and emotions. You can work fast with them, and honestly, you can push them harder, because they’re professionals. But, sometimes, real team members can do an even better job.

Real team members know how to tell your company’s story better than anyone, because they live it. They know your equipment. They know your customers. They know your story.

I remember a boat shoot I was directing (one of a bazillion days of boat shoots) and we had cast models to convey a high end brand look. The models did a great job until we needed one of them to drive a boat, only at idle speed around a marina, but still. I don’t know if this guy had ever even been in a boat. We had our photo boat driver hiding in the cabin underneath giving instructions while we were shouting from across the water, “TURN. TURN. NO. STOP. STOPPPPPP!” Same thing with having them try to work a rod and reel. “YOU’RE HOLDING IT UPSIDE DOWN. TIGHTEN UP THE LINE.” And on and on.

After that, the client said, “No more models. I get why we were doing this, and I think we got some great shots so far, but I want real fishermen from now on. Even if they’re not as handsome, they know boats and fishing, and they look more like our actual customers too.” He was a really smart client.

For our shoots for Twice Daily and White Bison, the client supplies the talent with team members pulled from other stores and sometimes people from corporate. They bring a lot of wonderful and enthusiastic people. And they make sure the team that is scheduled to run the store can run the store, so we’re not interfering with the customers needing service. They bring wardrobe for everyone and the team members are always amazing to work with. They know the job and they know how to tell the story. No, they’re not models. They’re even better.