Working with Models
Overview To use people in your images always comes down to personal preference. It can activate the space and show intended use and function. It can add some movement to the images and fill some blank space. Some firms want the image to be very clean and the focus to be solely on the space. I believe in both. Although some spaces work really well without the element of a human, we love showing the intent of the space and how the visitor interacts with the design. If you decide that you want a human element in your images, here are some tips to help achieve great images. 
Working with “real” people.
Another option and one that doesn’t affect the invoice, is to work with people that are already in the space. Employees of the building or people passing through can sometimes provide the content you are looking for. This is great if you are photographing something like a building lobby. If we have permission to photograph during business hours and the client doesn’t mind, then we can usually use people that are naturally using the space in the images. Sometimes the employees of the project are totally willing to lend a hand and be photographed and sometimes they aren’t. It’s important to be prepared for both as it does come up. Additionally, waiting around for people to use a space takes time, and sometimes time is an issue. Keep this in mind when wanting to wait on a space being organically used.Note the last paragraph referring to Model Releases.Pros - No additional cost and relatively easy. Usually the wardrobes already match the space. Can be very natural.Cons - You do not have total control of the people, wardrobe, or where they may be in the shot. People can say “No thanks” to being photographed, and are not always “available” or using the space. It can really affect the number of shots we can achieve in a day if we have to wait for someone to walk by. Working with Professional Models
We will start with this option because most of our clients avoid this due to cost. Working with professional models can be great and provide you with the look you want but it comes with a price tag. We can work with you and a modeling agency to select the specific types of models you want in the space. We can go over wardrobe options and styling with the team as well. Modeling agencies do have usage fees and restrictions associated with their models. This means that they charge a base rate plus a fee for 1) where the images will be used and 2) for how long the images will be used. You can expect to pay $1,000 +20% fee to the agency for one model for 8 hours. They do charge if you exceed 8hrs. This also covers one year of usage but after one year you will need to renew the usage. Pros - Reliable and professional. You can really tailor the look you want.Cons - Price. Really it comes down to price.
Do you need Model Releases?
We always encourage clients to have anyone in their images to sign a model release if they are recognizable. If someone is blurred in motion and unrecognizable in the image, there is not a need to have one signed. We can provide you with a release if you do not have one available. Working with Friends, Family, and Co-Workers.
This is the easiest way to have models in the images. Using people from your firm or bringing friends and family along can be cheap, fun, and usually easy. The challenge can be timing. Will you have enough people interested in coming? Will they be reliable? We have had shoots that take way too long because the “models” were late or didn’t show, leaving us to scramble to come up with solutions. We will always discuss how many models will be appropriate for the images based on the shot list we developed during the walk through. Bringing in co-workers to model on the project can be a lot of fun and also give people in your firm a chance to see the finished project. Whether they are marketing folks, designers, or interns, it is always great to show off your project to others in the firm. We do encourage compensation to these folks, but ultimately, that’s up to you. A simple gift card is a great idea and people really appreciate the compensation for their time. We also can work to have food available for folks while on the shoot. Pros - Can be fun. Gives co-workers the chance to tour a project. Inexpensive.Cons - Reliability. Getting folks to agree to show up can sometimes be tough.