Can't find a model - Photograph a friend!

Jul 24

3 min read

Text on teal background: "The benefits of snapping portraits of your friends instead of pro models" by Martyn Hayes. Two smiling women in different settings.

The advantages of snapping portraits of one of your pals instead of a professional model

When you need a portrait but can’t find a professional model, photographing a friend can be a great solution.

It’s not even a backup plan - it offers unique advantages that can improve your photography and make the session more enjoyable. If you’re a portrait photographer, learning how to work with your pals as models can expand your creative options and help you capture authentic moments.

A woman in a leather jacket smiles while holding onto a subway handrail. The black and white setting shows a train interior in motion. — A woman dressed in a leather jacket holds onto a strap for support while smiling, captured in a candid moment on a bustling train. See more image I created of this person.

Why Choose a Friend Over a Professional Model

Professional models bring experience and polish, but a mate can bring something different: comfort and spontaneity. When you photograph a friend, you often get a more relaxed atmosphere. You already have trust and chemistry. This helps to reduce any formalities or awkwardness in getting to know one and other.

With your pals, there is no pressure. This means you can try casual or playful ideas that might feel out of place in a professional session. For example, you could capture candid laughter or natural gestures after messing around or cracking a private joke. These moments often translate into portraits with more personality and warmth.

Woman in a green coat and black hat stands on a wet city street at night, gently holding her hat. Warm streetlights illuminate the background. — A woman in a stylish coat and hat strolls through an illuminated city street at night, her hair cascading over her shoulders as she gazes thoughtfully downward. View more night portraits.

Practical Benefits of Using Friends as Models

Working with a chum can save you time and money. You don’t have to arrange contracts, pay fees, or schedule around a busy model’s calendar. This flexibility allows you to shoot whenever inspiration strikes, whether it’s a quick session after work or a weekend project.

Friends can also help you practice new techniques. This low-pressure environment encourages learning and growth without the stakes of a paid shoot.

Woman smiling in winter attire with reflective sunglasses and patterned headband, leaning on a snowy rail. Blurred snowy house background. — A woman enjoys a winter day outdoors, wearing a warm white and grey jacket, patterned headband, and mirrored sunglasses. She leans on a snowy railing, smiling brightly against the backdrop of a snowy landscape. View Christmas portraits for further examples.

Smiling woman in red blazer leans on a railing by a river. She's wearing a blue and white patterned dress. Urban skyline in the background. — A woman in a red blazer smiles warmly while standing by a waterfront, with urban buildings in the background.

Tips for Photographing Friends Successfully

To get the best results, treat the session professionally even if your model is a friend. Here are some tips:

Communicate clearly about what you want to achieve. Share your ideas and listen to their comfort levels.
Do your homework first. Put together a mood board with ideas for the location, outfits, and overall vibe. Share it with the sitter so they're on the same page about the look and narrative.
Check out the location beforehand. Make sure you know exactly where you want to shoot so you don't end up wandering around trying to find the next spot.
Describe his / her character during the shoot. Is she / he dominant, fun, silly, classy, stylish? Paint a picture of them and the scene as you're capturing the shots to help them really get into character.
Take them out for a meal afterward. Don't forget to thank them for taking the time to help you out.
Give direction gently. Instead of rigid poses, suggest simple movements or emotions to capture.
Respect boundaries. If your friend feels uncomfortable with certain poses or outfits, find alternatives.

Woman in a green dress and sun hat smiles in a covered walkway. Bright and cheerful mood with muted background tones. — A woman in a vibrant green dress and a wide-brimmed hat smiles brightly as she stands confidently in a covered walkway. View more city portraits.

Examples of Successful Friend Portraits

Here are some examples in addition to above to show how I had fun snapping friends over the years.

Woman in black dress with colorful patterns poses confidently in a modern corridor with arched design. Bright lighting, relaxed mood. — A woman stands confidently in a modern corridor, wearing a stylish black dress with intricate red patterns and beige heels, exuding elegance and poise.

Woman in a white knit hat and sweater enjoys a cup of coffee in a snowy, festive setting with bokeh lights, conveying warmth and coziness. — Woman enjoying a cosy winter moment with a warm drink amidst a softly falling snow - See Christmas portrait gallery for more examples from this shoot

Woman in a hat and coat leans on a railing at night, city lights blurred in the background. Moody and contemplative atmosphere. — A woman in a stylish coat and hat leans on a bridge railing at night, with city lights shimmering in the background. View more night portraits.

Like what you see?

What do you think of the concept of photographing friends for your portrait photography? Reach out to me and we can talk about how we can work together. Who know, this could lead to something fun.

Be sure to explore this website for more examples of portrait photography.