Most of the models I shoot are not professional models but ordinary people. These people are often unfamiliar with cameras. For some, it is their first time standing before a camera. For this reason, if you ask for a specific pose from the beginning, it is very likely that they will feel awkward. When they are asked to pose, their body will get tense and make them more nervous. This is why I try to give them dynamic directions. Rather than asking them for a pose, I tell them to think of a specific situation and move accordingly. I ask my models to act. There are many cases where natural appearances come out when they are moving rather than just staying still. I make them repeat their movements to capture the right shutter chance.

When taking pictures, I don't consider the arrangements of people in the background. I choose a lens and take test shots. These test shots mean shots that are raw. Then I change 2 – 3 lenses and make a basis for colour and white balance. After this, the lens to be used for photography is determined. I don't try to take good photos from the first shutter. I tend to take pictures several times until I get the desired picture.

1. First, ask them to act.

Of course, you don’t have to ask them to act like professional actors. Request them to act out a familiar situation. I believe the most natural appearance comes out when people eat something. For this reason, when taking pictures of a couple, I always include an eating scene.

2. Second, make them hold props.

People who are not used to shooting are likely to feel awkward not knowing what to do with their hands. If you make them hold something, you can bring out natural postures.

3. Third, make sure to meet and talk with models before shooting.

Find out what their interests are in advance and choose a topic for a conversation. Then on the day of shooting, take pictures while talking about the topic. The important thing is that your models should look into your eyes, not the camera. Meanwhile, you need to keep the conversation going on so that they don’t get nervous.

4. Fourth, keep your shooting at a speedy pace.

A lax atmosphere of shooting makes everyone bored. Try to figure out all your camera settings whilst test shooting and have a clear understanding of what you have to do. Keeping a speedy pace is necessary for creating good pictures.

5. Fifth, give lots of explanations to your models.

You have to make sure they understand what they should do when shooting. This could be especially helpful for male models because men tend to have less experience with photo shoots, so they might be awkward. Therefore, you need to give more explanation to your models.

As you can see, you don’t need professional models to have a photoshoot in public. Everyday people work just as well, it just takes a bit of practice. Just remember to keep them relaxed, talking and acting something out.