Sometimes I will see people on the street, who appeal to my eye. I then approach them to ask them if they will model for me. Most are quite flattered to be asked. They might be attractive or interesting looking, but they need to be part of my visual idea, I need to be able to relate to them in the scene. Other times, especially when I shoot outside the UK, I hire a producer to find models, these can be her friends, or friends of friends or through an acting agency. And then, if there is a producer associated with the shoot, they will approach a school and find people that way. I much prefer working with ‘real’ people, not models, as there is a slight  awkwardness and a frisson of naivety in front of the camera that I like to capture, it just feels more natural.

back

next page