Bhaavya Roy-What’s the biggest difference between photographing models versus actors or public figures?

The biggest difference between photographing professional models and actors or public figures lies in their training, intent, and emotional language in front of the camera. As a photographer, I—Bhaavya Roy—have had the privilege of working with both, and I’ve come to understand that each group brings a distinct energy to the lens.

Models are often highly trained in movement, angles, and poses. Their bodies become tools of expression. They understand lighting, posture, and fashion dynamics almost instinctively. When I shoot with a model, it often becomes a collaborative dance of visual precision—we’re building shapes, moods, and a clear aesthetic narrative. It’s about detail and control.

On the other hand, actors or public figures, especially those from the film industry, approach the camera with a more emotive mindset. They’re storytellers. Their expressions come from an internal place. When I photograph an actor, I don’t just direct poses—I direct emotions. I might ask them to recall a feeling or inhabit a character, and that’s when their faces come alive in the most powerful way. With public figures, it’s also about capturing authenticity—who they are beyond the spotlight. There’s often more vulnerability, but also more layers to peel back.

So, for me—Bhaavya Roy—the approach becomes less about technical perfection and more about creating a space where that person can truly reveal themselves. Whether it's a fashion editorial or a quiet portrait, I adapt based on who I’m photographing. And that’s the art of it—knowing when to guide, and when to simply observe. READ MORE