Top Tips for Working with Extras at a Photo Shoot

Organising a successful photo shoot takes more than just a brilliant concept and a talented photographer. Whether you’re shooting a commercial, fashion editorial, or promotional content, managing extras (or background talent) can make or break the final result. At We’ve Got Talent Agency, we’ve worked with productions of all shapes and sizes and understand how to streamline the experience.

In this guide, we’ll share top tips for planning, managing, and getting the best out of your extras—plus, we’ll highlight why hiring professional extras is a worthwhile investment over using amateurs.

Planning Your Photo Shoot: Lay the Foundation
Before you even cast a single extra, your shoot needs to be properly planned. This includes:

1. Define the Look and Feel
What’s the mood or aesthetic you’re aiming for? Are your extras supposed to blend in with a chic urban crowd, or are they festival-goers in colourful outfits? Establish a clear visual reference for your team to align on casting.

2. Create a Shot List and Scene Descriptions
This will help determine how many extras you need, where they’ll be placed, and how involved they are in the action. A tight brief ensures extras are not left idle and your time is well spent.

3. Work with a Casting Professional
If you’re working through a talent agency like We’ve Got Talent Agency, provide as much detail as possible—age ranges, ethnic diversity, wardrobe requirements, and energy levels—so you get extras that match the vision.

Hiring Professional Extras: Why Experience Matters

You may be tempted to fill your shoot with friends, volunteers or local fans. While that can work in very low-budget projects, professional extras bring significant advantages:

1. Reliability and Punctuality
Professionals show up on time, prepared, and ready to work. They understand set etiquette and won’t flake out at the last minute—a common risk with amateur extras.

2. Experience on Set
Professionals understand cues, blocking, and how to remain natural yet visible within the frame. They won’t look straight at the camera or fidget nervously. They’ll repeat takes without complaint and can adjust their energy on command.

3. Wardrobe and Direction Ready
Experienced extras often have a wardrobe that suits the genre (e.g. corporate wear, casual lifestyle, etc.) and know how to follow basic wardrobe instructions, saving time for your styling team.

4. Insurance and Compliance
Agencies like We’ve Got Talent provide vetted professionals with proper contracts, release forms and, in many cases, insurance cover—something rarely sorted with amateur crowds.

What to Expect on the Day
Working with extras, even professionals, requires coordination. Here’s how to ensure your day runs like clockwork.

1. Have a Dedicated Talent Coordinator
This person acts as the bridge between production and the extras. They manage sign-ins, distribute call sheets, provide briefing, and keep everyone on schedule. Don’t expect your photographer or director to multitask this role.

2. Brief Clearly and Quickly
Extras typically don’t get the full script or concept. A two-minute explanation of the context, camera angle, and what’s expected is more than enough. Avoid long-winded speeches—clarity is king.

3. Be Respectful but Efficient
Extras are part of the team. Keep them informed, offer breaks and refreshments, but remember: they’re there to support, not lead. Keep them contained in holding areas when not needed to reduce set clutter.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Even the best-laid plans can go sideways. Here are some frequent issues and how to prevent them.

1. Overbooking or Underbooking
Book at least 10–15% more extras than you think you need. People drop out, misread call times, or simply don’t deliver the energy you expected.

2. Lack of Wardrobe Coordination
Without specific wardrobe notes, your extras might arrive looking wildly inconsistent. Provide a lookbook or basic colour scheme with the call sheet and check outfits on arrival.

3. Using Untrained Extras for Feature Roles
Don’t expect amateurs to convincingly deliver “action” roles like walking past the camera naturally or reacting on cue. Save those tasks for your most experienced extras.

4. Last-Minute Direction Changes
Avoid shifting direction without looping in the talent coordinator. Extras can quickly become confused or disengaged if they feel ignored or mishandled.

How We’ve Got Talent Agency Makes a Difference
At We’ve Got Talent Agency, we specialise in providing professional, camera-ready extras for shoots of all types—commercials, digital content, film, print and more. Our talent pool includes people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, and skills. More importantly, we offer:

Fast turnaround casting

Transparent booking processes

On-call support

Nationwide coverage

We vet every extra to ensure they meet professional standards, and we brief them thoroughly before they arrive on your set. That means fewer headaches for you and better results on the day.

Professional Extras  Elevate your Photo Shoot
When done right, the presence of extras adds realism, vibrancy, and polish to your shoot. They fill the background, add depth, and contribute to the visual storytelling. But poorly managed extras—or using unprepared amateurs—can quickly introduce chaos or compromise your results.

Investing in experienced, professional extras from a trusted agency like We’ve Got Talent is not only cost-effective in the long run, it elevates the professionalism of your entire shoot.

Need Extras for Your Next Shoot?
Get in touch with We’ve Got Talent Agency today to discuss your requirements and receive a custom proposal. We’re ready to help you cast the perfect crowd!