What's your best tip for taking a good photo of another person?

B Natural answer

My best tip is to start with the person, not the camera. If someone feels awkward, it shows immediately in the photo. I usually spend a minute chatting, so they stop thinking about the lens, and then I always talk to them first so the session feels more like a conversation than a performance. After that, I give simple direction instead of lots of complicated poses. One small turn of the shoulders or a little tilt of the chin is often enough, especially when you give them a simple pose. I also check what is behind them, because a messy background can ruin an otherwise strong shot, so I always watch the background. If you keep the person calm, the pose easy, and the frame clean, you usually get something that looks natural and flattering.

Key phrases in this answer

• talk to them first — speak with a person before taking photos“I usually talk to them first so they stop feeling nervous.”
• give them a simple pose — show the person an easy pose to copy“I give them a simple pose and then adjust it a little.”
• watch the background — pay attention to what is behind the person“Watch the background so nothing distracting shows up in the frame.”
• make them feel relaxed — help a person feel calm and comfortable“A quick joke can make them feel relaxed before you take the shot.”
• soft daylight — gentle natural light that is not harsh“Soft daylight near a window can make portraits look better.”
• use the light to your advantage — work with the available light in a smart way“We moved the chair to use the light to your advantage.”