Hobbies And Interests
Compositional Control
Make the model the center attraction of the photograph. He or she should be the focus. Choose backgrounds for your photos wisely. Clashing colors are no good. Busy backgrounds can take focus away from the model as well. The background is as important as the model in that a poorly chosen background can take away from the impact. Colors that blend well and are a shade lighter or darker than the model's outfit work. Patterns are good if they aren't too extreme. If you're shooting outdoors, pay attention to the composition of your photos to be sure the natural setting doesn't include odd buildings or other people to take away from the model. You can also use a wide aperture so the background is out of focus, which lessens the distraction from your subject.
Feature-Enhancing Techniques
Use lighting and angle techniques to accentuate the features of your model that are his or her best. Everybody has a "best feature" and you need to find those features in your models. If you have a model who has a better profile than he or she looks from the front, try taking your photographs slightly offset, with you standing left or right of the model. Use lighting to darken one side of your model's face with shadow, not so much that it takes away from his or her face, but enough to bring more emphasis to one side.
Communicate with Your Subject
Talk to your model. Make him or her comfortable. This is one of the most important techniques you can use to bring out the best in your photo shoots. Shoot a lot of photos while you encourage your subject verbally. Tell your subject how beautiful she is or how well the shoot is going. Talking to your model and relaxing him and her while you shoot lots of film often yields unexpected shots you might not get with forced poses. Once you've established a line of open, soothing communication with your subject, he or she will begin moving more naturally.