- For starters, "clip" photos of your favorite poses from magazines, other printed materials or the internet, to use as a reference until you're more comfortable using poses of your own.
- Eyes are the most important component of any portrait as they will always be the center of attention. They must be sharp and lively even if you're going for a softer look in the rest of the portrait.
- The edges of hands are more attractive than the backs and palms of hands.
- The bottoms of feet are downright ugly but side views of feet may be acceptable if they're young enough and there are other things to look at in the photo.
- If subject is bald and sensitive about it, elevate the chin and lower the camera slightly.
- For long, large angular noses, try having subject face directly into camera
- For prominent ears, shoot subject in profile or use short lighting so the ear nearest the camera is in shadow.
- To minimize wrinkles or other facial defects, use softer, diffuse lighting, diffusing filter, or use softening technique during post processing. Shoot subject from the waist up to reduce relative size of the face. Keep main light at eye level so it doesn't cast shadows.
- If subject is wearing glasses, have him or her raise/lower chin slightly and ensure the light is bouncing off the face at an angle, not straight on.
- If using flash, ask subject to watch for the flash and tell you whether it was red or white after the picture was taken. red indicates you took the photo with your subject's eyes wide shut.
(Reference: Mastering Digital Photography © 2004 by David Busch, p. 188-191)
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