Portraiture is about feelings and relationships, not about posing, although getting your subject to meet the camera in a flattering way is important, too. Sometimes this means having your subject smile for the camera. But not always.

Most people look best when they're smiling, as it indicates a cheery disposition and a pleasant mood. As the photographer, however, your job is to get the best picture of your subject. A smile might not be part of the equation, either because it doesn't fit the emotional tone of the picture or it isn't appropriate to the subject's personality.

Putting a Smile on Their Faces

If you're taking a quick informal shot of a child or an adult, and the general tone of the situation is light, getting a smile for the camera is definitely the way to go. Ask your subject to do it, and you might end up with a pleasant expression. Then again, you might not.

Tips and Tricks

Instead of asking for a smile, try to get one naturally by using one of these tricks:

• With an adult: Joke a little as you fiddle with the shot, or ask some questions to help them relax. Choose general and pleasant topics. Even if you don't make them laugh in the final picture, traces of earlier jollity will still be evident in their faces.

• If you're taking a picture of a little kid: Try wiggling your fingers or making a silly face, or use props such as a ball or stuffed animal to get a response.

• Smile first: Just about everyone will return a smile.