??Step in close to capture more detail. For an image that captures the true personality and emotions of the subject, a photographer must get facial detail. When taking a candid shot and stepping in closer would disrupt the moment, use of the digital camera's optical zoom or telephoto can have the same effect.

??Some shots don't require posing. Many of the most meaningful shots are taken as subjects interact or are engaged in an activity. From images of children at play, a spouse reading the morning paper, a parent and child talking, or grandma gardening these are the moments that reflect the true personality of subjects.

??Happy is good, but there are other emotions worth capturing. It adds depth to a subject when images reflect other feelings such as humor, concentration, relaxation, or even boredom.

??A relaxed subject makes for a better photograph. When posing subjects, many photographers suggest talking to them to get them to relax and reveal more of what they are feeling or thinking. A natural, relaxed posture will provide a better image than that of a person standing rigidly with their arms crossed. A subject may be seated with their head resting on their hands or standing with their head at an angle and hands in their pockets; posture varies in real life and should be varied in photographs as well as it reflects the subjects mood.

??It is sometimes acceptable for a subject to be looking away from the camera. Just as with expressions on the face and posture, variations in where a subject is looking can work well in capturing a more meaningful image. Whether it is a child daydreaming as they gaze out of a window or simply an attempt to catch the profile of an adult as they drink their morning coffee these images which most accurately capture a subjects personality don't always require that they face the camera directly.