• 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.