1. Keep it Simple

The more complex the scene is the less likely you are going to get a great shot. Try to keep backgrounds and foregrounds uncluttered and where possible work with natural light. If you have to use artificial light try to keep it simple using as few lights as possible.

2. Be Ready

Be as prepared as you can before your subject arrives. Have your camera and any lighting you may be using all set up and ready to go. Scout out your location so you know where you want to shoot. Take some test shots before they arrive, you don’t want to keep them waiting and you catch them while they are still fresh.

3. Shoot into the light

Using the sun as a backlight can create great effects when shooting outdoors. It adds interest, depth and can also help bring colour into your photos. When doing this you need to use a lens hood and also play around with using fill in flash.

4. Change the angle the you shoot from

Shooting from slightly below your subjects eyeline it can be much more flattering. This works for both sitting and standing, if using studio lights try to lighting the subject from slightly below this line too.