Taking pictures of the non-photogenic subject

[johnnyrod]

Thanks again all
Bill - interesting, up until the "go figure it out" - that's what I'm working on!
Greyscale - I'm not planning on stopping, but sometimes, say we're going out for a meal, my wife is dressed up and it would be a great opportunity for a good picture. What would I think of a stranger? I don't know, I'm pretty objective I think.
Steve (and mpaniaqua), interesting to use a longer lens, I hadn't thought of that, mostly I use 50mm, either a fixed lens RF of SLR, how much of a person are you getting in the shot? Regarding good light, I too prefer outdoors, brighter and less directional if there is a building nearby. Do you use a reflector/fill flash or just stick with ambient light? The back of our house is painted white so the back garden (south facing) is good for fewer dark shadows, for example. I know the technical stuff is only going to make so much difference but I'm learning that too.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Here is no non photogenic people.
I learned from Bruce Gilden.

Here is two approaches. One is classic portraits.
You need to learn half face, face type angle, light and posing.
Second approach is candid portraits. Take picture then it is right moment. If you can't, do what I do, take pictures as often as possible. I have cameras ready, nearby all the time. This is early A. Leibovich approach for portraits.

 

[RObert Budding]

Proper choice of lighting can make all the difference. Try a short light set-up for people with broad faces.

 

[petronius]

Why not obey when someone tells you they don´t want their photo taken?