What does a person look like exactly? What are a person’s special characteristics and what does their posture say? Do you surprise someone by spontaneously shooting a photograph, or, instead, do you give them specific instructions in advance? You have to take into account all circumstances when photographing people. Whatever the situation, try to shoot the photograph ‘away from the centre’ for a change and don’t take it slap bang in the middle. Don’t just think about asking the person whose portrait you’re taking to change to another position, but do it yourself too. You’re the one who determines the most favourable or creative angle. The camera records what you have discovered in someone! Let’s assume that someone has a double chin. Generally, you won’t want to accentuate that. Shoot your photograph from a slightly higher angle. Keep observing the person’s posture. Many people have the tendency to ‘throw’ their head back. Certainly when they laugh. Ask them to lower their chin slightly. This often helps to shoot a more attractive picture of someone. You’ll want the eyes to be prominent in the picture. They are after all a lot livelier than the chin. In the case of a small person, or for children, bend your knees, lowering yourself. Photograph as much as possible at eye level and continue to move!
From Canon’s Photography courses.