How To Take a Man's Portrait

Quickly decide on what features you want to minimize or enhance.

Inform your subject that you only want to do a few distinct setups and you won’t take up much of his time. While men probably won’t feel comfortable being flattered, they’ll appreciate it if you’re as casually efficient as possible.

Select your backdrop. While you do so, strike up a conversation about sports, or ask him what he does for a living.

Pick up your camera and explain to your subject how you intend to work.

Select the appropriate film, aperture and shutter speed for your lighting conditions.

Compose your shot and meter on the subject.

Shoot as fast as humanly possible, from a variety of distances and angles. Keep talking to keep him loose, and shoot in between his responses. Act like you’re more interested in his opinion than in scrutinizing his face and he’ll show his true colors to the camera.