Thanks for all the replies so far. My intent on this thread is to get a dialogue going for the benefit of all of us that shoot people.
Anyone can learn, practice, and if they try hard enough can master the technical aspects of photography. But it's a special personality that can get a certain look from a model. Again I reference Annie Leibovitz. Whether she's photographing a corporate CEO or Tom Cruise, she can get a look from them that is uniquily her style. I'd like to see her at work. I'd like to delve into what is that rapport that makes these portrait photographer's so unique? What do they say? What do they do? How do they convey a look?
Some examples based on the advice above. Perhaps now Mr. MacMillan, pundit without portfolio (he's never posted a photo anywhere to my knowledge) will favor us with some of his recent studio work or stop acting like a 2 yr old.
But the point of me posting advice isn't to show off, or be a smart ass, but rather to help people in a selfless, serving way... Many people have helped me over the years and its just in my nature to do the same for others. And if you are looking for perfection you will not find it in any of those. I'm my harshest critic and in 40 years have taken only a handful of shots which I thought were ever close to perfect... When you stop seeing room for improvement you stop growing...
Since I retired I shoot more with my 7 iron than my camera - 2 birdies and 3 pars in 9 holes yesterday - but I still know how to operate one
