If you've ever seen America’s Next Top Model you've seen the way the professional photographers establish rapport with the models they are photographing to put them at ease during a shoot (even the really awkward ones). Their technique is pretty simple: they talk. A lot. 

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<div><a title="Model and Photographer by Mark Probst, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/schani/60579289/">[imageeffect type="frame" align="aligncenter" width="427" height="640" alt="" url="http://thebeginnerslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Model.jpg"]</a></div>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Model and Photographer </em>

Photo by Mark Probst</p>
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And the result? Beautiful portraits showing depth, emotion, and personality. 

Portraiture or people photography is commonly regarded as one of the most challenging types of photography. To capture a photograph showing a subject’s personality in an interesting, charming, or otherwise unique way takes practice, patience, and skill. And funny enough, taking photos of people means you're going to have to learn how to communicate what you want the subject to do!

Striking a conversation with your subject before the photo shoot will give you the chance to know more about him/her. A short conversation will give you better understanding of your subject and consequently you'll end up with better photos. The main objective here is to make your subject comfortable, ease their nerves, and make yourself familiar with your model's personality. 

Here are some tips for your portrait shoot:
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	<li><strong>Show a genuine interest in your subject.</strong>

Listen attentively to what the model says and respond accordingly. Throw in some questions to show that you are really paying attention as well as to create a meaningful
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	<li><strong>Keep talking throughout the whole shoot.</strong>

Give your model comments and feedback. A simple “That look was awesome. You're doing really great!” will boost your model’s confidence and put them at ease. Give your subject suggestions on how to improve their look, stance, or vibe.</li>
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	<li><strong>Never “say cheese” or countdown to releasing the shutter.</strong>

Unless you are shooting a very large group of people where you need everyone to be looking at the same time, don't even consider using the above on a model shoot! You're more likely to get a fake smile, or a pose rather than an emotion.</li>
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	<li><strong>Make your model feel special.</strong>

Making sure your subject is happy and comfortable should be foremost - so refrain from talking about yourself or your photography too much. You don't need to sell yourself, you already got the job.</li>
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	<li><strong>Keep in contact even after the shoot has wrapped.</strong>

You never know who you'll cross paths with again in the future so tell your model that you are looking forward to working with them again in the future (if you really mean it).</li>
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Follow these tips for a fun and fruitful photo shoot! Remember: Nobody likes a silent photographer!