A portrait is about people.

Things I learnt from the Justin Guariglia workshop:

i) a portrait should be about the people, hence the subject's facial expression, body language is very important, perhaps more important than the composition or the background, that is something I may have neglected before

ii) a strong portrait is one which reveals a connection between the subject and the photographer

iii) for that to happen, the subject must be at ease, the scene should not be contrived ( avoid deer in headlights look, tourist smile or goofy grin)

iv) to put subject at ease, spend time with the subject, be genuinely interested in him/her, establish a connection. Take many photos.

v) pose the subject, you are the director, tell the subject what to do, where to stand, whether to smile, how to smile, mouth closed or open, where to look

small details matter and add interest to an environmental portrait

vi) never let hubris get in the way of a better picture, you can always do better.