Say More

Sometimes you can say more with less. Sometimes it's appropriate not to ask for a posed expression or a smile, not to have interesting colors shapes or textures in the background... 

In many cases it's appropriate to let the moment speak for itself.  Try freezing a moment when someone is completely natural and let them speak through their eyes. Vulnerability is not always an unwelcome look. 

In addition, getting the flash off of the camera produces interesting shadows and depth. Interesting shadows make for an interesting photo. Whenever possible, the light source should come from someplace else besides you..