I suppose I could do a real know it all thing and tell you lots of stuff but the reality is that I am terrified of portraits and people pics. I normally avoid them. But I decided that it was a challenge I needed to take on. The only advice I can give is pick faces that have personality, the world of pretty faces and airbrushing is of no interest to me I much prefer a real person. Unless you are doing candid street shots go and talk to people and ask them if its ok to take a pic. But then spend your time talking and get to know them. And the pic I like is when they are relaxed and they look you in the eye. I have attached a couple more (and yes the first guy really did have a face as red as the pic) The second guy was a keyboard player in a blues band that was just jamming down at a little country pub. I PP using Topaz adjust to get the rustic look for the second guy. If its technique you are interested in I am happy to go through the steps using Topaz but it will be the case of a learner trying to teach a learner.

But maybe thats the way it should be.

peter