Drawing 102: perfect requires practice

The first time you do anything it is highly unlikely that you will be good at it. Drawing is no different. I can't count the number of times new students come to me before class and say, "I can't draw." It seems that they think drawing is some kind of god given talent that one either has or doesn't have. Drawing is like any thing else: the more you work at it the better you'll be. 

Many people also start out drawing subjects that are beyond the capability of most beginning artists. If the first thing you try to draw is a self portrait... well you're vain, but you're also likely to be less than pleased with the results. Start out with simple shapes like blocks and cones. As you master these you can build your more complex subjects out of these component shapes as if you were building them with Legos. Use a light pencil for this structural sketch work and then refine your lines until you are happy with the form. This process allows for mistakes and gives the artist the ability to easily correct those errors. 

Taking the time to complete many "studies" of a subject using this method will improve your skill at drawing and also enhance your familiarity with the nature of what you are drawing. 

Portrait Photography: make your model look fabulous

When taking portraits of people some photographers do not take into account the design possibilities that are available. Each model presents different strengths and weaknesses and failing to address those creates stale boring images. Portraits should be a creative collaboration between the model and the photographer, taking into account design aesthetics and the environment.

If your model is athletic and flexible you should incorporate this dynamism into the photo. Use angled lines in the environment to highlight angled poses and features of your model. Use stairs and railings as visual cues to avoid posing your model in a straight line. Bend their knees and stretch their arms to compliment the different lines of the stairs. While the result shouldn't look like modern dance it also shouldn't look like your grandmother posing in front of the fireplace.

If your model is muscular and strong try shooting them from above forcing a three point perspective view. This will make them appear almost super human with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. 

If you are shooting a more traditional pose make sure you don't take the picture at eye level. This distorts the subject and creates a pear shape that is not flattering for anyone. Try moving the camera to waist level or even lower to capture a more centered view of your model. 

Consider using a shallow depth of field for portrait work. This allows you to blur the background and force the viewer's focus toward the model. It is a good idea to take portraits with a telephoto lens for just this reason. The telephoto lens will have a shallower depth of field and it will allow you to remove yourself somewhat from the models immediate environment creating a more comfortable shoot for everyone.