Social skills: how to photograph a portrait and say grace

There's a knack for just about anything, from capturing the true spirit of a person in a photo to saying a tasteful grace.

Portraits are one of the hardest photographic genres, because the act of taking a picture affects the way that the sitter behaves — and this can ruin the shot.

Put the sitter at ease: Talk to them as you set up and shoot. Tell them how well they are doing. Flatter them shamelessly.

Don't say, "Say cheese": A natural expression is generally better than a pose. Get your sitter to tell a joke or to talk about something that interests them. Take lots of shots, so that you catch the moment when emotion shows on their face.

Vary the angle: Don't always shoot straight on at eye level. Shoot upwards from chest height or climb a ladder to catch the sitter from above.

Get in close: Sometimes the face is everything. Experiment with close-ups; the results can be stunning.

Frame the subject: Think of ways to draw attention to the subject's face. Have them look through a letter slot or peep from behind a tree. Think about what suits the sitter's personality and the feeling you want to convey.

• When offering this prayer of thanks before a meal, make an effort to be gracious.
• Thank the Almighty for the food on the table, the company of family and friends, and perhaps for one other thing specifically related to the occasion, such as the presence of a much-missed relative or the safe conclusion of another year.
• Those at table should listen in silence — so don't tempt them by making jokes.
• Everyone should have their hands folded in front of them. As with any other kind of speech, keep it pithy and brief; supper is getting cold, after all.