As a professional travel photographer, photo tour leader and workshop teacher, I’m often asked by people how they can improve their people pictures. One of my favorite resources to direct them to is Erin Manning’s book Portrait and Candid Photography Photo Workshop (John Wiley & Sons)

“Taking great people pictures isn’t a matter of luck,” writes Manning. “The secret is in observing your subjects and connecting with them, and then using your camera to its best advantage.” I couldn’t agree more!

In the book, Manning, professional photographer, digital photography expert and host of the Telly Award winning how-to series The Whole Picture, uses hundreds of full-color images and step-by-step instructions to help you create people pics with personality including assignments at the end of each chapter so you can build hands on experience. Later you can upload your photos to Photoworkshop.com and get feedback from other readers. How cool is that.

Before you dive headlong into the book, here are 5 simple tips from Manning to help get you started.