Focus

Canon 1D MkIV, 70-200mm f/2.8 IS lens @ 80mm, f/11, 1/250s, ISO 100.

Have I told you that I enjoy people? I especially enjoy working with people who have a talent, people who have put a lot of effort into something. Focussing on a goal develops character, and discipline of mind. This stuff shows in pictures. It's also the best thing when I can give people a focus to consider as we make pictures. Whether it's kids, or a hobby, or a violin, the person becomes more natural looking in front of the camera when discussing a familiar topic.

This is A., and he's obviously put a lot of effort into shaping his own body. He's also a mountaineer and adventurer. And he's from the MidWest. Ask him to smile and you're gonna get a crooked smirk that doesn't look quite right. But get him talking about any of these other things that make up part of him and he loosens right up and has a genuine smile that is warm and natural. 

Of course, if it's concentration you're looking for, nothing beats holding a pair of 25 pound weights spread eagle while your photographer fusses over how parallel and symmetrical they are...