Hi Druid.
I am by no means an expert in photography, but i would like to share what worked for me.
for the last few weeks i have been with my girlfriend almost none stop. and my new camera has become her worst enemy! as i am always taking pics, and pointing it at her
here is what i have learned, all of this worked for me. and might work for anyone who doesnt like getting their picture taken.
1. girlfriends sometimes dont understand their boys hobbies. If you are using a short lens you need to stand a little closer to them. they think that your zooming in on every blemish they may have and get very annoyed very quickly.
By using a longer lens, standing further away you can take this feeling away ( even though when you look through the viewfinder, it is filled with their mug... they are none the wiser!
2. i found that using a remote shutter lead helps alot. the line "im not taking pictures, im just testing settings" works well as your hand is not near the button of doom. when she is more relaxed, press the button on the remote and there you have it
3. Shoot in continuous mode. the best expressions are often after you have taken the intended shot. or shoot one, then pause and shoot again. ( this worked wonders for me for one particular picture)
4. similar to number 2, try to frame the shot then take you eye from the view finder. and look at her. the more she thinks you are not taking a photo of her the more natural the expressions will be, and you might get some real corkers.
As i said i am no expert. just sharing what seemed to work for me
Proof