I like to use soft light to reduce glare and unwanted reflections. Compact and phone
cameras are limited by auto everything. A SLR on a tripod fully manual will get the best results (spot metering, aperture setting for depth of field , shutter speed , and yes manual focus). Background and setting will give great emphasis to the subject.
Here are some of my pictures shown in my postings.
Mike.
http://www.videokarma.org/showthread.php?t=249544
http://www.videokarma.org/showthread.php?t=249498
http://www.videokarma.org/showthread.php?t=251780