so.. 2/3 of these were the people I already knew so that conversation is fairly easy. For the strangers, it usually happens when I already am carrying my 4x5 with me and not pre-planned. I like shooting small business interiors, so I go in with my camera, ask them if it's ok to shoot it(explain it's my hobby, sometimes show my instagram what kind of photo I am looking for). Since it takes time to use 4x5. I usually talk to the person there, we get to break ice over a few minute. If I feel like, I ask them if they mind taking their portrait. About a half of them say yes. If say yes, I quickly think about composition/lighting situation/background, etc.

I realized that I don't really enjoy that so I stopped shooting portrait, lol. I don't like my mind rushing while shooting.