It has always been my belief that the best pictures are taken when the subject of the picture is the most comfortable. 

By allowing the customer to choose the setting and giving them control of the session helps to make the customer less awkward and more at ease. 

Also, while I do understand some people view photo sessions as a chore, I try to make it a fun experience. 

This, in turn, makes for a more natural picture and one the customer can be happy with for years to come.

While I have many ideas on what poses and locations would look good, I prefer to ask the customer what their preferences are first.  Once this is determined, I may make suggestions or make a comment on one of the customer's ideas, but the customer has the final word on what is actually done.