One of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard on photographing children is to let them take the lead.  Sometimes a photographer or client has specific ideas for how a shoot will unfold and often children have other plans! Rather than trying to force the “perfect” shot,  I’ve found it works best when you work with the child’s personality and mood. I was photographing two sisters recently and one was in a modeling mood while the other wanted to hide her face.  In one instance she put a flower in front of her eye and when I asked if she’d lower it (to capture more of her cute face), I was met with giggles and a head shake. Instead of fighting it, I kept shooting.  The result is one of my favorite photos of the day.  So, play along with children…they will always remind you to stop and smell the roses (lillies, tullips, daffodils, etc.)!