Shoot a lot. Be Patient. Take the same shot several times. Slight changes of expression can make all the difference.

Focus on the eyes. That's where the viewer's eyes gravitate. If the eyes are in focus the rest of the picture will seem right, even if it isn't.

Move around, up and down. Getting down on the same level is especially important. From an adult's eye view kids are swallowed up by the larger world around them. Or try up close and from above. When looking up kids naturally open their eyes wide and pointing down eliminates any distracting backgrounds. Finally, get out of the way. Take pictures when the kids aren't aware of the camera. A zoom lens will help get close up candid shots from afar.

Use a noise maker. A squeaky toy works well. For kids who don't yet get the concept of looking at the camera hold the squeeker just above the camera and give it a few squeezes. Be careful not to over do it or the kids will learn to ignore the sound. Start firing just before the noise and shoot for several seconds after.

And don't forget extra batteries and plenty of memory cards!

This Shot
A few weeks before Halloween we went to a local botanical garden, Cheekwood, This is my daughter playing on some stone steps. I shot continuously for several minutes and got this one winner out of about a twenty shots. In all the others something just wasn't quite right. Shoot a lot!

50mm 1/125s f/3.5 ISO 250