Kids' pictures require timing, talking and technique

Ask a group of professional portrait photographers what they feel is the most challenging subject to photograph, and the answer often will be young children.

That's easy to understand. Kids don't like to sit still for long, and they don't like being asked to put on an insincere smile for the camera.

If you have experienced a less-than-productive photo session with your child, here are some tips that will help you get a picture that will please you and your child.

Kids, like cats, often choose the least likely or handy moment to be photographable. With that in mind, it's best to keep your camera handy always.

The clothes your kids favor say a lot about their personality. To capture the personality of your children, photograph them in the outfit they like best, even if they are not your personal favorites; you want your subject to look and feel comfortable.

Professional photographers realize the importance of the background in a portrait. In the studio, pros have several painted and plain backgrounds to complement a subject. Outdoors, pros may travel many miles to get the ideal setting. In choosing a setting for your portrait, keep in mind that your child should fit in naturally, and that the background should not dominate the picture.

Most people look better when they are smiling. When photographing kids, tell jokes, be funny, talk about stuff they're interested in. Keep your finger on the shutter-release button, and take lots of pictures. Keep shooting. "You may have to take many pictures to get one truly great shot," says New York-based photographer, Kayla Lindquist.

If all else fails, offer your subject an enticement (bribe) to be cooperative. Don't overdo it, however. Kids learn quickly, and will remember your enticement technique the next time you want to take their picture.