Photographing children can be rewarding and challenging. It is 10% technical ability and 90% psychology. If I knew that my job, for the remainder of my life, would depend exclusively on photographing children - and - I was given a choice between the very best camera equipment or a complete understanding of the psyche of children, I would choose a shoebox and a strip of film.

There are a number of techniques that can be used to change the mood of a child. But why would you want to do that? You have a treasure chest of opportunity right there in front of you. You may be passing up the perfect opportunity for a wonderfully unique image.

Recognize his/her mood. Is your subject cautious, silly, shy or frightened?...