I love taking pictures of children for many reasons, but first and foremost for their energy and their honesty. Even when they are completely still, you can see the wheels turning in their mind. Children are also extremely expressive. Their emotions and personality shine through in a way that makes for some beautiful portraits.
  When I am shooting children's portraits I prefer to meet with the child at least once before the photo shoot, to get a feel for their personality, learn about their likes and dislikes and what makes them comfortable. I find that children respond better to me as a photographer if they have met me even once prior to the shoot. I also like to shoot the photos in a setting that is familiar to the child, such as a nice room in their house, their backyard or at a local park. Kids usually feel more comfortable in their own environment, with their parent or guardian and some favorite toys close at hand. 
  Often I will shoot pictures of a child with their family pet nearby or in the picture. Children seem to automatically lose their reservations when animals are present.
  When scheduling a photo shoot, I prefer to meet with the child or children 2 to 7 days before the shoot, if possible. 
  For newborn baby photos, the meeting is not necessary, but I prefer to have the mother on hand, if possible.