Thanks to all of you who responded. I retook the pictures utilizing the tips and got really great pics. I couldn't find a kazoo, but the party horn worked great, (the cookies didn't hurt either). I also brought along some stuffed animals.
Almost as an afterthought, the Mom wanted to shoot some in the child's room. As it turned out, the light was perfect, she was happy and in her enviornment and I got some wonderful shots. There are about five of them with her looking at a book, very sweet, but in the second pic I post, you'll see that great smile. It will be hard to pick one, but better that than use a picture you're not really happy about.
Thanks to all for the great tips. I also received the book
"Professional Secrets for Photographing Children" haven't read it yet. I'd like to know which of the two pics is perferred.
Thanks,
Alicia
Administrator's Note: Click on book title to see it at Amazon.com.