Getting your children to cooperate while trying to take their picture can be an uphill battle. Whatever cute thing they were doing, they now refuse to do, or just run and hide, or make the saddest/maddest/craziest face they can come up with. We've all been there, and now your cute photo is not at all what you wanted. While it can be tricky to get better photos of your kids, I promise you it can be done.
Tip 1: Get Your Children Involved
Getting your kiddo involved in the making of the image helps amp up their desire to see the final result. I am constantly asking kids where the would like to take a picture; in the grass, by the tree, etc. I'm also always asking how they think something would look best; sitting, standing, twirling, running, etc. The more questions you ask them, the more fun they have helping, and they feel like their input is valuable. Their idea's aren't always what I had in mind, but after I've gotten their input, they're much more responsive to my suggestions. And honestly, some of my favorite images have been ones that were totally their idea, kids see things in ways that adults never do.
Tip 2: Play Dress Up
What kid doesn't love playing dress up or putting on a costume? I'm an adult and Halloween is still my favorite holiday. The fun thing about costumes is kids always love to pose in them, and be a total show-off. You can capture some adorable images of kids doing different activities in costume; fighting bad guys, pouring her teddy bears tea, etc. You also get to have some adorable images that capture what things your child was interested in at this age.
Tip 3: Don't forget the details
I know it sounds silly, but not every picture you take of your kids needs to have their gorgeous face in it. My son is obsessed with sticks, rocks, and other "treasures" he finds outside. He loves it when I take pictures of these "treasures". Detail images allow you to show off some of your child's personality, and if you love putting together photo albums, they put things into context. I can't tell you how many images I have of leaves, rocks, flowers, balls, and more, but when I see those images I am instantly reminded of what we were doing and how much my son loved those things.
Tip 4: Make it an adventure
The single best tip I can give you is to make it an adventure. If you can make something fun, kids love to do it. Walk around exploring, encourage your little one to make silly faces, tell jokes, ask them who has the stinkiest feet in your family; make them enjoy having their photograph taken. I make sure at every session with my client's and at home with my son, that children are having fun. I never want to make the experience of having a picture taken a bad one, the more kids enjoy it, the more they'll want to do it.