The key to photographing children is to make them feel comfortable around you and make them forget that you are taking pictures of them.

It's always easier to photograph children when they are occupied with something - like for instance playing with a friend, a dog or a toy. If you keep them busy they won't be so aware of your camera - thus enabling you to take natural pictures.

Posed pictures in front of corny backgrounds are a big no-no. Get your kids in the back yard - take them to the beach or the park and take some pictures there.

Here's a few tips for taking better pictures of children :

Tip # 1 : Keep them occupied
Try and avoid taking pictures of children when they are alone. Take a friend or a dog with. If this is not possible take a soccer ball or some toy with to keep them busy.

Tip # 2 : Blend in
Talk to the children, introduce yourself and play with them before photographing them. This will make them feel more relaxed. Don't just start taking pictures.

Tip # 3 : Candid pictures
Use a longer lens to take pictures from a distance. The best children pictures are often taken while they are completely unaware of it.

Tip # 4 : Fill the Frame
Don't be afraid to get close to children. Fill the frame with your subject.

Tip # 5 : Avoid noisy backgrounds
Pick out clean backgrounds. The beach, or a park is a good choice. If you don't have any control over the background shoot at a wide aperture to throw the background out of focus - or if you are shooting with a wideangle lens get close to fill the subject and eliminate the background.

Tip # 6 : Who said you need to be at eye level?
Shooting at eye level is often a good tip. But don't always play by the rules. Shooting from above shows children the way we see them - don't be afraid to bend the rules.