Try to agree on some co-ordination if you are coming as a family group. Wear pastel colours rather than bright, gaudy tops and shirts. Denim looks quite good on younger families.  Alternatively an all black look can produce some good shots.

Babies, especially very young ones are often brought to a portrait session in a bib & brace type outfit and because it is difficult to support the child, the braces inevitably ride up and continually cover part of the face. Try dressing a little girl in a dress and a little boy in a tee shirt.  Have a practice at home and see what problems there might be with the outfit you are intending to put them in.

If your coming in for a portfolio, think about bringing a change of clothing to give your portfolio a little variety.

On young children, shoes tend to take over the foreground of the portrait. It is advisable that they wear no shoes and if socks are to be worn, plain colours, no patterned socks.

Older children and youths like to wear trainers, but again, think about what you want to look at in the portrait. The person or his/her trainers !

Try to get all, to make an effort with their hair and make-up.

A lot of children, especially two year olds and boys of 12 - 17 don't really want their photograph taking. Undue pressure on them prior to the sitting to "SAY CHEESE" or "SMILE" seems only to make them want to do the opposite.  Young children who "always smile", when confronted with a strange situation, need time to become accustomed to a stranger pointing a camera at him/her, in addition to flashing lights.  Give them time and try not to force the situation.

If you have an idea of what you think you would like, please point this out at the time of the booking or at least when you arrive for the sitting.