Use natural light.
Use 100 or 200 speed film. Avoid using a flash - it causes red-eye, washes out the face and distorts colors. Shoot photos outdoors if possible, preferably early morning or late afternoon. Avoid the hours between 10 and 2 - the sun is too harsh and creates odd downward shadows. Ideally choose a bright but slightly overcast day. Position the subject so the light is shining on the face but is slightly to the side so the subject isn't squinting. If photographing outdoors is not an option, place the subject near a window. Be sure not to put the subject between yourself and the window or you will end up with a silhouette. Instead, shoot the photograph from the side.

Posing the subject.
A casual, natural pose is usually best, especially with children. The subject doesn't have to be looking directly at the camera for a good portrait. Some of the best poses have the subject looking at an object (a toy, flower, book, pet), out a window, or at someone off to the side out of camera range. A three-quarters view of the face is often the most flattering rather than straight on.

Framing the picture.
Be sure to get on your subject's eye level - get down on your knees or even lay on the ground if that's where they are. Never shoot the photograph from above or below the subject. Be sure to fill the frame with your subject. The further away you are when you take the picture, the less detail you will capture of your subject. If you want a chest up view then move in close and take the picture from chest up. If you want a full body portrait, get as close as possible without cropping the subject but then also take a close-up of the face so I can see more detail.

Clothing and background.
Try to avoid cluttered backgrounds, clothing with a great deal of pattern or detail, intricate lace, etc. These things not only make the portrait more difficult to draw but also divert the attention from the subject's face. I will use my artistic discretion in minimizing any distracting details around the subject unless otherwise requested.

Take a lot of pictures.
Especially where children are concerned, take as many pictures as you can (at least one roll) because you never know which one will be the right one. I can combine different photographs to make one portrait as long as the angle and lighting are similar. For instance, in one photo you might like the body pose but the subject's eyes are closed. In another picture you get a great facial expression but they are fidgeting with their hands. I can use parts from both pictures to make a great portrait.

What to send.
Please send 4x6, 5x7 or 8x10 photographs made directly from the negative (no color copier enlargements or computer scans please). The larger the original photograph(s) the more detail I can see. If the color of eyes is not obvious from the photograph, please tell me what color they are supposed to be.