I take a lot of pictures of kids at sporting events myself (mostly baseball and
soccer) I find the most successful pictures (and the ones the parents enjoy the
most) are the natural, at play ones. Kids seem to develop an unnatural approach
when they see the camera and instantly start mugging and posing. I try and
catch them unaware.

I take individual photographs of children at sports events. A problem I
have is getting them to smile naturally. Sometimes I can not get them to
smile (especially the children ages 5 - 8). Does anyone have any
suggestions/tips ?