On 2007-12-01 03:20:36 -0800, "rda" said:

Hi there, I have a friend bring 5 kids from her family round for a few
photos.
The kids range from 6 months - 9yrs old.


For once I agree with Strat: full length photography unless you are
doing a facial portrait. With five you can do either landscape or
portrait orientation.

Having them stand on the two sides of a ladder will naturally create a
triangle.

I like getting the kids involved in a game of some sort, usually with
something colorful with a beach ball, or maybe blowing bubbles. At
first the kids are usually a little self-conscious around a
photographer, but you just keep taking pictures and sooner or later
they forget you are there.

There is a natural order of children's play. They start slowly at
first, with little involvement. Then they get more and more interested.
Then interest falls off rapidly. You will probably get your best shots
as the children reach their peak of interest.

You can also use the ladder to get shots of them from high overhead --
always fun if you can get them tossing a ball.
--
Waddling Eagle
World Famous Flight Instructor