Now that I no longer work for the big photography company...

I'm free to talk about some of the inside stuff that goes on at a photography studio. First off, the more photogenic & beautiful the subject, the harder they are to please. Beautiful people are EXTREMELY VAIN and will usually hate all of the photos you take no matter how good they are. Normal-looking people are usually very appreciative when you make them look good. Secondly, you could have 10 people in a photo where nine of the ten look great. But if mom doesn't look good in the photo, forget it. That photo will not be purchased. Lastly, you can bribe your kid all you want, but if your kid refuses to smile for their photo, it ain't going to happen no matter what toy, treat or punishment you wave in front of their face. And one more thing...parents, I know you want to blame the photographer but the truth is, if the photos aren't very good, it's usually because your kid is a brat and wouldn't cooperate. Deal with it.