Everything has its place, and this is the place for bribery. The savvy parent has a generous payoff lined up for times like these. But the fun doesn't really begin until the actual sitting. That's when the photographer tries everything short of juggling his equipment to prompt a smile. This is one time a parent hopes his infant has gas.
Babies often share the spotlight with a stuffed animal or other prop on which they can drool.
For the most part, toddlers are generous with their smiles. Sometimes the nice picture-taker has to wrestle junior to get his toy props back. The only time they grin is when the photographer realizes his fly is open. But it's worth the hassle in the end. Parents proudly display the portrait of their child, and disperse half-inch reproductions to thousands of their closest friends.