While books can be for all ages (some very serious, and some not so), I wanted to keep it real once again with props in this photography session.
By the look on her face, a little shock at this massive reading list I created. Certainly not the same smile as in my previous keeping it real session with tools. 
Plenty of expressions and deep thoughts going on here. I believe that's simply from keeping it real. No fakery with saying "smile" or "say cheese" and getting fake smiles. Trust me, there were real smiles. Some were hard to keep inside.
Of course it wasn't all fun and games, so a serious tone can sometimes come over the subject. In that case I usually find it's best to use a few secret weapons (keeping it real once again), or as a last result bring out the librarian to give an example of how it's done.
Tag: props
Keeping It Real (Passions and Photography Props)
Why not keep it real when photographing kids with props that show their true passions? As a parent, it's fun watching your children grow and develop their own personality and interests. One of my own passions is photographing my own children (go figure). Of course someone who isn't his parent might quickly deduce that my son (pictured here) loves tools or building. Everywhere we go, he insists on bringing more than a dozen plastic tools, his safety glasses, his work helmet and a toolbox with him, so most people usually take notice and say something to him.
When I had the idea to do this shoot, I told him about wanting to use real tools. Did I mention that he only turned three last December? So, his eyes opened real wide and he couldn't wait to get started. And once we did, he had a blast with some silly tool-talk. There's no fakery here, it's all real. There's also no reason to say "smile" or "say cheese" to get a smile. He had every reason to smile. 
So, a general tip is to keep it real. Why use generic props that just anyone could use? Of course for the little princess, a legit diamond encrusted tiara might be a bit hard to come by.