I apologise if this is in the wrong spot and I'll say straight up that I am by no means aiming to complain whinge or abuse.
Today whilst shopping I passed a popular kids chain photography company. As a hobby photographer i found myself stopping to watch (very cautiously as not to be labled a pervert). In terms of how they adjusted settings composed shots etc. In the time I spent watching they did not once change the settings and the poses seemed to be very manufactured and typical of usual kids shots. ie babies in flowerpots etc. I understand that this is a cheap phtotography and not necessarily looking at the art of phtotography and capturing the personality of the child.
As is said though i am not aiming to whinge but am more curious as to how those who take portraits set up their shots of kids to obtain great shots without that manufactured apearance. I don't have kids myself so have never had the oportunity to observe a professional portrait photographer take these shots except as a child myself.