[Chris Saper]

Hi Patty,

I certainly support the non-group option first. Yeesh, so very difficult- as you know, I share Mike's trepidation!

I would suggest following up with what Mike says, first find out the time of day when the littlest kids are at their best. Schedule the meeting with the grandmother a little earlier, then spend as much time as you need on site to really think through the lighting that will be present at that time of day, and various location options including a Plan B for bad weather. Take your camera and a doll or head statue that will let you approximate shadow directions and whether you'll need a fill reflector, etc. Test out different camera settings, too, including exposure - ie over - or under- exposures, etc.

See what furniture or seating props are available, and then work out several thumbnail ideas for the composition before you get to the shoot. Ask the mother to bring light, middle and dark value tops for each of the children, so you can think through the value arrangements.

Take aspirin.

Good luck!!