[Mike McCarty]

I would make a couple of suggestions. First, I would try to change the angle from shooting down onto the subject to shooting at his eye level or slightly below. This is, of course, an easy mistake to make; kids are usually below our line of sight. It can make a big difference. Secondly, when you pose him, check these three things: direct his nose to a point; next direct his eyes from that point; then direct his chin up or down. As you do this (looking through the camera) something will attract your eye. Something will grab you. I prefer the controlled indoor light myself.