1. Organise the technical details first

Technical considerations can distract you from your mission.  Set as many of these as you can beforehand, preferably as a specific User Setting or Favourite, if this is a feature of the camera. This then leaves you free to concentrate on the subject without worrying about camera settings.

2. Shoot loads of pictures

The great bonus of digital film is that it doesn't cost anything to use again and again, so is invaluable for moving subjects. Having a load of pictures will help make up for the unpredictable nature of the subject/s.  Though your success ratio might be low, all you need is a few hot shots from a session to make it worthwhile.

3. Check your results

Use the LCD monitor to review the results as often as possible. Don't forget that, in Review Mode, you can zoom in on the LCD screen to magnify the image and check for critical focus.

4. Involve the subject in an activity and shoot candidly

Giving your subject their favourite toy or encouraging them to undertake an activity that they enjoy will provide you with photo opportunities. The subject is unlikely to be self-conscious, the pictures will be unstaged and the poses more natural.