Used Nikon Lens Shades / Hoods

Think ahead when composing your photo.  Include things that help tell your story, but try to avoid items that are unneeded in the image.  Try to eliminate distracting backgrounds (such as trees or telephone poles that appear to grow out of your subjects head), and make sure your focus and exposure are correct.  Try shooting from different camera angles.  Photos of children may appear more natural when you get down to their level to take the picture.  Many things can be fixed later in Photoshop^TM, but it is better for many reasons to do it correctly in the camera.