Hi Fiona
My own personal thing when doing portraits is to have more than you and your niece there. Get her to bring a friend (or two) along. Get them all involved in the makeover part and then let them do what 12 year olds do. When they are quite involved with their own conversations, jokes etc. just take candid snaps. I prefer to do this outside in natural light but that might not be possible at this time of year. If not, get against a plain background as far as possible.
I personally shoot loads and loads of photos - the majority of which I will discard - but it is worth it for the few classic candid shots that you will get out of the shoot.
As you will see from my gallery, I like to get very close in on my portraits, as I love taking faces and their many expressions! This can make your "victim" quite self conscious but I always find that distractions (i.e. other people giggling, chatting, joking etc) will give you a much more relaxed atmosphere and a more natural photograph.
Just be aware that even outside, you may need flash to get that perfect shot.
Let me know how you get on Fiona - good luck!.
You'll do great.
Lesley
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