I thought I was the only one who took my 14 year old daughter (chuckle). We have had fun together this summer, and she is a much better photographer than I am. She would see me packing up my satchel, and be ready at the door. Helping me made us so much closer, made the job easier, and I think made us less conspicuous, even when we were taking hidden notes. She even learned to contain her social nature at appropriate times. The shop companies were getting twice the value, and they didn't even know it.
For Sandy, we took an exterior shot of a store that had alot of trees and such blocking it. We waited until after the shop to do it. Since there was alot of blockage of the sign, drove the van (rolled it, really) while Jen stood on the running board with camera in hand, telling me which direction to roll the van for the best shot. We were laughing so hard, as Jenn tried to use the door of the van to hide herself. She got great pictures.
Okay, so sometimes I spent my stipend on her. But she's worth it!
How to make shops easier? Do exactly what the companies ask of you: Do your report immediately. My memory deteriorates exponentially.