In approaching pruning this small maple, after listening to my client, my approach is careful.  Starting from the back I begin removing stubby branches, dead wood and crossed branches.  I do it this way because I know that to begin from the front can result in sizeable gaps later on.

And then I work my way around the small tree.  Continually assessing the plant from all viewpoints, I proceed.  Eventually I decide whether to limb up from the bottom.    As you can see, I really get into my work!