Taking a Toddler's Photo

Over the past year or so, I've gotten really into photography. I've been able to see a vast improvement in my photos during that time (if you are curious, check out Day 1 of my Project 365 blog versus a recent post on  Day 186). I think I've improved for several reasons, including lots of reading and asking for feedback on my photos, learning how to actually use my camera, etc., but I think one of the main reasons I've improved so much is that I get a ton of practice with my non-cooperative toddler.

Ella doesn't sit still, doesn't really follow directions, and is easily distracted. Consider some photos I took yesterday when we were playing outside. You might wonder why there are so many shots of her not looking at me. Well, she may have been looking at me the second before I clicked or I clicked early hoping she was about to look at me. I don't want to give the impression that I'm just clicking away a thousand photos at a time and then luckily get a good shot - because that isn't it. But with a toddler you have to always be ready to capture the one smile they may give you the entire time you are taking their photo or the one time they actually look at you!

Dirt is way more interesting than I am, apparently.

And, when she finally looks at me, I get this face.

In the end, it is it worth it all! :)