Picture Perfect. Or Not.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 10:48PM The pictures that are coming up are straight out of the camera. I did not edit them, because I feel that leaving them the way they are adds to the point that I am making.
Did you know that sometimes I try to make a point here? I know. It is impossible to believe. But it's true.
In Eliana I had found a most willing subject as far as photography goes. Not that I am talented or anything. In fact, taking pictures of my kids has made me painfully aware of how very little I know about taking pictures of people. Especially small people. Who move a lot. And quickly. I know just enough about photography to be frustrated by it.
But, I could always count on Eliana to smile for me. Or grimace. Whichever one you would like to say is all right with me...it's a fine line. I could count on her, though, to be willing. Until lately.
Lately, she has been such a stinker. Now, she is two. And she is really coming into her two-year-old own. The temper tantrums that make the neighbors' fingers twitch to call the police...she's had 'em. In fact, the other day, as I was walking through the church, after picking Christian up from school (remember - this is also the place where my husband has a job) she began screaming to get down. She went from zero to 160 in 1.3 seconds; there was no intermediate phase. She was pitching such a fit that I didn't want to reward her bad behavior by giving her what she wanted. So I practically sprinted through the front of the part of the church where most of the special gatherings take place (basically the fellowship hall/reception area). Of course, there was a special gathering taking place, just on the other side of the walls. I think all of the pastors in their offices upstairs must have heard her, she was making such a ruckus. The poor lady sitting at the receptionist's desk kept her head down, but I could see her eyes looking up at me. She was smiling that "I've been there...I'm so sorry" smile. The worst part is that I had to walk up the street carrying her screaming and kicking like that, since we live so close...there was no tossing her into her carseat and shutting her noise up in the car. I thought for sure a police officer would stop and interrogate me about whether or not she was mine, where I was taking her, and why she was screaming so. He (or she) might have thought,"This looks very suspicious..." Then he (or she) might have said to me,"This child sure is crying hard. Is she yours?" I would have said,"Yes. But if you want to take her downtown for questioning, she's all yours!"
What in the world was I talking about? Did I actually say I was going to have a point?
Yes. Pictures. I have been trying to take her picture lately, and she is now resisting. Resisting! If I say,"Eliana, Mommy wants to take your picture!" she shakes her head violently, or makes a crazy face, or covers her eyes with her hands.
I repeat...she is a stinker.
Today, I tried again. I am a fool.
She put the camera strap around her own neck...this makes it very difficult to get a decent photo of your subject...
She wanted to be in my lap...also a very difficult photography situation...
Being in someone's lap while said someone takes your picture makes for large noses, and big lips. It also results in white foreheads and dark chins. Just some tips from a pro, for those eager for photography advice! And it's free!
Well, almost free. Your time has been spent, and I'm sorry to say it cannot be refunded. Not even if you are not satisfied.
So...let's look at some more, then, shall we?
Ah, here's what I was going for!
I think she was contemplating what photo inopportunities she could create...
Weird. Just weird.
Goodness! What's up with her crazy eye? Do you see it?!
Oh! So close.
She slouched way down on the couch so that even though she was still and not covering her face, her neck disappeared. Not a good photo op. I like her eyelashes, though.
I do think these two are decent, as far as capturing her at this time...
(And I have to confess I lightened this first one, since I previously said no images were edited. I was trying to get her eyes to show up better.)
They were all right. But I had to work for them! And I still say...she's a stinker!
I'll keep her.
But...
She. Is. A. Stinker.
Eliana
Reader Comments (8)
hahaha! two year olds are funny, my boys hit their two year old phase when they were four and much stronger...super fun. I still love all the hilarious pics you took, even if she wasnt cooperating she is still just so adorable and sweet I love her eyes and her sweet blond hair. Thanks miss Christina!
Every single one of those pictures is adorable. She makes a good subject.
When Reagan was two I had hotel security show up at the door of our room because they thought I was beating her. She was just mad because I hadn't let her push the elevator button and so she screamed for 15 minutes.
I was mortified. I plan to show up at her high school graduation in hair curlers and fuzzy slippers as revenge.
Well, thank you, Jana!
And Mindee...that is so crazy. But you have a good plan. It will be a night she'll never forget. :)
Love it! I can totally relate.
But she is a cute stinker!
That's exactly where I am with Anna right now. Same thing. I had to carry her out of the library screaming. I was so embarassed. Most of the time she is such a sweetie but then there are those other times. Wish we lived close so the girls could play together.
:-) You have to love those tantrums. :-P I'd say two out of the batch is pretty good for portraits, especially of children. It takes a lot of bad pictures to get one or two good ones. (I say as though I know oh-so-much about it!)
Kristina...it would be so fun to get them together. And the boys would have fun, too, I think. :)
R.H....Thanks for stopping by! Isn't digital photography great?! It doesn't matter how many mess-ups you get, you're not paying out the wazoo for the two that turn out. :)