Shooting with a Disgruntled Toddler

Monday was a great day to take some pictures at the Garden. Namely because it was cloudy and that meant I didn't have to spend more time trying to figuring out how to deal with direct sunlight. Remember, I'm still learning the ins and outs of photography. I'm still madly in love with my birthday camera too. Anyways, where was I? Oh yes, the Garden! I took my trusty and handy subject, my 2 year old. He was not amused.

Like when I said, "Baby, climb onto the peacock and let Mommy take your picture!" He obliged but wasn't thrilled.


Oh well, on to a different setting. "Look darling, here are some beautiful flowers! Show Mommy how you smell them." Child begins manhandling flowers. "Oh sweetie, be gentle" I say, but it soon becomes apparent that the funnest thing about these flowers, is stripping the blooms from the stem.



Let's try a different setting. How about feeding the fish? Feeding the fish will surely bring on some giggles and smiles, right?

Here he is, bless his 2 year soul, explaining to me how he would rather eat graham crackers and when's lunch? No smiles here folks. The fish weren't much better subjects.


In a last, desperate attempt to get some adorable (read not cranky) pictures I put him in his pumpkin costume from last year. I had to see if it still fit, right?

No smiles yet, but he was very pleased by the situation. When do I ever let him run barefoot in a public place? Never! But I was desperate. I knew there was a smile in there somewhere and I just HAD to have it. Finally, I got one.

Actually, I got two!

And then we left. I've learned that with 2 year olds, you shouldn't push your luck. Especially around lunch time.