An aspect of the present invention provides an image taking apparatus comprising an imaging device which takes an image of a subject, an imaging instruction device for inputting an imaging instruction to take the image of the subject, a face detection device which detects a face image of the subject from a live view image taken by the imaging device in response to the imaging instruction from the imaging instruction device, an eye direction judgment device which detects an eye direction of the subject from the face image and judges whether the eye direction of the subject is directed to the imaging device, and an imaging control device which, when it is judged that the eye direction of the subject is directed to the imaging device, immediately causes the imaging device to take an image of the subject.