I must say I love photographing children. They are usually less self-conscious than adults, and therefore less concerned about how they "look" for the camera. This translates into less work to create a relaxed atmosphere where the images can be spontaneous and natural.

This summer I have been working with the amazing 16 mega pixel Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II camera, which provides digital capture quality on par with medium format film. It's "full frame" 24x36mm sensor (the same size as 35mm film) enables shallow depth of field effects that are perfect for atmospheric portraits and candids. I think adding a sepia-toned effect complements this approach very well.

The image at right of Sterling and Ethan was made one summer evening outdoors in subdued light. There is a stillness  and quiet about this image that I really like (though in reality they had been chasing each other around the deck and were still for but a second). The images below are of Sterling's classmate Carly and and her brother Miles, and another shot of Ethan prepared with a similar technique. Enjoy!

Above: Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II, EF 35mm f/1.4.

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II, EF 24-70mm f/2.8L

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II, EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS.

Canon EOS 10D, EF 50mm f/1.4