From the day Hannah was born, there has always been a camera nearby, ready to capture those Kodak moments. That camera has almost always been digital. In fact, she was at first confused and then quickly annoyed when she discovered that not all cameras let you see the image on the camera back. So, when she expressed an interest in taking pictures, it was an obvious choice to 'go digital'.

Digital cameras are perfect for 'budding photographers', they can shoot freely, exploring and experimenting with no regard for the cost of materials. The results are immediate which help the concepts become clear while the experiences are still fresh in their minds. Successful efforts are saved, stored and perhaps printed. The mistakes are reviewed and then deleted.

The primary obstacles to introducing a child to digital photography are the cost and the relative fragility of the hardware. I was fortunate to overcome both in one movement when I was given a Kodak DC20 Digital Camera. While it was cutting edge technology at one time, it quickly became obsolete in the marketplace. Its basic features and construction make it perfect for tiny (and not so careful) hands.

On the pages that follow are some of Hannah's better efforts. The images are arranged in a reverse chronological order: newer images appear first. You can see the development in her skills as the images gradually get less 'controlled'. Generally, we make no effort to influence her subject matter, she shoots what she wants to.I do review the pictures with her and she often chooses to reshoot to improve the picture. Some of those 'before and after' sequences appear here. Anyway, it makes for interesting viewing.