A few months ago we got Martin his own digital camera.  At the time, I was just thinking it would be a good way to keep his sticky hands off of my camera.  But now, I see "his work" as the first stage of a budding artist.  Here are some examples of his current work:

This is in the style of Chuck Close.


Portrait of Sophie.


Momma and Sophie askew.


Art Appreciation (aka "Who's camera are you using after eating some Mrs. Butterworth's?")

I also deleted 97 pictures that were completely red.  Which, it turns out, is what pictures look like when your fingers completely cover the lens of a camera.  Thank God for digital.

I'm convinced that children of Martin's generation have the potential to start a new wave of photography.  Simply by being able to take pictures from such a young age without the expense of developing 97 photos of red hands just to get a few that capture his view of the world.  With the freedom of digital, we can see what's important to Martin (except for those covered by his fingers, unless it turns out that his fingers are essential to his "vision") and let him take as many pictures as his heart desires.  At least until the camera stops working... I don't think it was tested by toddlers.