I love using lenses with long focal lengths (50 mm+) for portrait work. The higher (longer) the number, the more shallow your dept of field (DOF), which I know seems counter-intutive, but that’s the way the light refracts. For these shots, I used my 105 mm. Shallow DOF lets you draw attention to the part of the image you really want to emphasize.
For more from this challenge, visit Sunday Stills: Shallow Depth of Field.
nancy merrill photography 
Great portraits for Ed’s challenge, Nancy. 🙂
Thanks!
Great shots. I am keeping an eye on my garden with my long lens while trying to read all the blogs. I am not so good at multitasking. 😀
Thanks! Good luck with the garden!
I use a 90 mm, but I used to use a 105. Great portraits!
Thanks!
brilliant portraits, loved the last pic especially his expressions 🙂
He was trying really hard to not smile. 😀
Love the first photo 🙂 Wonderful 😀
He and his brother and sister are all so photogenic. I wish they lived closer; I just have to content myself with getting as many pictures of him and his siblings (and their parents) when they are in town, usually about once a year.
The first shot is very powerful, with the boy staring directly at the camera and not smiling. The b&w adds to the serious tone, I think.
He can be a very serious kid, and it can take a bit to get him to smile. He’a a lot of fun, though.