Portrait photography requires good lighting, calm background, and a willing model. For the most part, I usually capture travel and hiking photos, interspersed with candids of family and friends.
Wanting to experiment with portraits – and enjoying spending time with my 13 year old grandson – I asked Greyson if he’d like me to take some photos of him with his saxophone. He picked the location (beach), and I picked the time (golden hour). What a delightful, creative, and fun time we had!
With his parents’ and his permission, I share these photos (all selected by Grey) and information about Grey, his love of music, and our photo session.
Grey is an amazing young man, quite accomplished for a thirteen year old. (Hey, and I’m NOT biased! 🙂 ) He has been playing the saxophone for only two years, starting in sixth grade when, to be in band, he had to choose between the alto saxophone and the trombone. With alto sax in hand, he honked out his first note, much to the disbelief and surprise of his band teacher. Wanting to improve, he taught himself how to play sax, relying on YouTube videos to guide him. Fitting practice into his packed life demonstrates persistence and focus!
Fast forward to seventh grade, when he picked the tenor rather than the alto sax, and Grey successfully auditioned for the County Junior Honor Band. One of only four students from his school, Grey along with the other 60 members of the band rehearsed for only about one month to perform five songs at the honor band’s annual concert, held at Cal Poly’s Performing Arts Center. The Honor Band was a terrific experience for Grey! He loves meeting new people who share his appreciation for music while developing new techniques and growing his playing skills. He hopes to play in the honor band next year and, perhaps, add baritone sax and trombone to his musical portfolio. Music will forever be a part of Greyson’s life.
For Greyson, playing sax is an art. Just as I feel about photography, it’s wonderful to learn something new, improvise, improve, create!
Music is not Grey’s only passion! When not playing the sax, Grey enjoys basketball, baseball, LARPing, videogames, hanging out with friends and family (including his little brother – and his nana!), archery, Boy Scouts, fishing, backpacking, and many pets (such as a bearded dragon and hermit crab!). Wow! I’m exhausted just thinking about how busy Greyson is! So proud of you, Grey, for all you do and for who you are!