It took a long time to whittle down the images from this session to a reasonable blog post length, not to mention picking a cover image. Clayton was an excellent model and very patient. Between me bossing him around, his mom straightening his hair, and his dad holding his trumpet in a manner that Clayton didn’t think worthy of the instrument, Clayton could have easily turned surly and exasperated, but he remained cooperative and pleasant. And I give props to both parents, who hauled around two trumpets in a case and rescued my changing tent, which I blithely left propped against a fire escape.
Clayton is an accomplished musician, a leader in the Mason High School marching band, and plays in his high school’s highest level concert band. He is also looking at top engineering schools, although he is wise enough to keep his career options open. His intelligence, attention to detail, and drive are all in his favor. I also give him the “Go the Extra Mile Award,” because at the end of his session, I abruptly made him circle a city block looking for a clear view of the sky when the sunset suddenly turned colorful. I hope the pictures are worth it for him, or that his parents at least fed him ice cream as a reward!
Wow, these are fabulous. I just love the one of him in his bow tie lesning on the brick wall under the lamps. That photo is just gorgeous! Your work is outstanding!
Thank you! He’s a great kid, and was so much fun to work with!