Projects that are rewardng in many ways

Ok so I have started this project that has turned out to be one of the most fulfilling things I have done in a long time. I decided to photograph a group of young orchestra musicians (they were with VYSO -Virginia Youth Symphony Orchestra). Since it was my idea and I went to them, I have asked each of them to do something different. I find a story either while talking to them or one I simply see in my head and I take these musicians, one session at a time, and create that story.

So far it has been interesting, rewardng creatively, and just plain fun.

The idea is to create an exhibit to let travel around Hampton Roads to raise awareness to the importance of “art and music”. With public funding being cut every time you turn around it has almost become a crisis (in my mind). I for one can attest to the value of receiving art instruction in high school. It has helped me in my 20 + year career as a portrait photographer.

I’ve decided to get back to the blog with stories of each musician to start with and then to continue to blog about each client I have the pleasure to photograph.

Today I start with Elise, an Oboe musician. I hope you enjoy our journey together.

Elise plays the Oboe in the Virginia Youth Symphony Orchestra (VYSO).
She plays the English Horn and Piano as well. She also sings in the Virginia Children’s Chorus. She enjoys Math (especially particle physics), Astronomy, Cosmology, and Chemistry. Elise likes  Classical, Baroque and Jazz music.
During our consultation with her I was taken by her gentleness, her quiet demeanor and the excitement I saw in her eyes. Amidst all that calm is a very bright young lady.
I chose to create her images at Fort Monroe, on the large porch of the Chamberlain Hotel overlooking the water. It was an image that revealed itself to me as we spoke. It simply seemed to tell her story best.
Including her loving pet, Sherlock (a 138 pound Greater Swiss Mountain Dog ) in many of her images, sitting next to her while playing her Oboe was a sight to see and a wonderful reflection of the gentleness of these two sweet souls in our universe.