Gabby Miller was given an assignment by her photographer teacher, but she didn’t just want to go through the motions completing it. So the Huntington High School sophomore reached out to one of her best friends and the pair helped create something that’s simply magical.
Ms. Miller is an artist; a very good one. So it was with an artist’s eye that she began planning for a very special photo shoot to complete an assignment focused upon “levitation photography.”
Art teacher Pamela Piffard-Williams told her students that levitation photography encompasses any image featuring a person or object floating or flying. Defying the laws of gravity, these photographs seem to show subjects suspended [in] mid-air.” Ms. Miller learned her lessons well.
“Markella Markotsis was the model for the photo shoot,” Ms. Miller said. “It was freezing on this day and Markella definitely helped me tremendously by being open to different poses and executing them very well. As far as the inspiration for the photos, I wanted them to look very elegant and almost magical.”
Using a Canon EOS Rebel T3i camera, Ms. Miller came up with some cool photos for the Introduction to Photography course assignment. The photo shoot occurred at the Heckscher Park tennis court complex.
“I was really excited to take photography this year because I have always loved taking pictures,” Ms. Miller said. “I’m always so fascinated with the art you can produce from photography and I always look forward to learning more.”
The teenager interacts well with her teachers and has developed some nice relationships with them. “I enjoy working with social studies teacher Mrs. [Camille] Tedeschi,” Ms. Miller said. “I’ve never been really interested in social studies, but she has created a fun environment for learning that keeps me engaged. I also like the way my algebra teacher Mrs. [Joann] Ferazi teaches. She always takes her students into consideration and she is so helpful to students struggling or in need.”
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and all the changes it has brought about, the first half of the school year has gone well for the sophomore.
“Two courses that I’m taking this year that interest me the most are Introduction to Photography and Career and Financial Management,” Ms. Miller said. “I love having the opportunity to learn how to use Photoshop and take advanced photographs. I also find Career and Financial Management to be very helpful for life skills and information to know for the future.”
The public relations coordinator of the Art Honor Society, Ms. Miller participates in the high school’s Key Club and she plays on the Blue Devil soccer and softball teams.
Ms. Miller is also enjoying a wonderful social experience at the high school. “I have so many amazing friends that are super supportive and always willing to help me grow as a person,” she said.
As she goes about her daily business, the sophomore exudes confidence, which has continued to grow with each passing day. Ms. Miller enjoys school and takes delight in participating in extracurricular activities.
Ms. Miller’s advice to incoming Huntington freshmen? “Get involved and take advantage of all the amazing activities that Huntington has to offer,” she said. “Focus on your studies, but also make your high school experience enjoyable.”
The teenager has been thinking about college, where she might want to go to school and what she wants to study. “I’ve always loved the city of Boston and I’ve been interested in going to Northeastern University for many years now,” Ms. Miller said. “I’m also interested in going into the medical field, specifically studying to become a physician assistant.”
Mrs. Piffard-Williams is thrilled with how far Ms. Miller has come as a photographer in such a short period of time. The teacher expects her pupil to continue shining during the spring semester.
“Although the past year has been a very difficult adjustment with COVID-19, I have really enjoyed my experience at Huntington so far,” Ms. Miller said. “The high school has so many amazing programs, great teachers and a very enthusiastic student body.”
