Spotlight on Huntington Photographer Maya Bengston
Maya Bengston’s photography is very often eye-catching. While the Huntington High School senior has attended and photographed dozens of school events over the past three years for The Huntingtonian and for class assignments, Ms. Bengston has also taken some breathtaking images both locally and on her travels here in American and as distant as Peru.
Ms. Bengston has a flair about her and she can be happy and carefree one minute and remarkably intense the next. She has the eye and creativity of someone rising in their craft. Her work has already won awards and as she masters more difficult techniques and takes on more challenging assignments there is no telling how far her talent will carry her career.
Maya Bengston is not only an amazing photographer but an amazing person as well. She is creative and thoughtful and a good friend to all around her. Maya will be continuing her studies in photography next year at The School of Visual Arts in Manhattan. I know she will be successful in whatever she does and I will miss her presence.”
Questions and Answers with Maya Bengston
Q: How old are you and what grade are you in?
MB: “I’m 17 and I’m a senior.”
Q: How did you first get interested in photography?
MB: “When I was a kid I would always love to ‘steal’ my parents’ camera and take pictures. My first photography class in 10th grade with Ms. Piffard really inspired me and pushed my interest in photography.”
Q: Where do you get your ideas?
MB: “I look through magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Elle for inspiration. Also browsing other artists work on the website flickr.com helps me get new ideas.”
Q: Is there any specific type of photography you like best?
MB: “Studio fashion photography. I love working in the studio. Our school just recently got fashion strobe lights and I’ve been using them for multiple photo shoots this year. I love the studio because it challenges me to express the mood of my photographs without the help of a background.”
Q: Who are some of the professionals that you have drawn inspiration from?
MB: “One of my favorite photographers is Steven Meisel. He is one of the world’s most famous fashion photographers. I also get inspiration from Richard Avedon, Annie Leibovitz and Miles Aldridge.”
Q: How has the Huntington photography program helped you with your love of photography?
MB: “Our school’s program is phenomenal. The Introduction to Photography and Advanced Photography classes were great. I especially loved having the opportunity to intern with one of the photography teachers Ms. Piffard. She has helped me throughout my sophomore, junior and senior years by challenging, teaching and critiquing me. If it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t the photographer I am today.”
Q: Do plan to continue with photography or go to school for it?
MB: “Yes. I am going to the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan next year majoring in photography. I hope to pursue a career in it and maybe you’ll see my photographs in the magazines!”
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