The Student News Site of Westfield High School

Hi's Eye

The Student News Site of Westfield High School

Hi's Eye

The Student News Site of Westfield High School

Hi's Eye

Tebbet’s ‘Swift’ rise to fame

by Mark Eisenhauer

Imagine winning a trip to Nashville, receiving a brand new, state of the art camera and shooting a commercial with Taylor Swift. That dream became a reality for WHS alumna Emily Tebbetts, a current senior at Northeastern University.

In a promotion for its new NEX-5R camera, Sony created a contest that incorporated one of its most popular sponsors, Taylor Swift. Contestants were asked to submit a portfolio of five of their best photos to win a chance to be Swift’s personal photographer for the day, according to taylorswift.com.

Being a big fan of Swift, Tebbetts jumped at this incredible opportunity. She arrived in Nashville with the other finalist and was given her NEX-5R to shoot and explore the city. After one final interview, she was chosen as the winner and shot the commercial alongside Swift the next day.

Tebbetts said: “Taylor was just as nice and down to earth in person as she seems. We’re only a year apart age-wise, and it was easy to relate and chat like we were just friendly acquaintances.”

Tebbetts was also able to learn from the famous photographer Nigel Barker, who was a judge of the contest and also there shooting Swift. “It was incredible to watch them work together. It was flawless,” said Tebbetts.

Tebbetts said the commercial will run once every X Factor episode until the end of December; 93 times a week during PAC12 games and 17 times a week on channels like MTV, E!, ABC Family and Comedy Central.

While at WHS, Tebbetts did her senior project on photography. Said English Teacher Ms. Marie Percopo: “She used the senior project for exactly what it is meant to be used for. She expanded her knowledge and did something she loved.”

Being a communications major, Tebbetts is still unsure of what career path she will follow.

Said Tebbetts: “I hope this does lead to even greater things and launches a cool career. I already feel so blessed, and that would be the ultimate icing on the cake.”
Additional Reporting by Natalie Brennan

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