• Find
    • Photographers
    • Directors
    • Crew
    • Stock
  • Produce
  • Read
    • Published
    • Unpublished
    • Intel
  • Consult
    • Design
    • Marketing
    • Photo Editing
    • Pricing & Negotiating
    • Publicity
    • Shoot Production
  • About
    • Mission
    • Team
    • Successes
    • Press
    • Specialties
    • Membership
    • Terms
    • Privacy
    • Contact
  • Account
    • Sign In
Wonderful Machine
  • Sign In
  • Consult
    • Design
    • Marketing
    • Photo Editing
    • Pricing & Negotiating
    • Publicity
    • Shoot Production
  • About
    • Mission
    • Team
    • Successes
    • Press
    • Specialties
    • Membership
    • Terms
    • Privacy
    • Contact
  • Account
    • Sign In
Recover Password Learn More

Please enter your email and website or LinkedIn to receive more information about our free and paid accounts.

Wonderful Machine

Thanks!
We'll reply to you shortly.

Please enter your email address below and we’ll send you instructions on how to change your password.

Enter your new password below or generate one. The password should be at least ten characters long. To make it stronger, use upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.

Generate Password

Gregory Miller Gets to Know Resilient Americans for CoverMyMeds

BY Liz Wolf 28 July 2021
Published, Photographer Spotlight

For Atlanta, Georgia-based Gregory Miller, one of the best aspects of working as a photographer is getting to meet people from all walks of life. In his own words:

Every person I frame up with my camera gives me a little more insight and a broader understanding of what it means to be a person living on this planet.

When the COVID-19 pandemic spread, it began a global conversation about access to medicine and life-giving care. This led to an assignment for CoverMyMeds where Gregory found himself covering more profound stories about individuals who struggle to afford their medications.

They have come to me for several medical lifestyle shoots, but this is the first time they’ve asked me to shoot real people’s testimonial stories.

Tear sheet of article for CoverMyMeds shot by Gregory Miller

Gregory drove to two different locations to photograph individuals whose lives changed drastically in 2020. One subject, Ashley, had been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, but when she lost her job as a result of the pandemic her health insurance was also taken away — specifically her medication needed to combat depression. These elements of her story were utilized to portray her real-life struggle with getting out of bed.

Candid of Ashley laying in bed shot by Gregory Miller for CoverMyMeds

The shoot’s scaled-down nature created a comfortable environment that helped put the subjects at ease. When documenting an individual’s suffering, it takes a skilled hand to capture their experience authentically while balancing the commercial aspect of the shoot. Gregory acted as a medium through which Ashley could bring attention to the issues she and many other Americans are facing. 

Due to Covid precautions, the client asked me to work alone, without any assistants or crew to support me. I happily agreed, as this helped to create a more relaxed climate for me to work in.

Ashley and her dog sitting in a grassy field shot by Gregory Miller for CoverMyMeds

On these ‘real people’ shoots, there’s always a back and forth between making pictures and giving direction to chatting and listening, getting to know each person.

For the second shoot, Gregory connected with a mother, Tonia, and her 14-year-old son who has a chronic condition. Often, when parents are confronted with the news that their child needs special care, it’s followed by an avalanche of paperwork, insurance calls, and exorbitant fees. 

Tonia on the phone shot from behind the stair railing by Gregory Miller for CoverMyMeds

In one portrait, Gregory shoots Tonia from the staircase while she is on the phone discussing her son’s health. The shot suggests that this view is from the perspective of a child peeking through the rails. It offers the onlooker an insight into the plight of Tonia’s family, and how her son witnesses the lengths taken to ensure his health.  

Through this project, I learned firsthand that lots of people struggle trying to get access to necessary medication. 

While it was imperative that Gregory portray the difficulties that these families have faced in 2020 and beyond, he also wanted to provide the client with images that demonstrate their personality and their resilience.

Tonia and her son share a moment playing sports shot by Gregory Miller for CoverMyMeds

After each shoot, Gregory sought to find a way to give back to both subjects, who had graciously hosted him in their homes and bravely shared their experiences. He treated them to a lunch in which everyone relaxed and casually enjoyed each other’s company.

I appreciate spending time with and getting to know each of the people I photographed. It’s really the greatest joy in my work.

Tonia's son smiles into a mirror while getting a haircut shot by Gregory Miller for CoverMyMeds
Credits

Photographer: Gregory Miller
Senior Graphic Designer: Halley Immelt

Let us help you Find Photographers, source Stock Photography,
Produce Your Shoot, or just reach out to hear more!
< PREVIOUS
PUBLISHED
NEXT >
×
1 610 260 0200
[email protected]
260 Haverford Ave. Narberth, PA 19072