One of the best decisions I made as a budding photographer was to intern at a local portrait studio. Whereas I didn’t make a single dime, the hands-on lessons I obtained proved invaluable down the road. In fact, my first internship helped me secure another one at a local television station where I learned to hone my skills as a photojournalist.
Internships are great ways to get professional experience as a high school or college student. Many newspapers, magazines, and television stations offer unpaid internships to students looking to forge a career in photography. The National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) maintains a list of internship opportunities in the United States. In addition, don’t be afraid to cold call local photo studios in the area to inquire about internships. In some cases, a company may not have a formal internship program, but can set-up something informally if you show enough enthusiasm.
During your internship, you should aim to learn as many skills as possible. Ask to handle a range of different equipment. Generally, internships allow amateur photographers their first opportunity to experiment with professional grade equipment. Learn as much as you can about pro DSLR gear, including accessories and lighting. Depending on how adept you are and how willing your employer is in allowing you to handle different tasks, you could potentially create a decent portfolio.
Adding to your portfolio should be the object of your internship. You want to compile as many stellar shots as possible to show to potential employers. Your portfolio should highlight your expertise with a wide range of subjects. It should also feature images of subjects you hope to be shooting in a professional capacity. If your goal is to land a job as a photojournalist, you will need a decent portfolio filled with published work to show to newspaper and magazine editors. A good internship will allow you opportunities to fine tune your shooting skills, so that you will have professional-looking shots to add to your portfolio.
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