Paid Photography Internship programs
We offer paid photography internships in Los Angeles to students from schools with internship programs and who show a keen interest in learning something about the business and craft of commercial photography. We want our photography interns to exhibit professional behavior, a desire to learn and keep an open mind. Some of the tasks they may perform range from assisting on assignments and some marketing. Interns must receive credit for their internship and provide a contact with their school.
Photography internships are a great way to expand your professional network which you will need for two reasons. Firstly, who are you going to call when you get your first real jobs or are asked to do something you are not familiar with? You will need answers and perspectives on how to appraoch your assignment, and your network will have them if you take the time to develop a network of photographers and designers that know more than you do. Your network should include experienced photographers who know what they are doing and can give you the information you need. Photography interns need other photographers they can call and ask for support, bounce ideas off and ask for production and career advice.
Secondly, your ability to create and nurture your relationships is directly related to your career success. Even as a seasoned professional, we need to rely on our colleagues who know more than we do, like grip assistants that has grip and lighting experience, and other photographers who can rent their studios and equipment or have done the same work you are now being asked to do. Other photographers can show you how to avoid mistakes and pitfalls in your work. Our network of photography colleagues increases our knowledge base and are therefore critical to our success.
I often call other colleagues when I need to find resources such as an assistant that has a lot of grip experience and has equipment and a trailer to rent or when I don’t know how to shoot something. I call other photographers when I need pricing perspectives on a assignments I don't have a lot of experience with. I call them just to say hello or drink beer. Building your network can begin with internships with experienced photographers or even clients that hire photographers, like art directors and production houses. I also call the first photographer I ever assisted with to ask his perspecxtive on professional issues.
If you are seeking a Los Angeles photography internship, we recommend that students start interning in their freshman year because, with some notable exceptions, most schools are NOT going to teach you what you need to know to prosper as a photographer, no one can teach you how to see and you will be alone in a field that is more competitive than law, medicine or finance. It is almost a given that you won't have a job when you graduate unless you already have a network in place.
The photography field can be very rewarding but talent is no guarantee of prosperity. Business acumen, social skills and A GOOD NETWORK are equally important, if not more important. I know of many very talented photographers who have not prospered and I know some mediocre photographers with great business skills who have done well for themselves.
We have worked with photography interns from Cal State Fullerton, Cal State Long Beach, Santa Monica City College, USC, Pasadena City College, Los Angeles City College, UC Riverside and Cal State Northridge. However we do prefer students with ties to local universities and colleges that don't present a great travel challenge.
I feel a responsibility to teach the ins-and-outs of commercial photography, to our interns and we do so with great care. We speak to students about lighting techniques and the business of photography. WE DO PAY ATTENTION and any intern that works with us is ENTITLED to my unsolicited opinions, time and attention when they have questions or even if they don't. They are also welcomed to schedule sit down talks with me and can call me any time with business or career questions. Please call if you are interested in a photography internship in Los Angeles.
Photography assignments can be physically demanding, so interns should be prepared for a variety of tasks from digital capture to loading equipment before photography assignments. Since we use established photography assistants, interns aren't expected to know any lighting systems, techniques or setups.
I think that THE MOST SUCCESSFUL INTERNS ASK THE BEST QUESTIONS, arrive on time, have open minds, some humility and humor.
Please email us to learn more about our photography internship. We are flexible
and can work with most schedules although most of our work takes place on the week days.
We look forward to talking with you about your career.