Some Things

Par request of a friend, this post features the paper I had to write for my Graduation Project at Agora...

For my graduation project, I chose to job shadow some ladies at Studio M Photographic. I chose this location because I am very interested in photography and want to start my own photography and design business after college. Since Studio M is where I currently work, it was pretty easy to get an internship with them.

Studio M is a high-end portrait studio that offers both imaging and design. For the first part of the job shadowing, I was able to do a few on-location shoots with my boss. She showed me some helpful things to do when one is photographing people outside. Tips like holding your hand up to assess the lighting and shadows, I have found to be very helpful in my own photography. Also, she showed me how to hold flash lighting in order to get an optimized natural-looking portrait.

The second part of the intership involved various types of studio work. I watched a professional image editor correct the exposure and fix the skin on multiple portraits. The studio manager showed me how to book appointments using the software program, PhotoOne. Other things I learned while working in the studio were how to make eclectic collages, photo greeting cards, and how to use Photoshop.

While working at Studio M, I was required to dress and act in a sophisticated professional way. I was able to prove my maturity and gained tasks such as coming up with and designing Studio M’s entire 2011 Senior Portrait campaign; which was successfully put into action in this past November. I also was incharge of managing Studio M’s Facebook account/page by adding current and prospective clients to our “friends” list. The intership also required me to deal with very difficult customers and come up with creative solutions to help them with their situation.

Over all, I believe that my time at Studio M was highly beneficial in giving me professional experience in the occupation that I adore. This internship allowed me to see both the positives and negatives of the business; you get to use your natural creativity to earn money, but sometimes one can become greedy when their success is great. Thought the idea initally was just to gain some experience in the field I enjoy, I became aware of a much deeper meaning behind my time at Studio M Photographic. I often found myself in disagreement with my boss’s way of doing business, but that has provoked me to reflect on how I would run my business differently. My experience with interning at Studio M has been very eye opening to me. It has helped me to get to know myself and my professional preferences better.

It might be a little selfish, but I have come to realize that I would rather be the commander of my own dreams rather than being the slave in someone else’s. It gives me the drive to want to work hard in school and go to college so I can live the ultimate American dream for myself and not be forced to live it vicariously through another person. This job intership has helped me to gain a clearer perspective of my goals for the future, and with some determination, money, and the Lord’s help, I know I can achieve great things!

So there you have it... all of my days at Studio M summed up in one paper. Friday is my last day, and I don't think I could be any more excited :)