In some ways, I guess you could say that my internship with Casey began three years ago. Casey and I both graduated from James Madison University. We never met during college but I recall an article written about Casey challenging others to “Be the Change.” I was inspired by Casey’s work as a photographer and respected his creative “eye”. Casey’s incredible photos began to inspired my own creative approach. I continued following his work even during my year and a half I spent in Kenya as a photojournalist. Its during that time in Africa that I first heard of Casey’s internship and applied.
Fast forward to September: as the internship was approaching, I joined Casey to second shoot a wedding. I had a two hour drive to get to the location and yes, the air conditioning was on full blast the whole drive to fight off sweaty palms. This was a day of firsts for me: first time meeting Casey, first time shooting with him, first wedding shoot, and first day of new beginnings for me. I had an idea in my mind what this internship would be like: running around like a crazy stereotypical intern…faxing off invoices, making Starbucks runs, carrying heavy equipment everywhere, and feeling like I could never add up. This couldn’t be further from the truth. When I arrived at the wedding and met Casey, he greeted me with sincere kindness and excitement that I was joining him in shooting this wedding. He encouraged my photography throughout the night and gave me tips when he would see a weakness of mine, without ever making me feel inadequate. He never degraded me for not having as much knowledge about photography but rather built me up in the skills I do have. I felt overwhelmed leaving the wedding but not because I felt like a failure or because of something he said; no, I felt overwhelmed because I realized how much this internship was going to help me.
A week later I moved down to Richmond, VA and began my internship. From the first day until now it has been a whirlwind. I was able to join Casey on four weddings and countless commercial shoots. I greatly respect Casey as a photographer and a teacher. He seized every moment to teach me more about photography whether it was when we were driving to a shoot or as he was photographing a client. I learned so much about the technical skills of photography both in camera and post production. I learned about running my own business and running it well. By watching Casey interact with his clients, I learned a lot about carrying my joy of photography throughout the entire process, starting and ending with my clients.
Prior to this internship I was shooting most of my photos mostly based off of my “eye,” fully knowing I lacked a lot of knowledge about the technical workings of my camera. Casey essentially broke down my photography skills both creatively and mechanically and rebuilt them. He taught me how to make the most out of every setting and to not settle for the image your eye sees. Once I got a handle on this skill my photography took off. It was like I was seeing in a whole new way. I still have my “eye” but the creative possibilities have exploded. Just the other day I was on my way to a friend’s wedding when she called in a panic because her photographer never showed up to the hotel to get the precious shots of her getting ready with her bridesmaids, mother, and grandmother. With the knowledge I’ve gained from Casey I was able to walk into that hotel room and confidently snap the memories that otherwise would have been lost forever.
Casey always made me feel like an important investment- someone he valued enough to share his knowledge with. I don’t think I can properly explain through written word what this has done for my confidence as a photographer. I have had many people in my life encourage my photography and my creative eye and I am so blessed to have had their encouragement. Under Casey’s guidance I can honestly say I am now starting to believe it, and that is priceless.
*** Kate proved to be a vital part to my business and what I can offer to my clients and has since joined Casey Templeton Photography as an associate. You can view more of her amazing work on her website: http://www.katemagee.com
