Guest Blog Post – Kate Magee Joyce
Monday, November 22nd, 2010In 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
Guest Blog Post – Intern Ali Black
Tuesday, June 15th, 2010Back in college, I heard rumors about a JMU student winning College Photographer of the Year, and interning with National Geographic Magazine. I started following his blog and loved his willingness to give business advice, and his seemingly easygoing personality. Before long, and most of all, I truly began to admire his work. I first learned about an internship with Casey Templeton during a class lecture about branding yourself {2010 Promo}. I decided to apply because I would have just finished an 8-month intensive photography program with Boston University’s Center for the Digital Imaging Arts, and the “specs” for the internship seemed right up my ally.
I accepted the offer to come along side and learn from Casey and hopefully be able to contribute. I didn’t know what to expect because each photographer is different in the way they work. Would he be hard to get along with? Would I be getting coffee and stuffing envelopes? The internship proved to be nothing of the sort. My time proved to be extremely educational, fun, lots of work, and a great look into how he does business.
Photography: We had a wide range of work from a portrait shoot with Miss America, commercial shoots with Dominion Power, and a few wedding and family shoots. One thing I really appreciate about Casey’s work is that he doesn’t use lights solely for the purpose of using lights. He works with what he needs. All we need are light modifiers? Great. Pack the reflector. With lighting, one thing I learned was how to use speedlites on fully manual mode to achieve studio quality results on location. Apart from assisting Casey, I also worked on a personal project–recreating lighting from great photographs with a “bride and groom” twist.
Business: OH where to begin…interning with Casey was like taking a 4-year business degree and smushing it into a month. Here are some key words that I will ‘Post-It’ all around me: Set Goals. Network. Brand Yourself. Network. And Brand Yourself. It is most important that everything you create has a flow in color, look, feel, and name. And it is important that people see you and meet you and talk with you. You and your work are the best things that you can use to market yourself. Casey said, “Be as good of a business person as you are a photographer.” Do it. Live it. And family first. Some of the specifics that helped immediately was learning to utilize FTP {Photo Tip – Utilizing Your FTP}. If you are like me, who had NO idea what FTP even was, posted below is a great tutorial Casey put together. Using my website in order to send and show work is really a great tool to have. It is not only the easiest way to have clients view and download files, but constantly directs people to your website!
After leaving, I feel super prepared to go out on my own. I have a lot of work ahead of me, but setting goals is really helping to spur me forward. From here on out, it is purely self-motivation. Sure, others will encourage me and give me advice, which is indispensable, but only I can take those steps of making it happen.
Summer/Fall Internship Program
Wednesday, February 10th, 2010
I am thrilled to announce two 1-month internship opportunities with Casey Templeton Photography for Summer-Fall 2010.
Position Summary:
This is an opportunity to work in a broad range of environments and with a broader range of clients. Photographers who wish to gain experience in on-location commercial photography will find this opportunity particularly beneficial. This position will also give the participant unique insight into the challenges and strategies involved in maintaining a photography business.
The first 1-month internship will take place between May and August, while the second will run between September and December. The participant must be available for six days a week during their assigned four week block. $1,000 will be provided to help cover living expenses during the internship.
Skills:
The best candidate is a driven individual with experience, either through education, work, or both, in photography or video and a desire to advance in the field.
An understanding of basic functions and principles of the camera and photography is a must.
Proficiency with Apple computers is preferred.
Proficiency in basic web design and Video and Audio capture is a plus but not required.
Firm grasp of social media management preferred.
To Apply:
- Download Application Form and submit with a resume
- Write a short essay (feel free to be creative in both writing and presentation) explaining why you would be the best candidate
- Find/take a creative self portrait
- Submit a portfolio of 10 images (longest side 1024px) or a video (posted on YouTube)
Richmond, VA 23223
