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
A Few Recent Nuggets
Thursday, September 2nd, 2010
Portrait for The New York Times of a UVA Darden School of Business student
Images for the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
This kid is going to be a total stud when he grows up.
Fred Kahwajy, 99, the oldest living graduate of St. Benedict Catholic School in Richmond, Virginia.
Surgical Team in Hampton Road, Virginia
Lifestyle shoot of two sisters and their mother.
Caressa Cameron, 2010 Miss America
The Purple Heart
The Community Chalkboard and Podium in Charlottesville, Virginia: A Monument to The First Amendment
Lifestyle/Fashion – “Shoot & Tell”
Monday, April 5th, 2010I take a lot of bad photos and sometimes that is exactly what it takes to get the image that works. Too many photographers look at bad photos as failures, not opportunities to learn. These are the photos that take me a step towards the ideal image. The following video shows all 1579 images I took while working a recent fashion shoot.
I had the pleasure of working on this fashion shoot with art director Justin Vaughan, of Richmond Magazine, who gave me extreme freedom to pour my style into the project. I also worked with stylist Molly Todd and models Mendy St. Ours and Nick Vitale, who were provided by Modelogic Wilhelmina. You can view this project in print on Richmond Magazine’s Issuu.
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
