| Internship Program |
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| Written by Elizabeth Etienne |
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THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THIS PROGRAM IS TO TEACH ASPECTS OF RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS WITH THE GOAL OF HELPING YOU START YOUR OWN BUSINESS!!
“I learned more during my 3 month internship with Elizabeth than the 4 years I spent at photo school!" -Diana Mraziikov, photographer
This is a VERY unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with all aspects of running a photography business while working side-by-side with photographer Elizabeth Etienne. This is an on-going, intensive program that is offered to qualified applicants every quarter. This special internship program is for SERIOUS, COMMITTED individuals only, those who are ready to learn the real, unglamorous, day-to-day operations of running a successful photography business. You will be expected to respect, honor and value the time exchange the photographer Elizabeth Etienne is offering you.
If you cannot commit to the internship program you may want to consider scheduling an appointment for PRIVATE PORTFOLIO & BUSINESS COUNSELING or REGISTER FOR A WEEKEND INTENSIVE WORKSHOP. * INTERNS WILL BE OFFERED THE OPPORTUNITY TO APPLY FOR PAID ASSISTING JOBS ONCE THEY MEET THE LEVEL OF MY CURRENT PAID ASSISTANTS THROUGH THE NECESSARY SHOOT PRODUCTION TRAINING IN THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM. DO YOU MEET THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM?
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE APPLYING!!!
APPLYING FOR THE INTERNSHIP: Click on the link at the end of this page and answer the questions below the link. If the program is currently full your resume will be held on file in a wait list for the next session. 1) Must know MAC computers including scanning, Photoshop and Word.
2) Must be FINANCIALLY STABLE. The internship cannot cause any financial duress. You must have alternate means of income. No other conflicting job responsibilities.
3) Min. of 1 yr. photography courses. THIS IS MANDATORY! Must know the basics operation of a camera: including F-stop, shutter speed etc…etc…NOTE: THIS IS NOT A CRASH COURSE FOR BEGINNER PHOTOGRAPHERS!
4) Be avialable to begin the quarterly session immediatly & COMMITT 100% to 2 DAYS/WEEK. (and some weekend days and possibly some out of town travel for several days fro time to time) for min of a 3 mo SESSION, (longer sessions are available). Once you’re internship days have been selected they will be FIXED. There will be no flexibility. This is a COMMITMENT.
5) Reside within a 15 min. drive to Marina del Rey
6) Insured automobile, valid driver's license.
7) Speak English fluently.
8) Be an independent, fast-thinking, multi-tasker, motivated, self-thinking individual. This business is not for the light-hearted!
9) Have a great passion for the arts and photography.
INTERNSHIP DUTIES MAY INCLUDE:
OFFICE WORK: editing, filing and organizing negatives & prints; processing reprint orders, some bill paying, (accounts receivable/accounts payable), cleaning and maintaining equipment, Internet market research, running errands: portfolio deliveries to & from ad agencies, print deliveries to art galleries, some client relations etc...etc..... Running your own photo business is NOT always glamorous or “fun” as most might think. 75% of it is office work and only 25% is the actual shooting. You must be a “business” person first, artist second. Be prepared. Some of the duties may seem mundane, and often boring, (i.e. stuffing envelopes or book marking web sites) This is the reality of running your own business!), other times we may be location scouting, or brain-storming for ideas! This is the fun part!!
PHOTO SHOOTS: You will be working side by side with my top assistants and will learn A LOT fast!! You will learn: preproduction equipment organization system, film & digital cards logging processing, client & model relations, time-line scheduling, model releases, studio lighting, on location natural and artificial lighting, lab processing, pulling film, presenting and finished presentation to the client etc...etc...)
WORKSHOPS: You will be assiting the workshop producer and atttendiing the workshop for free as part o your training. This is a VERY valuable perk of the internship program. MEALS: You will be responsible to bring or buy your own lunch with the exception of shoot days. These days your meals and any extra expenses will be covered. We work in a casual office environment in my home located RIGHT ON THE BEACH, walking distance to cafes, restaurants. You are welcome to bring your own lunch or money to step out and grab a cheap sandwich nearby.
ATTIRE: Feel free to dress casual when we are working in the office. If we go location scouting or shooting please wear comfortable shoes and a clean, professional attire. For girls, please NO long nails, dangling jewelry, heavy make-up or high heels. It’s simply not practical. For guys, please be clean-shave, fresh, and wear clean clothes. Tattoos & piercings must be hidden during professional shoot day when clients are present. While the work environment is very casual PLEASE have a VERY professional attitude, phone speaking voice and appearance around clients. Feel free to bring a notebook to take notes.
I have had several interns over the years and enjoy showing and teaching them basically everything I know about the photography business. From contracts, invoicing and client relations to technical aspects of shooting, i.e. exposures, on-set lighting, film developing etc....). I really enjoy the camaraderie of sharing my gift for photography, while learning new things from my interns as well! In addition to lunch on the sand other perks of the internship are: All meals and gas expenses while running errands on the job are paid for, and occasional tickets for seminars, expos and gallery events related to the photography industry. I also offer portfolio or work sample reviews and critiques if you like. I like to look over the work of my interns and help make it better.
INTERNSHIP PARTICIPANTS TESTIMONIALS
“When I interned with Elizabeth I was technically proficient but didn't know anything about the business side of being a photographer. Most of the business practices I use today I learned from working with her : contracts, pricing, accounting, permits, tax i.d. numbers, all things I didn't have a clue about. I also learned how to present a high-quality professional image to my clients. But the MOST IMPORTANT thing I learned was how to VALUE myself and my work; how not to listen to the doubters and the “nay-sayers” and to believe that I could live my life on my terms , making my living doing what I love best!"
Claire Barrett Photography
“Elizabeth was a wonderful person to intern with - she's friendly, frank, and open. She's also a great example of how one has to be very self-motivated to do well as a freelance photographer - on days when she didn't have jobs, she was still up early and in the studio; scouting locations, looking at magazines to keep up-to-date on current visual styles, shooting for her portfolio or thinking of other ways to improve her skills and her business. One of the most useful things I learned while working with Elizabeth were some retouching tricks that I use often. These tricks always “WOW” clients and friends who work as professional retouchers. It’s GREAT!"
Diana Muhlvill Photography
“When I came to work with Elizabeth in her internship program I was ready and wanting to start shooting my own jobs but didn’t understand client relations, (invoicing, contracts, deposits etc..). Through the internship I was able to see first hand how the entire process works from start to finish. The individual care and attention she gives to each client and each job astonished me and really taught me a lot. Whether it’s a big job or small job they are all treated the same. It was also a great surprise to see how much she genuinely cares about her INTERNS success. Her positive encouragement kept me focused. She gracefully nudged me out of the nest and now I have a full time business… something I never dreamed of!!!”
Wayne Tam Photography
“Elizabeth, I wanted to say thank you. Thank you for allowing me to be myself and to have this opportunity to work with you. I must also tell you that every Wednesday evening when I leave your office I feel inspired, excited, and ready to really commit to my new business and life as a photographer!! When I got home I purchased my new website, per your advice with the help of my sisters credit card!. So yes THANK YOU!!!”
Kizzy O’Neil Photography
“Within months of working with Elizabeth, I have not only gained valuable hands on experience which would take months at school, but also a friend and a mentor. Instead of dreading work, I looked forward to it because her work environment and personality are always welcoming and supportive. She knows how to get the job done and have fun while doing it!"
Rajilakshmi Noel Shivshanker
"I had an extraordinary learning experience with Elizabeth. She sincerely cared about my growth, was a patient teacher and included me in every aspect of her business. My photography improved immeasurably. I would recommend Elizabeth's internship to anyone."
Elizabeth Bassel
CLICK HERE to Apply for an Internship: Please answer the following questions in your email:
1.DID YOU STUDY PHOTOGRAPHY AT A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY AND IF SO HOW MANY YEARS? |


