STG Studios

Photography Internships?

Hello, i'm in high school and my dream job when i get out is to be a photographer for a band or bands. And my dad suggested i talk to Rolling Stones magazine. And see if they'd do an internship for a high school student over the summer. I currently reside in Arizona, but he said he would gladly fly me out to New York because i really want to do it. Would they give me an internship? Or any place like that for the summer?

First up, get a portfolio together. No matter where you apply for an internship, a good, strong portfolio shows what you're capable of, and what your style is like. Try to focus on your main strengths and interests, but do include a few different styles (portraiture, landscape, action, etc) so they can see you're flexible. Don't cram your portfolio full of pictures. Twelve amazing shots will look amazing on their own, while the same twelve amazing shots will get lost in your portfolio if you have 25 okay/good shots surrounding them.

Secondly, you'll have to do some leg work. Find out the contact details for Rolling Stone and call them. Ask if they accept interns (especially ones out of high school). Ask what the process to apply is. Ask them if they will look at your portfolio and give you feedback. If they don't accept interns or if you don't qualify, ask them if you can shadow one of their photographers. Shadowing involves following a photographer around for a day or two, just to get a feel of what their day is like. If they refuse to let you shadow, ask if you can get a few email addresses for photographers and get in touch with them directly. They might be willing to let you tag along to some shoots, especially if they're freelancers. They might also give you their opinion on your portfolio, or give you some tips about how to break into the business.

You might not be able to get an internship with them right away. Keep trying, if that's the case. You might have to accept that they can't take you now, or ever. But you can still use the opportunity to grow as a photographer. Even if they don't take you, there might be some local, lesser known publications who will be willing to accept you as an intern. Don't just focus on the big names. Everyone has to start somewhere. You might even have to try a few different styles of magazine.

Don't forget to be very polite and send thank you emails/notes to every contact who helps you out. Make your mark. Get your name known.

Good luck.

Chad Vader : Day Shift Manager - Chad Vader : Day Shift Manager (HD) - New Job : S1 Ep6

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