Internships and apprenticeships are a time-honored rite of passage in many industries. We’ve asked some brilliant folks to share some of the most important lessons they learned during these early experiences in their career.
Stephanie Eddy
When I first started doing portrait photography, a friend who was running a successful photography business reached out and asked if I would be interested in helping her photograph weddings. I jumped at the chance, and was so glad that I did!
Although I hadn’t thought through what my photography niche would be, I gained confidence watching Jenny work, posing her brides, interacting with the couples and took note of when she chose to be assertive versus when she felt it appropriate to take a break during the long day. I learned by observation enough that when I was asked to photograph my first solo wedding I didn’t feel any apprehension to do so! Read more>>
Kristi / Amanda Dance-kinkead / Colin
I am very fortunate that I had an amazing apprentice experience with Larry Brooks from the Sound Revue, Johnson City. We have known one another and been friends forever–literally since I was a toddler.
He is the most patient and kind soul I’ve ever known and he truly was a God-send for my start in the wedding business. He taught me not only how to DJ well and thoroughly, but he also has a heart for giving and is a living example of how you can be good to people and still be true to yourself and your business. Read more>>
Brandon Hoff
My apprenticeship journey is anything but traditional. As an electric violinist with classical roots, I’m no stranger to pushing boundaries and redefining norms. One of the rare spaces dedicated to electric string players like myself is the Mark Wood Rock Orchestra Camp (MWROC) in Olathe, KS—a week-long event every July that’s now entering its 16th year. This camp, run by none other than Mark Wood of Trans-Siberian Orchestra fame, has been a pivotal part of my growth. Read more>>
Elissa Kravetz
When I was a junior at the University of Maryland in 1998, I met Steve Madden while he was at the mall doing a personal appearance at Nordstrom.
I got into line to meet him, my friend and I both wearing his shoes at the time, I looked him in the eyes and said “I need to work for you.”
I followed him around the mall until he gave me the number to his assistant, and I then proceeded to call his office every Monday for 3 months. It took 12 phone calls before he called me back. Read more>>
Kieran Segaloff
Being a photographer is about creating meaningful work that captures moments in people’s lives so they can freeze time and revisit those cheerful occasions again and again.
My time as a second shooter, the industry term for the assisting photographer, is some of the most formative moments of my career. I wouldn’t be half the photographer, let alone the business owner, that I am today without those experiences shadowing others, learning from their wisdom, and building a network of support that continues to enrich my life. Read more>>