internship | melodysmithportrait

MELODY SMITH PORTRAIT

- est 2005 -

JOIN THE TEAM

Job Description: Photography Studio Intern

Overview:
Join a prestigious photography studio where passion for art, transformation, and business merge. This is not just an internship; it’s an immersive experience in mastering the art and business of photography. The studio is a sanctuary where clients are empowered to see themselves in a new light, and it’s where you’ll be encouraged to grow, adapt, and evolve both professionally and personally.

Role:
As an intern, you will gain hands-on experience in the daily operations of a high-end portrait studio. You will learn everything from the artistic aspects of photography to the intricate details of running a successful photography business. This position requires a willingness to work hard, learn, and transform your skills and mindset.

Key Responsibilities:

Studio Familiarization: Acquaint yourself with the studio environment, equipment, and workflow.
Client Interaction: Assist in preparing for and executing photoshoots, including setting up the studio, staging wardrobe, and interacting with clients.
Business Operations: Learn the backend operations of running a studio, including marketing, inventory management, and client consultations.
Creative Development: Participate in creative brainstorming sessions and contribute to marketing ideas and digital content creation.
Professional Growth: Engage in ongoing learning opportunities and refine your skills in photography, styling, and business management.

Weekly Outline Example:

*this is a tentative outline subject to change

Week 1: Introduction

Studio Tour: Explore the studio and get an overview of its history and operations.
Administrative Glance: Shadow daily admin tasks to understand studio management.
Equipment Brief: Learn to identify and locate studio equipment.
Workspace Familiarization: Get accustomed to the studio’s layout and tasks.
Cleaning Duties: Perform daily and weekly cleaning responsibilities.

Week 2: Service Story

Learn the studio's philosophy, communication style, and dress code.
Wardrobe Overview: Familiarize yourself with the studio's wardrobe collection.
Shoot Briefs: Review upcoming sessions.
Product Overview: Understand the pricing and products offered.

Week 3: Workflow & Marketing

Workflow Shadowing: Observe the process from client booking to session completion.
Marketing Insights: Gain an understanding of marketing strategies and their impact.
Inventory Management: Learn to manage and order studio inventory.
First Shoot: Assist during your first photoshoot.

Week 4: Integration & Opportunities

Identify potential areas for personal and professional growth.
Experience a headshot session.
Continue to assist during photoshoots.

Week 5: Project Management & Sourcing

Learn about project management within the studio.
Sourcing Wardrobe: Understand how to source clothing for clients.
Assist during photoshoots.

Week 6: Education & Post Production

Access world-class online educational resources.
Learn about digital and printed product post-production.
Assist during photoshoots.

Week 7: Marketing & Design

Collaborate on creative marketing ideas.
Learn the basics of designing digital marketing materials.
Assist during photoshoots.

Week 8: Model Call/Promo

Learn the process of mass marketing and promotional events.
Assist during photoshoots.

Week 9: Client Consultations & Workflow

Participate in client consultations and understand booking processes.
Learn the email and chat workflow systems.
Assist during photoshoots.

Week 10: Client Database & Video

Source your own photoshoots using the studio’s client database.
Learn about project management and video marketing.
Assist during photoshoots.

Week 11: Skill Refinement & Fine Art

Set personal goals and refine your skills.
Get introduced to fine art photography and behind-the-scenes production.
Assist during photoshoots.

Week 12: Evaluation & Future Opportunities

Reflect on your growth and learning throughout the internship.
Explore paid work opportunities in the studio.

Additional Roles:

Associate Photographer:

Access studio resources to book and conduct your own sessions.
Pay: 25-30% base rate, with a portfolio-building requirement.

Content Creator:

Create content for the studio and network with photographers and business owners.
Pay: $18/hour, up to 75% commission for network leads.

Stylist:

Provide hair, makeup, and wardrobe services for clients and network photographers.
Pay: $125/person and up, with a trial period and portfolio-building requirement.

Studio Assistant:

Assist with light admin, post-production, cleaning, and shoot support.
Pay: $15/hour.

Studio Manager:

Oversee all behind-the-scenes operations, including admin, marketing, and content creation.
Pay: $18/hour and up.
Shoot Day Guidelines:

Dress Code: All black attire with no logos, prints, or colorful accessories. Minimalistic gold or silver jewelry is acceptable.
Grooming: Hair and makeup must be done before arriving.
Footwear: No clogs, Crocs, or sneakers.
Professional Conduct: Always maintain a positive, encouraging attitude during shoots. Questions and critiques are reserved for behind-the-scenes discussions only.

Shoot Days: Your Ultimate Learning Experience

Shoot days are the cornerstone of your internship and the moments when you will gain the most experience and education. These are the days when the artistry and technical skills of photography truly come to life, and you will have the unique opportunity to observe and learn from every aspect of the process.

What You'll Experience:

Posing & Directing: Watch closely as I guide clients through hundreds of poses. You’ll see how subtle changes in posture, expression, and body language can dramatically affect the final image. This is your chance to understand how to connect with clients and infuse them with confidence through thoughtful and empowering posing techniques.

Wardrobe & Styling: You’ll be involved in managing multiple wardrobe changes, observing how each outfit complements the client and enhances the overall aesthetic of the shoot. You'll learn how styling plays a crucial role in creating a cohesive and flattering look.

Lighting Mastery: From the softness of natural light to the precision of strobe lighting, you’ll see how different lighting styles can create various moods and effects. You'll learn how to manipulate light to highlight the client's best features and create visually stunning portraits.

Technical Skills: On shoot days, you’ll gain hands-on experience with camera settings, understanding how to adjust aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to achieve the desired outcome. This is where the technical aspects of portrait photography will become second nature to you.

Client Transformation: Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of shoot days is witnessing how this experience transforms clients' perceptions of themselves. You’ll observe how a well-executed photoshoot can change how a woman sees herself, empowering her with a newfound sense of confidence and self-assurance.

Posing: The Power of Body Language
You'll discover that posing is not just about positioning the body but about communicating strength, elegance, and empowerment through body language. By learning these techniques, you’ll see how the right pose can make women feel incredibly powerful and confident in front of the camera.

Shoot days are more than just a job; they are your gateway to mastering the art of portrait photography. Embrace every moment, observe closely, and absorb the knowledge that will transform your skills and mindset.

Simply send us a message through our Facebook Business page or Instagram with an introduction, prior work experience, location, and availability along with any skills or interests that you think would be a great match for MSP!

The Studio

We are located on the 2nd floor of 3 N. Sycamore Street in

PETERSBURG, VA