Behind the Lens: My Journey as an Intern at a Photography Company

My name is Mariel Curra, I’m a senior advertising student, and I’m currently interning at Sammi Shea Photography located in Old Kensington. This Internship has been a very transformative experience. It has allowed me to step into the real world and test the skills I’ve developed in the classroom, while also opening my eyes to what I might want to do with my future. Over the course of my internship at this Philadelphia-based photography company, I’ve not only developed new technical skills but also gained invaluable insight into the inner workings of a small business, which has reshaped my understanding of both what goes into running a small start-up company and learning entrepreneurship skills.

Interning at the Sammi Shea Photography company has been an incredible learning opportunity. First and foremost, I’ve obtained knowledge on how integral advertising and marketing are driving forces in a photography business. From the way a photographer presents their portfolio to how one engages with clients. Every marketing decision must reflect the company’s brand and values. As an advertising student, it was eye-opening to see how a small business handles its promotions, relying heavily on social media, word-of-mouth, and organic growth rather than large-scale ad campaigns. I also gained a greater appreciation for the behind-the-scenes process that goes into services within a small business. While creating ads or social media posts may seem like simple tasks, it’s about much more than posting a nice looking picture. It involves strategic understanding of the target audience, curating the right content to spark engagement, and conveying the photographer’s unique style and company’s culture.

Working alongside the photographer, I was able to observe firsthand how social media and online presence are pivotal in growing a small business. I was involved in creating engaging Instagram posts, planning content calendars, and strategizing ways to attract clients through visual campaigns. One specific area of interest that has risen for me is collaborating with many clients and understanding their unique styles and messages.

Photography has a natural synergy with helping businesses express their brand identity, and I’m now more excited than ever to pursue this path. By combining my advertising knowledge with the creative aspects of photography, I see a future where I can help businesses like this photography company communicate their distinct value propositions in a visually engaging way, working with each client’s individual ideas and visions. One of the biggest surprises during my internship was the sense of community and collaboration within a small business.

At a larger company, I imagined the work environment might be more fragmented, but at this small photography company, there was a clear connection between the team, clients, and the business’s goals. The photographer was deeply involved in every aspect of the business, from client consultations to photo shoots and marketing efforts. This gave me a better understanding of how a small business has to operate more fluidly and efficiently to succeed.

Sammi, the head photographer and business owner I’m working with, is an inspiring figure throughout my experience. She not only just focuses on taking beautiful photos; she is equally passionate about her business and its branding. Watching her interact with clients has been a first-hand experience in learning the do’s and dont’s of customer service, personal branding and relationship-building. I learned how important it is to establish trust and maintain open communication with clients. Her ability to blend her creative eye with business strategy left a lasting impact on me, showing me that passion and professionalism need to go hand in hand to make a business a success.

Going into this internship, I expected to mostly work on social media campaigns and help manage digital content. While that was part of the role, I quickly realized that there was so much more to advertising for a small business. I didn’t just get to create ads; I had a direct hand in understanding the business’ voice and translating it into content that connected with people. The reality was far more interactive and dynamic than I imagined. I found myself engaging with clients, helping to organize shoots, learning some editing skills and participating in creative brainstorming sessions. I particularly loved collaborating with her clients in the creative piece of the puzzle. The collaboration that takes place even in a small business in the middle of a large urban city like Philadelphia is very impressive. I feel another positive aspect was that I was able to implement strategies that I hope impacted the company’s growth. This allowed me to gain confidence in my work individually and in the work that was being done collectively with Sammi and her team members. 

Something that I wish I had done differently, but definitely improved upon since the start of this internship is to have actively sought more constructive feedback during learning opportunities. While I was focused on completing tasks and meeting deadlines, I realize now that asking for constructive criticism more frequently will always accelerate my growth. I also wish I had spent more time asking more detailed questions in the early stages about how they approached their work and client ideas, especially those that seemed impossible to meet. That kind of insight would have deepened my understanding of the industry and helped me become more proactive in offering fresh ideas.

To anyone about to start their first internship, my advice is simple, embrace every opportunity, and don’t hesitate to learn something new. Internships are about more than just checking off a list of tasks. They’re about personal and professional growth. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, ask tons of questions, and contribute as much as possible. Internships are a chance to test what you’ve learned in school, but also to discover new interests and skills you never anticipated. Be proactive in building relationships with the people around you, whether it’s clients, co-workers, or fellow interns. 

This internship has given me hands-on experience in advertising within the creative industry, and I’ve gained a new understanding of how digital marketing is used to build a brand. I’ve also learned the importance of storytelling in advertising and how a well-crafted message can make a huge impact. Most importantly, I’ve discovered a growing interest in combining my advertising skills with creative visual content to build stronger brand identities for small businesses. This experience has reinforced my passion for creative advertising and shown me the power of collaboration in producing effective marketing strategies. All in all, my internship has been an eye-opening experience, and it solidified my excitement for the future. I now feel more prepared to venture into the world of creative advertising, knowing that my ability to blend strategy with creativity will be invaluable.