Vanessa Carrasco supported professional photographers on client shoots and post-production tasks, building experience in visual storytelling, creative collaboration, and content production.
How did you get your internship and why did you choose it?
I got my internship by reaching out directly to my network. I've had the pleasure of working with Leah, my site supervisor, in an e-commerce capacity. We met to talk about whether this internship opportunity would be a good fit for me and mutually beneficial of our creative interests, then she offered me the internship not long after.
I chose this internship because photography has always been one of my creative passions, and I wanted hands-on experience in a professional setting. I was looking for an opportunity that combined my academic focus on storytelling and culture with a more artistic, visual approach. Plus, since I work full-time, the flexible nature of freelance photography gigs made it easier to fit the internship into my schedule.
What kind of work did you do throughout your internship experience?
I assisted on a variety of shoots including portraits, events, brand campaigns and helped with everything from setting up lighting and backdrops to managing equipment and keeping things organized during the shoot. After sessions, I often helped with culling and organizing photos, and I even got to sit in on a few editing sessions to learn about post-production workflows. I also occasionally handled behind-the-scenes social content, capturing short videos or photos for the studio’s online presence.
What is unique about your situation that influenced your internship selection and experience?
Balancing full-time work and full-time school meant I needed an internship that allowed for flexibility and hands-on learning without rigid office hours. That influenced my decision to seek out a more creative and project-based opportunity like photo assisting. My situation also made me extremely intentional with my time; I showed up focused and ready to learn, even during busy weeks. I think my drive and work ethic stood out because I was juggling so much and still giving 100%.
What new knowledge and skills did you develop during this internship?
I developed practical photography knowledge like lighting techniques, camera settings, and composition but also a ton of transferable skills: communication, creative collaboration, time management, and adaptability. I learned how to anticipate the lead photographer’s needs on set, how to stay calm and efficient under pressure, and how to think quickly when unexpected issues popped up. These are all skills I can apply in creative industries or even corporate environments.
How was the internship related to your Applied Humanities degree?
The internship was closely tied to my Applied Humanities degree through its focus on storytelling, culture, and human connection. Photography is a powerful medium for capturing emotion and identity, and I got to witness how intentional visual storytelling can influence how people see themselves and the world. It gave me a new way to put theory into practice visually rather than through writing or discussion.
How did your Applied Humanities major coursework help prepare you or give you unique insight for the internship experience?
My coursework taught me how to think critically about representation and meaning in media. I thought about questions like: Who’s being photographed? How are they framed? What message are we sending? That insight helped me contribute to more thoughtful and inclusive visual narratives and I think it gave me a unique perspective compared to other interns who may have only focused on the technical side.