Photo Education

Haylei’s Internship Experience!

June 12, 2013

I’m Catherine.
A New Orleans based wedding photographer and educator. We are excited you are here and cannot wait to connect with you!.
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Haylei’s internship has come to an end. And as sad as it makes me that it is over, I’m so happy that I’ve been blessed to have met such a true soul.

When I first met Haylei, I was struck by her professionalism and witty sense of humor. And as I got to know her, I became a fan of her generous nature, positive attitude, and strong ambition. For someone in her early twenties, this girl has got.it.together!

Haylei has become more of a friend than an intern in these past few weeks and yesterday when our last “intern” lunch ended, I was left with a bit of sadness that the internship was over. I have no doubt that we will continue our friendship…and I cannot wait to see all that Haylei accomplishes in her professional life.

Haylei

Because I feel like I have learned so much about working with others and “teaching” so to speak in the past few months, I thought it would be nice for Haylei to blog a bit about the internship from her perspective! So…here are her responses:

This is a little about Haylei…from Haylei: 

“I have always been an artist. For as long as I can remember, all I ever wanted to do was color, paint, play and write music, and simply create. Ask my mother and she will tell you that the only thing that could dissuade me from crying was a large pack of gel pens. I was an odd child. Facing decisions of the future, I never had a clear direction, but still somehow knew that I wanted to have a career where I put some creativity to use. So I started college studying graphic design. But when I discovered my passion for photography, I switch colleges and began studying at the Art Institute. It was a perfect match.

Why did you want to do this intership?

During my studies, I would do random photo gigs here and there, getting a feel for what I would consider a lifetime career. Then it happened. My drive, creativity, gone.  Kinda like when you are grilling the most perfect steak and you can’t hardly sink your teeth into it. You let it cook a few minutes too long, turn your back to prepare your side dishes and WAM. All the perfect juices evaporate into the abyss, leaving you will a big piece of beef jerky.  My brain was this steak, and about halfway through my degree, it was like all my creativity was sucked out, never to return again. But, I kept going. My dad would KILL me if I was to stop mid way and become a quitter.

How did you decide that you wanted to intern with me?

So the quarter before I was to graduate, I started looking for internships as a requirement to complete my bachelors degree in photography. I knew I would be moving to Lafayette, so I started looking there.  I contacted a few photographers and reached out to Catherine.

She was quick to respond to my request, and was open to the idea. My first impression of Catherine was that she was spunky, driven and very modest. Even though I knew that she had a reputation as a great photographer, she did not have her nose in the air to me. During our interview she asked what I wanted to gain from the internship apart from school credit. For me, it was getting some of that creativity and inspiration back and I really feel that she took that to heart and made that her 11 week goal.

This is the 8th week I have worked with Catherine. I can honestly say that from day one I have felt a connection with her. She took me under her wing and made me feel as if I was her little sister.

What did you like most about the internship?

Early into the internship, we would ride to shoots together and discuss all my photography problems. I’m not sure she knew she was signing on as my shrink as well. She kept a good attitude about it, and taught me things that I have already begun to apply. Not many people get to see the side of Catherine that I have. At work she is focused, organized and a top level professional. She is a real go getter. But away from the uniform she is warm and easy going. There is never a dull moment.  I always enjoy the breakfasts before our wedding shoots when Catherine, Amelia and I fuel up for the day. Amelia is probably one of the funniest people that I have met. So, we tend to get a good amount of laughs in before things get serious.

Is there a “funniest moment” that you can remember?

The funniest moment in my internship career can be pinned down to the first session I assisted Catherine with. This may be one of those “had to have been there” moments, but if you could have seen the look on her face you would understand. Since it was the first day, my duties were minimal. I was observing and fixing the brides dress every now and then. When we were walking back to the car, she says to me ” Haylei, you are doing such a good job.” I jokingly responded ” Well Catherine, it took a lot to get me to this level of skill.” She looked at me and gave a nervous giggle, which cued me to let her know it was a joke. It was probably too soon for jokes since we weren’t yet comfortable with each other’s humor. Luckily I haven’t had to tell her when I am joking again, but we always get a kick of that moment.

What has surprised you the most about working with a professional photographer….and more specifically, working with me?

One thing about Catherine that most people probably don’t know is that her dog is the complete opposite of her. His name is Chaos and he is the fattest Chihuahua I have laid eyes on. His hobbies and interest include sleeping, going outside, eating and chewing blankets. Nothing at all like Catherine. The only down side is that he is a bit snobby, as Chihuahuas tend to be. But give him a couple snacks and he will warm up to you fast.

What surprised me the most about seeing a wedding photographer behind the scenes in action was how consuming this career is. I knew it was tough, but this sheds a whole new light on things. She shoots a weddings in addition to engagements and bridal sessions every week. On top of that she edits, blogs, and maintains client relations all the while having a personal life on the side. I don’t know how she stays sane, or pretty for that matter!!! Sometimes I get tired just watching her.

What does your future look like from here? 

In three more weeks my internship will be over, I will be finshed with and on to new things. I am expecting the heavens to open and a bright light to shine down upon me as angels sing the hallelujah chorus when I walk across the stage for my diploma. Seriously, I thought this day would never come. I have hoped and dreamed for it to be over, but honestly, since I started this internship I can say I don’t want it to end. I’m not sure where my career will take me from here, but I do know that I wouldn’t trade this time for anything else. I have learned so much in such a little time. Getting to know Catherine, Amilia, Chaos, Brad, and all the wonderful clients we worked with has been great additions to the experience. Catherine has given me insight to her business and, with trust, taught me things to apply to my own. I have a very high opinion of Catherine and appreciate her taking me on as an intern. In years to come when she is a world famous travel wedding photographer, I’ll be glad to boast about all the things I learned from her.

 

 

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  1. عبدالرحمن احمدمحمداحمداحمد says:

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  2. […] another note, in April of this year Haylei began an internship with me. I never would have thought her internship would have developed into […]

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