I am an Intern for Advancing Your Photography, and this is my life:

If you happened to visit Advancing Your Photography anytime this past year, you would know what I mean when I say that it was an eyesore. It was clear to me and everyone else that something needed to change– quick. We knew the site wasn’t going to be fixed by simply adding a new splash of color or a new wallpaper image. It needed something bigger; a complete face lift. So when Marc, Lam, and I finally decided to redesign the AYP website, we also felt that it would behoove us to have the site evolve into something new; something better–  more courageous.

The way we saw it: photography sites are a dime a dozen, so ultimately we wanted to be unique in the photo community. This meant, as Lam would say, we’d have to push the envelope. We would  have to produce content that was exciting and dynamic; all of which are great things to say, but the practicality of producing said content also meant that we’d have to push ourselves to think differently. Welcome to the life of an Intern.

“Can you hold this mic boom on the edge of that cliff over there?” Questions like these are commonplace. So much so that I hardly flinch at such odd requests anymore.

“Want to see if we can fit a camera crew in a sewer tunnel?” Sure.

“Get a shot of me shooting a hockey puck at you.” Sounds great.

“Stand right there while I setup this flamethrower.” Let me call my friends and family first, but you got it boss.

Many places claim to have fun and exciting internships programs, but only a few really ever live up to the hype. Don’t get me wrong; there are a ton of work to be done and I’m not always out fending for my life for the sake of good content.

Truth be told, we are doing quite a few things for the first time; without much of a road map. We’re trailblazers, fighting our way through without guidance. Sure we have made a few mistakes along the way (as would be expected) but this environment we’re in helps us look past them and focus on building. I guess what I’m trying to say is: when it’s hard, it’s really hard; and when it’s fun, it’s really dangerous.

Tomorrow is another day, bring it on.