Internship at the studio - guest post by Emilia Harris

Trannequins

I have visited Ralph Smith Photography many times for fun parties, graduations and other events, but last  summer I was fortunate to experience the working side of the studio.  I was the studio intern for about three months.   I am a communications student majoring in photojournalism and could think of no better place to hone my skills with a lens and develop my creative vision.

“Mr. Ralph”, as I grew up calling him, showed me the ropes by engaging me in every part of the business.   His acute attention to detail and commitment to producing the highest quality images have gained him recognition beyond Texas.   I worked directly with Mr. Ralph and his accomplished staff, advertising directors, food stylists, videographers, editors and chefs.  On a typical day at the studio I could be preparing equipment for the sets, grocery shopping, running errands, ironing linens, assisting food stylists, breaking down sets, cleaning up, observing post-production and learning from the editorial staff.   It’s nothing like working at a 9 to 5 office where one files papers and answers phones! 

Mr. Ralph’s staff have a great attitude and always helped me along the way.   Sometimes we even got to be on the other side of the lens.   Our videographer’s hands are part-time models!   One day while working on an assignment for HEB’s “My Cup of Tea” I was asked to pose drinking a cup of tea.  The artistic director liked the shot and now my profile is on the side of the box!  Once the tea hit the shelves, HEB sales doubled because my mother, grandmother, aunts, and godmother bought them in bulk.   My mother is the store’s nightmare – she is the one that constantly turns the boxes so that my side is facing the front!

Although less frequent than work at the studio, the shoots on location are always an adventure and just as much of a learning experience.   Shooting on location offers different challenges such as hauling heavy gear, dealing with tricky lighting situations, uncooperative subject matter, and scheduling.

My experience at the studio was never dull.   During down time, I was given assignments and encouraged to shoot.   I was always challenged to think ahead and problem-solve, and then I was given the chance to do the job.   Critique of my work was always constructive and helpful.  

This summer I went through a week-long try-out for a job at the university newspaper, The Daily Texan.   I was hired and many of my photos from various assignments have been published on line and in hard copy.   I’m sharing a few of them here.  I am very thankful to Mr. Ralph and his staff for the invaluable hands-on training.  You guys rock! 

Tree Doctor

 

Valero

 

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