What is LINK? |
LINK (Learning Internships for New Knowledge) is an opportunity for Animas High School students to participate in an internship outside of school and gain real-world job experience. Over the course of 3 weeks, students work under their internship supervisor and learn what it means to participate in a field of their choice.
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LINK at Fort Lewis College |
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For my internship, I worked in the Fort Lewis College Marketing and Communications Department as an Assistant Photographer and Videographer. In this position, I would collaborate with my supervisor Cole Davis to take photos and video around the campus. Whether it was a major event on campus or the bustle of student life, I would capture these moments and dedicate much time to editing them. Learn more about Fort Lewis College here: https://www.fortlewis.edu/
Graduation Photos (LINK Project)
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LINK Reflection
Over the course of my LINK internship as a Fort Lewis College Marketing & Communications Photographer, I was able to progress my understanding in a subject I am passionate about and see how that passion translates into the context of a career. Coming into the internship, I had already been sure that photography, cinematography, and visual media in general were fields that I was interested in pursuing. I had spent a significant amount of time over the years experimenting with shot composition, lighting, color, etc. I was able to hone in on these skills in a professional environment and refine them during my internship. As I took photos and video, I gained more of a comprehension for camera settings that fit under the “Exposure Triangle,” consisting of the ISO, aperture, and shutter speed settings. This allowed me to adjust the exposure of photos in a consistent manner in outdoor and indoor environments to realize the highest quality image possible. To adjust the photos even more after they were taken, I gained more of an understanding of editing and how to get the best outcome for a photo. I edited hundreds of photos I had taken including ones of graduating students, board meetings, student exhibitions, school-wide events, and the general activity around the campus.
As the amount of photos added up, editing them became a lengthy process where I had to be sure to manage my time properly. Finding the right balance between getting the desired result and editing efficiently took some getting used to. Working with editing programs gave me more of an understanding of the amount of technicality behind professions involving visual media. Similar to adjusting the light when taking a photo, knowing how settings like contrast, highlights, and exposure interact with each other is essential to reaching a photo with the right amount of depth and clarity. The experience reaffirmed the importance of committing to one activity for long periods of time, no matter how repetitious. While I became invested in the procedure of editing and the technical side of cameras, I was also able to connect with people and learn how to guide a photo shoot by myself. Taking graduation photos for the new alumni meant having to direct them towards the lighting and pose that was best suitable. The process of taking portraits for people by myself was a foreign concept and gave me a newfound sense of independence with photography.
I had a very positive experience during my internship and working under my supervisor Cole Davis. Through his help, I was able to gain knowledge on the fields of photography and cinematography on a professional level. Other students could benefit the same way under his work ethic. This internship only affirmed my passion for photography and cinematography and has given me a glimpse of what a career in these fields could look like in the future.
As the amount of photos added up, editing them became a lengthy process where I had to be sure to manage my time properly. Finding the right balance between getting the desired result and editing efficiently took some getting used to. Working with editing programs gave me more of an understanding of the amount of technicality behind professions involving visual media. Similar to adjusting the light when taking a photo, knowing how settings like contrast, highlights, and exposure interact with each other is essential to reaching a photo with the right amount of depth and clarity. The experience reaffirmed the importance of committing to one activity for long periods of time, no matter how repetitious. While I became invested in the procedure of editing and the technical side of cameras, I was also able to connect with people and learn how to guide a photo shoot by myself. Taking graduation photos for the new alumni meant having to direct them towards the lighting and pose that was best suitable. The process of taking portraits for people by myself was a foreign concept and gave me a newfound sense of independence with photography.
I had a very positive experience during my internship and working under my supervisor Cole Davis. Through his help, I was able to gain knowledge on the fields of photography and cinematography on a professional level. Other students could benefit the same way under his work ethic. This internship only affirmed my passion for photography and cinematography and has given me a glimpse of what a career in these fields could look like in the future.
Michael Jantz's Resume:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c8vuEFBuyRE7V70amf3J4s2Gef6HUh9GpRirNDrmzU8
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c8vuEFBuyRE7V70amf3J4s2Gef6HUh9GpRirNDrmzU8
