For as long as I remember, I’ve wanted people to see themselves as if through a camera. A still, beautiful image. Candid, full of emotion. When I got my first camera, I took it everywhere. To the grocery store to take photos of my mom. To get pizza with my friends to take photos of them laughing together. Eventually, I came to the realization that people wanted me to take these pictures–a mirror of them just living their lives. And I made it my mission to make people feel good in front of the camera.
I have had my own business since high school, but in the past year, I have really fallen in love with studio work. But I found PATTERN after I moved to and started college in Indianapolis. I saw their work on Instagram and fell in love. It felt like their team was stretching out a hand to diversity and inclusivity of creators.
I right away followed their photography intern at the time, Jeanie Stehr, and asked her about setting set up a Zoom call. I was a sophomore in college at the time and already knew I wanted to be a part of PATTERN in the future. I spent two hours talking to Jeanie about how amazing PATTERN was and what I could do to be part of the team.
Fast forward to this summer, I’m so lucky to have been a part of that team I’ve been dreaming about for years.
This summer internship has allowed me to experience many things, and I will forever be grateful for PATTERN. Working with models let me practice my lighting and artistic direction. Watching my fellow interns, staff, and fellows make a magazine. Bouncing around Indianapolis for photos of creative business owners. Attending PATTERN Think Tanks. Conceptualizing and bringing two editorials to life. I was on cloud nine. Everyone was just so happy to have a vision come to life and excited to create alongside me.
I will forever be thankful to my fellow interns here for dealing with my constant overthinking. It’s crazy what goes on behind creative doors, and I feel so lucky to have been behind that door, even if it was only for one summer.
Thank you, PATTERN. I wish there was a word that meant more than thank you.
