How to approach photographers about internship?

Just looking for advice and input on how to handle this professionally. I have an idea on how to go about this, but want to know what you guys think!

As part of our curriculum we have to do an internship and I just found out I need to do mine next quarter, so now I need to find a local photographer who is willing to let me intern with him/her for 9 weeks. (I'm a photo major, in my final year.) The photographer would have to be willing to let me show up for 10 hrs. a week, sign an agreement form and do a report at the end.

How would you want to be approached 'out of the blue'?

I'm thinking an email first with all the details and follow- up with a call, unless they write me back that they are not interested anyway.

Thanks!

if the photographer keeps a office with retail hours, i would just stop by and introduce yourself.

BUT, I would have your elevator speech ready as well as a written letter with a brief overview of what you are proposing, before you walk through the door. I would also be aware of the environment you are entering. If it looks like he/she is meeting with a client, I would make sure to quickly excuse myself and ask if there is a better time to talk.

If you are seriously interrupting, just wave the envelope and set it on the nearest desk, grab a card and split.

hes gone wrote in post #15941343
=he's gone;15941343]If you are seriously interrupting, just wave the envelope and set it on the nearest desk, grab a card and split.

If someone who wanted a job dropped off a letter / resume without speaking with me, it would get filed accordingly (IE in the "round" file).

If they are occupied, ask if there's a better time to stop by. Be patient, understanding that the business comes first.

Some things that I feel are important to explain:
- Explain that the internship is scholastic, and time-sensitive.
- Explain why you chose that person / company (make them feel special! do your research)
- Explain what your curriculum has covered, and what you would like to learn / reinforce from the internship
- Explain why you are an excellent candidate (attendance at class, grades, other extra-curricular activities, etc)

Try to do all of the above in around 7 to 10 minutes. Practice in front of a mirror or friend if needed.

good advice from JacobPhoto.

you might also get in touch with the local ASMP chapter (American Society of Media Photographers). they meet monthly and no doubt one of their members would love to have you.

here's a link to the atlanta chapter.

JacobPhoto wrote in post #15941876
If someone who wanted a job dropped off a letter / resume without speaking with me, it would get filed accordingly (IE in the "round" file).

If they are occupied, ask if there's a better time to stop by. Be patient, understanding that the business comes first.

Some things that I feel are important to explain:
- Explain that the internship is scholastic, and time-sensitive.
- Explain why you chose that person / company (make them feel special! do your research)
- Explain what your curriculum has covered, and what you would like to learn / reinforce from the internship
- Explain why you are an excellent candidate (attendance at class, grades, other extra-curricular activities, etc)

Try to do all of the above in around 7 to 10 minutes. Practice in front of a mirror or friend if needed.

everything you've said is spot on, although i might say one should be able to explain themselves in less than 5 minutes.

and there is a certain mystery in someone just dropping a letter on a desk. it can show confidence, or it can show that you understand what is going on at the moment.

i say that as a someone who has worked in marketing their whole life.

as a constant salesman, less is often more. don't get too involved with the details, make them interested in you, not what you want to be.

cheers!

As someone who was on the Debate team in college, I can do a lot with my words in 5 minutes! But completely understand that it may take others a bit longer. 7 minutes is a good measurement of being able to explain yourself and cover the details necessary. Point being, even with formalities, a few questions back and forth, the entire meeting is likely only to take 15 to 20 minutes. From a business perspective, someone who can effectively communicate what they want, why they want it, and what they need from me while respecting my busy schedule will get a vote of confidence from me fairly quickly.

Thanks for the input everyone! So it looks like you guys would prefer someone to ask in person instead if an email first, I thought it might be too intrusive to just show up.

Somewhere along this journey I'd plan on showing the guy some of my best work.

An email to ask for a chance to meet and discuss a possible internship would be fine. I would suggest "giving the pitch" in person rather than over email, yes.

I would actually personally call them up and speak to them. Even to meet up in person for a cup of coffee is more personal and shows your interest.