Finding My Place at Casa Bay: How an Awkward Kid Learned Confidence, Creativity, and the Power of Pizza
Hi. I’m David. I’m 17, and if I had to sum myself up in one sentence, I’d say I’m the embodiment of cringe. I have a talent for saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, and when I walk into a new situation, I’m instantly wondering, “Okay… now what?” My brain likes to overthink every move I make, so I tend to keep to myself at school. Especially at the start of the year, when everyone’s figuring out where to sit at lunch and who to talk to, I’m over here quietly panicking about which table won’t make me look like a total weirdo.
I’m also passionate and stubborn — which, if you know me, is a double-edged sword. I care deeply about the things that capture my interest, but trying new stuff? Yeah, that’s a fight.
So, naturally, when I decided to join the Casa Bay Photography internship, I had to get past my own brain’s resistance. Spoiler: it was worth it.
Why I Picked Casa Bay
When my school sent out a list of internships, most of them involved mechanical work or construction. Totally fine for some people, but not my thing. I wanted something creative, something with art.
The Casa Bay internship instantly stood out. It was about photography, creativity, and—bonus—learning social media. I’ve always wanted to get better at my own social media, but honestly? I’d just overthink every post and end up posting nothing. I figured maybe this internship could help me break that cycle.
Also, let’s be real—Maria, the owner, didn’t seem like the type to harvest my kidneys. But then again… I’m pretty sure that’s exactly what someone who harvests kidneys would want you to think.
What I Love About Photography
For me, photography is about creativity—the way posing, lighting, and backgrounds can completely change the feel of a photo. Maria gave me a book on posing that broke things down into simple, understandable steps… kind of like having an orange described by its chemical compounds. At first, it sounds overly technical, but once you understand what each part does, it all makes sense.
I used to think posing was this impossible, high-pressure skill where you had to instantly invent perfect poses. But the book made me see it’s like building blocks: you consider the mood, the purpose, and the person’s personality. Once you get the basics, you can create all kinds of looks without panicking.
And the best part? Seeing how happy clients are when they see the final images. That moment makes all the planning, shooting, and editing worth it.
My First Big Event: The Mini Sessions
Mini sessions are like a crash course for interns. Everyone gets a role—photography, sales, greeting, assisting. I was in charge of SD cards, greeting clients, helping set up, and getting behind-the-scenes content.
I was nervous. Not just because it was new, but because everyone else seemed confident and I was terrified I’d trip down the stairs in front of a client.
Turns out, the day was actually… really fun. We even had a hilarious moment using the studio’s chair lift for some acting practice. And the pizza. Oh man, the pizza. Maria kept us fed, and I will forever appreciate that.
Curveballs and Circle Time
The only real bummer was when clients no-showed. I couldn’t understand it—if I commit to something, I show up. But instead of letting it ruin the day, Maria had us do “circle time” around the pizza. We shared our favorite parts of the day and the most challenging moments. It was surprisingly nice to hear what everyone else was feeling. Sessions can be stressful, but that moment of connection made us feel like a real team.
Learning to Be the “Not-Scary” Greeter
I learned pretty quickly that greeting clients at the door can be… intimidating. Apparently, I startled a few people at first. And not all of them were even our clients—some were there to see a different photographer in the building. To them, I was just some random kid popping up and talking to them for no reason.
Part of it might be the fact that I’m not exactly your average 17-year-old in appearance. I’m 6’5" with a deep voice, so I look and sound a lot older than I am. Basically, when people meet me, they’re expecting me to be a teacher, a coach, or maybe a security guard—not the intern welcoming them into a photography studio.
Once I realized that, I adjusted my approach—smiling more, softening my voice, and starting with a friendly introduction. I’d explain the process, help carry things in, and offer water. It’s funny—those small, simple gestures made a big difference in how comfortable people felt.
The Hardest Part
Maria really helped me with this part. She sat down with me, helped me put my thoughts into words, and even wrote things down while I talked. She asked me so many questions—like, so many—that I had no choice but to really think about my answers. She gave me the words I didn’t know how to find myself.
At first, I felt a little embarrassed that I couldn’t just do it on my own. But Maria told me she’s had to do the same thing with half the interns—it’s not just me. Apparently, most teenagers aren’t great at explaining complex feelings, talking about challenges, or saying why they’re proud of themselves. She knew that going in.
And honestly? That made me feel a lot better—like I’m not alone in figuring this stuff out, because other kids my age go through it too.
Moments That Stuck
One of my favorite parts was working with little kids. They were adorable and kept handing me their snacks and toys like we’d been friends forever. I don’t have the best relationship with my own family, so those positive moments with kids really meant something to me.
Oh, and I managed to get a great candid photo during a session—pure joy captured in one frame. That felt good.
Teamwork and Trust
Our team clicked. We weren’t short-staffed, and even when it got busy, it stayed positive. Sure, we had some communication hiccups (text messages can get lost or misunderstood), but overall, it was solid teamwork.
Maria trusted me to get behind-the-scenes content and helped me organize my thoughts when I didn’t know how to say what I wanted. That trust made me more confident starting conversations, which is something I usually struggle with.
Big Lessons I’m Taking Away
Confidence – It’s okay to mess up. In fact, some of the funniest moments come from mistakes. You own them, laugh about them, and bond over them.
Communication – Clear communication makes everything run smoother. Planning matters.
Teamwork – You can’t do everything alone without burning out or making more mistakes. A team covers your weak spots and makes you better.
The Reality of Photography Gear
One surprise? How expensive photography equipment is. I figured I’d just grab a camera and a lens and be good to go. Nope. Apparently, lenses are priced like they were handcrafted by wizards using unicorn tears.
Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely. Next time, I’d be more active and plan my schedule better. Juggling school, work, swim team, and the internship was tough. I learned that you have to make space for rest, too.
Advice If You’re Thinking About Joining
First—bring dog treats. Trust me.
Second—don’t overthink it. A lot of people think an internship locks you into a career path, like you’re signing a lifelong contract. It’s not like that. You’re exploring, trying something new, and figuring out what you like.
I’ve got 60+ years ahead of me. This internship was four months of fun, learning, and growth. You don’t have to have your whole life figured out today. Maria told me once, “For the first 20 years of your life, you can follow your passion and figure out what makes you happy. At 30, you can start worrying about accomplishments—and you’ll still have time to shape your path.” That stuck with me.
Favorite Memory
Meeting new people and getting past the awkward phase. I love that moment when the nervousness drops and you can just… enjoy being there.
Final Thoughts
When I started at Casa Bay, I didn’t know where I fit in. I was nervous, awkward, and worried I’d mess up. Four months later, I’m walking away with new skills, real confidence, and a better understanding of myself.
If you’re even thinking about applying—do it. Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” You’ll never be 100% ready for new experiences. That’s the point. You grow into them.
And who knows? You might just discover you’re capable of more than you thought… and get some really great pizza along the way… such great pizza!