From Terrified to Confident: How Casa Bay Photography Helped Me Find My Voice (Literally)
From Terrified to Confident: How Casa Bay Photography Helped Me Find My Voice (Literally)
By Gabriela, Casa Bay Photography Intern
Hi! I’m Gaby 👋 I’m 16 years old, a junior in high school, and if I had to describe myself in one sentence, I’d say: I’m a super-introverted homebody who loves fashion, dance, and challenging myself in ways that completely terrify me (but in a good way). I know that sounds dramatic, but it’s true.
When I first signed up for the Casa Bay Photography internship, I honestly had no idea what I was walking into. I didn’t have experience with photography. I wasn’t the type to put myself in the spotlight. And I definitely wasn’t someone who enjoyed calling strangers on the phone. But that’s exactly why I did it. I wanted to try everything, to push myself, and to get out of my little bubble and see what I could actually handle.
Why I Applied
(Hint: Not for the Photos)
I didn’t apply just because I wanted to take pretty pictures (though that is cool). I applied because I’m trying to figure out what I want to do after high school.
I thought this internship might help me gain some professional experience, meet people outside my comfort zone, and build real-world skills I could use anywhere.
Also, I wanted to learn how to deal with people—you know, the kind of people you can’t just text. Like… real grown-ups. Yikes.
And honestly? It worked.
The Phone Call Challenge (A.K.A. My Worst Nightmare)
Let’s talk about the scariest part first: making phone calls.
At one point during the internship, I was asked to call clients who had booked mini sessions to confirm their appointments—and later, to call people and remind them to pick up the prints they had already paid for. These weren’t casual “hey what’s up” calls. These were real phone calls with real clients, and the idea made me want to melt into the floor.
Before the calls, I was so nervous I could barely hold the phone steady. But we didn’t just jump straight in—Maria had us do mock calls and role-playing exercises first. We practiced with each other, took turns being the client and the intern, and even made jokes when we messed up. That helped more than I expected. The pressure was lower, and I realized I wasn’t the only one freaking out.
We also wrote our own scripts. My first one was for confirmation calls. The second one I created was for when I had to call clients to remind them to come pick up their prints. Having a script was everything. It gave me structure, something to fall back on when I didn’t know what to say. It also helped me feel way more in control—like I had a plan, not just a phone in my hand and a prayer.
Let me be honest though: I still secretly hoped every single call would go to voicemail. Every. Single. One. 😂
I’d whisper to myself, “Please send to voicemail,” and when it actually did, I’d do a little victory dance in my chair. Maria and the other intern in the room would laugh every time, because we were all doing it. It turned into this funny little moment we shared, and that made it all feel way less scary.
But of course… not every call went to voicemail.
Growth in Real Time
The first time someone actually picked up the phone, I had a mini internal panic. But I smiled (because we learned that trick—smile while you speak and your voice sounds friendlier), I took a breath, and I followed my script.
And I survived.
Actually, I did more than survive. After I finished the call, Maria and the other intern cheered for me. Literally. It was funny, but also really encouraging. That kind of support made a huge difference. And Maria didn’t just cheer—she gave me helpful feedback that made my next call even smoother.
From there, every call got a little easier. I still got butterflies before dialing, but I wasn’t shaking like I had been before. With each conversation, I felt more confident. I was still introverted, still me, but I wasn’t frozen by fear anymore. That’s what growth looks like—little steps, one call at a time.
What I Learned (Besides Not To Fear the Phone)
Looking back, this internship taught me so much more than how to make phone calls. It taught me how to stay organized (hello, calendar reminders!), how to communicate like a professional, and how to work as a team. I got to help build photo sets, brainstorm creative ideas with other interns, and be part of a real studio environment where my voice actually mattered.
I also learned one of the most underrated tricks of all time: when you smile while you speak, people hear the warmth in your voice. That little tip completely changed how I talk on the phone—and honestly, how I talk in person, too.
But the biggest lesson I learned about myself? I can do hard things. I can get past the nerves. I can calm myself down, stay focused, and speak with confidence—even when I don’t feel 100% ready.
That’s kind of a big deal.
My Favorite Memory (and Why It’s So Special)
One of my favorite memories from the internship wasn’t during a phone call or training session. It was during a mini session when a really shy little boy came in with his family. He didn’t want to smile at first, and he looked kind of nervous. But I started playing with him, just gently and slowly, and eventually he opened up.
He started laughing and getting excited when he saw the photos. He loved seeing himself with his family. It was the cutest thing ever, and honestly, one of the most wholesome moments I’ve ever been part of. I still think about it and smile. It reminded me that making people feel comfortable—whether it’s in person or on the phone—is actually kind of my thing.
Final Thoughts: Should You Apply?
If you’re reading this and wondering if you should apply to the Casa Bay Photography internship—do it. Seriously. You don’t need to know how to take photos. You don’t need to be super outgoing. You just need to be willing to show up, try, and learn.
Everyone at the studio is kind, supportive, and makes you feel like family. I never felt judged for being quiet or for needing a little more time to warm up. And the environment really let me be myself while still challenging me to grow.
You’ll learn way more than just photography (though that’s cool too). You’ll learn communication, confidence, customer service, problem solving, and how to work on a team. You’ll learn that even when something feels scary, you can do it—and you’ll be so proud afterward.
TL;DR: What I Took Away from the Internship
I learned how to speak to strangers on the phone without panicking.\
I learned that planning and preparation makes everything easier (scripts and mock calls = lifesavers).
I learned that growth happens outside your comfort zone—but support makes the leap a lot less scary.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. In fact, I hope I do get to do it again. I want to keep learning about photography, sales, and everything else Maria will teach us if we let her. 😄
So yeah—if you’re thinking about it, take the chance. Even if you’re nervous. Especially if you’re nervous.
It might just change the way you see yourself.
— Gaby 💕
Casa Bay Intern & Proud Phone Call Survivor
