My first two months in Gran Canaria as part of the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program have been both busy and rewarding. Working with Karolina, a photographer, has given me a deeper understanding of what running a small creative business is like.
One of the main activities we have been focusing on is family photoshoots, which have turned out to be more dynamic than I expected. Preparing for each session involves more than just showing up with a camera. It is about optimizing the location to suit the occasion, managing client expectations, and creating a relaxed environment to capture genuine moments. Watching Karolina interacting with families has been an education itself. She has a natural ability to connect with clients, making photoshoots enjoyable for everyone involved. I have been assisting her during these sessions, and I am gradually learning how to approach clients with confidence.
Another key part of my internship has been developing technical skills using graphic design software. Karolina has been teaching me tools like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, which she uses to edit her photos and create promotional materials. At first, the software felt overwhelming, but with her guidance, I have started to understand it more. For example, I helped her on creating templates for social media posts and editing images for advertisements. These tasks have been a great way to combine creativity with practicality, and I am beginning to feel more comfortable using these tools.We also have been designing flyers and posters to promote her services, and we contracted an outside company to put them in hotels and strategic tourist-heavy areas. Now we are going to observe what effect their distribution has on the company’s growth.
Despite the progress, there are areas where I feel I could improve. For example, I want to become more independent in using the graphic programes. Karolina has been very encouraging and I feel motivated to take up more responsibilities as the internship continues. Overall, these two months have been a valuable learning experience. I am not only gaining practical skills but also insights into client relationships and the daily realities of running a business. There is still plenty to learn, and I am looking forward to the rest of my time here to build on what I have already achieved.
