A Schuylerville High School senior is using her final year of high school to get a step ahead. Lindsey Fish, an aspiring photographer, has been interning with Saratoga TODAY since the beginning of the school year through the district’s internship program. The program offers seniors the opportunity to explore their interests, values and skills through hands-on experience in several careers.

“I fell in love with the photography courses offered here at the high school,” Fish said. “When I ran out of photography courses to take, the internship program seemed like a perfect fit to explore a future career in photography.”

Fish began her internship with the newspaper by exploring several different opportunities and even had her work published as part of Saratoga TODAY’s Simply Saratoga Holiday 2018 magazine. She compiled a holiday gift guide, which was featured on pages 48 and 49 of the magazine. Although she enjoyed taking part in the compilation, she knew photography was a better fit for her.

“It has been a great experience,” Fish said. “I’ve gained a lot of professional experience, knowledge and contacts.”

One of those contacts is photographer Mark Bolles of Super Source Media. Fish shadowed him as part of her rotation at the newspaper. Her skills and determination quickly impressed Bolles, leading him to offer Fish a paid job as his studio assistant.

“I believe it is important for high school students to apply their academic knowledge in a working environment,” Bolles said. “Lindsey quickly proved herself as a fast learner. She is camera savvy, determined, conscientious and kind.”

High School Counselor Carrie Bean agrees with Bolles and says Fish has gained more than just photography skills.

“It’s been wonderful to see Lindsey grow throughout her internship. She seems more confident and even more determined,” Bean said.

Fish, who planned to go away to college is now planning to stay closer to home to work at Bolles’ studio, while earning her degree.

“I’m learning how to take photos more professionally and I’m learning how to run a business,” Fish said. “My goal is to one day open my own studio, so having this experience in high school puts me one step ahead.”