Black Hills State University student Ellen Pustejovsky, mass communication major from Rapid City, will intern at HH Brown Footwear in Boston beginning Feb. 1.
Black Hills State University student, Ellen Pustejovsky, mass communication major from Rapid City, has been awarded an internship with a national fashion company in Boston. Pustejovsky will be working both on location and in the studio on their upcoming advertising campaigns.
"This is such a fantastic opportunity for Ellen to expand upon her education while being immersed within the world of big time advertising campaigns," said Jerry Rawlings, assistant professor of photography at BHSU. "This internship will be a huge step in realizing her goals of someday becoming a commercial and fashion photographer."
Pustejovsky will begin her internship with HH Brown Feb. 1, where she will work on location shoots with the chief photographer. The internship will last through June. HH Brown is the parent company for Born Footwear, Browning, Double H Boots, Sofft, Dexter, Carolina Boots, and Kork-Ease Shoes.
"It's shocking and just great," Pustejovsky said of her internship opportunity. "I'm so thankful for this opportunity. It's right in the field I want to pursue."
Pustejovsky has always had an interest in photography and fashion, but after enrolling in the studio photography course at BHSU, she knew she wanted to pursue a career in commercial photography. She added the course taught her skills from lighting patterns to how to run the equipment.
"The courses offered at BHSU under Jerry Rawlings and all the photography professors have set me apart from other photographers," Pustejovsky said. "The professors in the photography department care for the students and their encouragement has made this opportunity possible and definitely prepared me."
Rawlings added the company is known for its highly innovative advertising campaigns and Pustejovsky will gain excellent professional skills from the internship. Born Footwear is praised for its brand imagery, depicting a story and inflicting emotion. With online shopping, that brand imagery is essential and where excellent photography skills are needed.
"This opportunity will allow me to gain invaluable experience and knowledge, as well as build relationships for future career opportunities," Pustejovsky said.