Behind the Nile: An Intern’s Perspective

As an intern at MESHKI, I never expected to be involved behind the scenes of a major campaign shoot, especially not for a project as big as The Nile. This was my first shoot ever. What unfolded was eye-opening, chaotic, beautiful and inspiring all at once.

By Katya, Creative Team Intern

October 28, 2025

As I arrived at the location, I walked into a huge white room with incredibly high ceilings. Inside this room, I found a space buzzing with energy. Stylists, photographers, videographers, models, assistants - everyone had a role and moved with purpose. The first thing that caught my eye was the striking model, completely in her element, glowing in golden light and radiating confidence.

Working in the same room as a New York model was something I could only have dreamed of, having grown up seeing them only on magazine covers. The set was also beyond stunning, with vibrant backdrops of a dreamy desert-inspired oasis, paired with glistening water features and a baby pool filled with water. Each prop was carefully curated to bring The Nile campaign’s vision to life.

One unexpected part of the day? Making numerous trips to the kitchen to top up the baby pool with hot water so the model didn’t freeze between takes. Not the most glamorous task, but part of what makes everything run smoothly behind the scenes.

From last-minute outfit changes to adjusting lighting, it became clear that even the best-laid plans need flexibility. Everyone was a specialist in their niche, and yet collaborated throughout to create something great. I learnt that communication is key in a project as large as this one, where there are so many moving parts. Whether it was someone checking on timings or others stepping in to help reposition a prop, communication was constant. Asking questions and voicing opinions weren’t just encouraged, they were essential to keeping things moving and bringing the concept to reality. And, of course, a steady supply of snacks throughout the day quietly kept everyone going.

As someone new to the industry, being part of this shoot showed me the magic that happens backstage. It’s not just about beautiful images, it’s about teamwork, resilience, and the ability to adapt under pressure. I left with a deeper appreciation for what goes into a campaign, and even more excitement for what lies ahead in this journey.