One of the best ways to advance in business and technical skills
as a photographer is to serve as an assistant to an established
photographer. Some professionals in larger cities even make their full
income from assisting! Here are some ways to find an assistant position
and how to make the most out of your opportunity.
Getting Started as an Assistant
Send an E-mail
If
you have a mutual connection or friend, the
photographer may be more likely to respond, so mention it. If you
desire for some face-to-face
time, offer to take them out for coffee or lunch. Be courteous and
direct, not overly formal or informal, and tell them you are looking for
work as an assistant.
Workshops
Being a former client or workshop attendee will immediately provide
face time with the photographer and you may be able to get a position sooner.
Get Social
Facebook groups for photographers in your area are great places
to look for opportunities. Make yourself available, and start building your reputation. Regularly
(and respectfully) comment on the social media feed or blog of
photographers you admire. Familiarity and enthusiasm will help you
become a trustworthy resource. A photo-assistant adjusts a flash unit on a wedding shoot
1. Be Responsive
and Eager
The photographer is your client. Respond to emails in a
timely manner, be enthusiastic when asked to assist for any job. Make
the job a priority – find a babysitter or request time off from your day
job. The first
invitation to assist comes only once per photographer.
2. Prepare for Contingencies
Arrive
early and pack water and snacks like trail mix or dried fruit. It might be a long day!
Depending
on the job, inquire if there are wardrobe requirements. Wear
comfortable, closed toed shoes and presentable clothing that moves. Keep
make-up minimal and tasteful. An extra pair of socks, a handful of
sanitary wipes, and a multi-tool at the bottom of your backpack can come
in handy.
Usually, you will not need to bring your own
photography equipment: you are an
extra set of hand and eyes on the shoot. If a photographer asks you to
photograph, you're no longer an assistant, you're a second photographer.
If you are asked to photograph, even if it's in the heat of the moment
during the shoot, you can ask for and bill for a higher rate. Either
way, make sure your responsibilities are clear before the shoot and be
prepared to change direction on the fly.
3. Maintain a Professional Attitude
While the photographer is shooting, stay in the background while being courteous and helpful. If you
have a strong personality, now is not the time to make connections, socialize
with the photographer's client, or get chatty. Smile, laugh and
enjoy learning, but not to draw too much attention to yourself.
4. Observe and Be Ready
Throughout
the
session, keep focused on the subject and photographer, not your cell
phone. Read the situation and be ready to move
when the photographer requests your assistance. Keep an eye on the
lighting setup, especially, looking for stray light and ways to achieve
the photographer's goal. You may be asked to stand in a specific spot
for the
photographer to test the lighting and settings.
If you are unsure of what to
do, ask, “Is there anything you’d like me to watch for while you’re shooting or
ways to make myself useful?”
5. Set Up and Tear Down Like a Pro
As
there's nothing more telling about the quality of an assistant than the
way they handle setting up before the shoot and packing up afterwards.
While
equipment is being unloaded, show initiative, but respect the
photographer's organization and process. You are there to help, so don't
just stand around, jump in! Make yourself useful right
from the start. If you are
hesitant about equipment you shouldn’t touch, ask, “What can I help
with?” Don't start packing up until the photographer gives you the cue -
sometimes the photographer's client will ask for something last minute.
6.
Follow Your Client’s Lead
If you see
anything concerning during the session, express it, but don’t
disrupt the shoot. Paying attention to small details such as clothing
wrinkles, or background distractions will be valued. Ask, “May
I jump in and smooth her hair?” You can also ask the
photographer how to assist throughout the shoot. Photographers will differ in their preferences.
If you feel
as though the photographer is open to hearing your suggestions, discretely
share. You’ll know the
photographer is receptive to hearing your opinion when you are affirmed with a
thanks or you are asked for further opinion.
7. Follow Up and Keep in Touch
Many photographers started as assistants, and most photographers are happy to share wisdom and advice. As you observe during
the shoot, think of questions to ask after the session wraps up and the client is gone.
Always be receptive when the photographer gives you advice, critiques
your work, or passes along suggestions. The more receptive and appreciative you
are, the more the photographer will want to invest in you.
Stay Keen
With
eagerness and a flexible schedule, you will find assisting
opportunities to help further your photography knowledge. Photographers
enjoy sharing their expertise and experience assistants who yearn to
learn that can in turn provide reliability, self-sufficiency and
professionalism to their shoots. If you build a good relationship with
the photographer, they may even start to refer smaller jobs to you.
