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03/13/2004 03:36:30 PM · #1 |
What is the best way to go about doing so? I have never seen anything in the paper about such a job, but I know they do exist. Suggestions on finding one? Thanks.
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03/13/2004 03:48:54 PM · #2 |
| Go to a local wedding photographer and offer free help with equipment for training purpose! |
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03/13/2004 04:51:57 PM · #3 |
Originally posted by outofreachx:
What is the best way to go about doing so? I have never seen anything in the paper about such a job, but I know they do exist. Suggestions on finding one? Thanks. |
Find photographers locally, whose work you like and who do the kind of work you would like to do. Call them, tell them you saw their work and are interested in assisting, many photographers hire freelance assistants for big jobs even if they have a staff. Be persistent but not a pest. Bring your portfolio when you go to see them, they usually want to look at your work to make sure you have a clue. Be up front about your level of experience. Don't expect to be more than an equipment mule or the reflector card boy the first several times.
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03/13/2004 05:37:33 PM · #4 |
I had no hopes BUT to be the mule! You have to start learning somewhere, and lugging around equipment to start is fine by me hah. Ive been reading many books, but I need a visiual teacher, and I cant really afford to take a class, so I figured if I could get a job as an assistant, it would help greatly. Thanks for the info.
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03/15/2004 02:10:49 AM · #5 |
I offered the help! :)
Personally, I wouldn't do Weddings... I would be too scared to mess things up. Studio photography is fun. I worked in one for a little bit, and it was a good experience. You have to be good with people to do both types... but I think your best bet would be studio. It's your call in the end. :)
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03/15/2004 04:05:31 AM · #6 |
If you're willing to do this without pay you've probably got a better chance, since even the paid dogsbody assistant jobs would likely go to those who have just completed basic qualifications or who are currently students working on qualifications.
But the word "voluntary" or "free" sometimes opens up doors...
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03/15/2004 07:59:42 AM · #7 |
Doing a search on Amazon.com I came up with two books on the subject.
The Photographer's Assistant Handbook - by Matt Proulx
The Photographer's Assistant - by John Keifer
You can see them HERE. |
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03/15/2004 09:06:51 AM · #8 |
I really wouldn't o it for free, unless it's going to benefit you or your portfolio (say if it was for a big photographer or to assist on a big event) otherwise you'll spend a day carrying equiptment for free and learning nothing. All the while the photographer rakes in all the cash. Not a good deal.
As for qualifications, that doesn't matter as much either. Many photograohers prefer people without expeience or qualifications as they are less likely to compain about the mundane tasks.
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03/15/2004 09:37:40 AM · #9 |
I don't know if I agree, Jon.
Just being around a pro, seeing how they set up their stuff, having a chance to analyse their choices and so on, must be a valuable education in itself. |
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03/15/2004 10:44:08 AM · #10 |
And, it's someone you can always ask questions about the job you're doing with her/him or your own personal projects. If you're going to do it for free, I would make sure you let the photograher know that in lieu of money you will be working for educational purposes and that you expect her/him to answer questions and explain things.
Originally posted by Koriyama:
I don't know if I agree, Jon.
Just being around a pro, seeing how they set up their stuff, having a chance to analyse their choices and so on, must be a valuable education in itself. |
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03/15/2004 03:26:44 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by Olyuzi:
And, it's someone you can always ask questions about the job you're doing with her/him or your own personal projects. If you're going to do it for free, I would make sure you let the photograher know that in lieu of money you will be working for educational purposes and that you expect her/him to answer questions and explain things.
Originally posted by Koriyama:
I don't know if I agree, Jon.
Just being around a pro, seeing how they set up their stuff, having a chance to analyse their choices and so on, must be a valuable education in itself. |
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The last thing a pro wants to do is create more competition. SO be prepared, I have any body who assists me sign a non-compete clause. ;D |
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03/15/2004 05:04:49 PM · #12 |
I think this depends on what kind of photography you want to assist with. For me, it is sports photography, so I contacted some sports photographers from big name papers through the site I am a member of that they are also members of, having this connection helped quite a bit, because they were more likely to want to help others in their circle. Randomly contacting a photographer often won't do the job. One of the most important things in photography, and many ocupations are contacts contacts contacts. Before randomly going and contacting a photographer, I might suggest finding a way to get to meet these photographers first, such as joining a club they are in, participating in contests they might be judging, going to talks some photographers give, or sometimes going to photo shows at museums etc where you might meet someone. Contacts are one of the most important things in this business, at least thats how I feel about it. Also sometimes working for free is the answer, especially the first few times, plus working with one photographer (make sure they are legit and not just another amateur who has set up a business) often leads to meeting more. My first assistants job in highschool was working with a wedding photographer who also had me shoot some photos, although I was paid by him it wasn't very well, and also I wasn't comfortable around him. He also kept all of the photos I took, and I couldn't tell you which ones I took today anyway... don't get into one of these situations... plus I don't feel he was very professional, although I did learn some about posing wedding participants... do what you are comfortable with however. The one good thing that might have come out of this, was the fact that he gave my name to clients when he wasn't available for a job, as a photographer who could shoot for them. Although I wasn't able to take advantage of this, because I went to college, it could have led to some good paying jobs for me.
IF you are lucky enough to get an assisting job with a big name photographer, do not immediately fight with them over pay and money. You have to take your chances, even if your ethics tell you not to work without pay. Chances are that if you are working with a big name photographer, especially one who works for say a big name paper, as I have, they will end up paying you, even if you don't expect it... often quite well, because they don't want you to go out there and spread bad things about them or mar their reputations. Twice I went into jobs not expecting to get paid, and not really caring because of the photographers I was working with, but both times I was paid, extremely well... just keep this in mind.
Finally... once you get the assisting job, do your best to keep them happy... but don't be overbearing... Most photographers realize that an assistant is there to learn, and will explain things to you, but his/her first job is to get the photos they are there for, and you shouldn't get in the way of that. Follow directions carefully, keep an open ear, don't trip over them, and find out a few things before you get there!!
1) Ask what you should wear... what I wore in highschool to my assisting job at a wedding, and what I wore a few weeks ago to an assisting job at a track meet were extremely different. Be sure to wear steady, comfortable shoes though... but make sure if you are doing a wedding for instance that they are nice looking even though they are comfortable, for women assistants at weddings, I suggest wearing nice slacks, not skirts as you might have to get down on the ground to plug things in...
2) Ask them whether it is alright with them if you bring your own camera, and shoot during the times when they don't need your help. Often this will be totally ok. As long as you do what they need, you can shoot if you don't get in their way, but some will ask that you not bring your own camera, and if you are going to a sporting event, it might not even be allowed due to press pass issues.
Ok... these are just some of my suggestions, and things I have learned from my times working as an assistant. Good luck everyone, and have fun!
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03/15/2004 06:12:00 PM · #13 |
I guess that would mean not competing in the same market...well, that would be ok with me, but the range and expanse of the "market" would have to be defined, no?
Hey Brent...saw your portfolio...WONDERFUL!!! Why don't you enter some contests? Would love to see more of your work and how a pro deals with the challenges? My favorite was the South Beach photo, but the other three were equally great. I haven't gone to your web site, but will shortly.
Also, how important do you think it is for a prospective assitant to have a portfolio?
BTW...You woulnd't have a need for an assistant, would you? I'm willing to relocate :)
Originally posted by MeThoS:
Originally posted by Olyuzi:
And, it's someone you can always ask questions about the job you're doing with her/him or your own personal projects. If you're going to do it for free, I would make sure you let the photograher know that in lieu of money you will be working for educational purposes and that you expect her/him to answer questions and explain things.
Originally posted by Koriyama:
I don't know if I agree, Jon.
Just being around a pro, seeing how they set up their stuff, having a chance to analyse their choices and so on, must be a valuable education in itself. |
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The last thing a pro wants to do is create more competition. SO be prepared, I have any body who assists me sign a non-compete clause. ;D |
Message edited by author 2004-03-15 18:12:54. |
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03/15/2004 06:41:50 PM · #14 |
Originally posted by Olyuzi:
I guess that would mean not competing in the same market...well, that would be ok with me, but the range and expanse of the "market" would have to be defined, no?
Hey Brent...saw your portfolio...WONDERFUL!!! Why don't you enter some contests? Would love to see more of your work and how a pro deals with the challenges? My favorite was the South Beach photo, but the other three were equally great. I haven't gone to your web site, but will shortly.
Also, how important do you think it is for a prospective assitant to have a portfolio?
BTW...You woulnd't have a need for an assistant, would you? I'm willing to relocate :)
Originally posted by MeThoS:
Originally posted by Olyuzi:
And, it's someone you can always ask questions about the job you're doing with her/him or your own personal projects. If you're going to do it for free, I would make sure you let the photograher know that in lieu of money you will be working for educational purposes and that you expect her/him to answer questions and explain things.
Originally posted by Koriyama:
I don't know if I agree, Jon.
Just being around a pro, seeing how they set up their stuff, having a chance to analyse their choices and so on, must be a valuable education in itself. |
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The last thing a pro wants to do is create more competition. SO be prepared, I have any body who assists me sign a non-compete clause. ;D |
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LOL! Not really, but when I do, I use my cousin who's 19. I almost entered the portrait challenge, but a job came up shooting 5 buildings. I go where the moolah is. ;D
I may enter one very soon... |
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03/15/2004 08:06:26 PM · #15 |
Thank you all for the advice. Usually, what are the hours involved with being an assistant and a photographer? I understand the weekends are different, but what about during the week? Being 21, I have bills to pay, so working for free would be ok IF I could get a night job heh.
I really hope I can find something, because I really want to learn and pursue photography as possibly a career. Thanks again
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