getting into photo assisting
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- bigtrick
Hey peeps,
Has anyone ever assisted a studio photographer? I'm looking to break into the industry this way - learning from a true master is probably much better than fumbling it out on my own (i'm freelancing atm but want to take it to the next level) - but I don't really know about approaching a famous photographer and saying "Yo man, let me assist for you." If any of you guys have done this, how did you go about obtaining your first assistantship? I have a list of photographers I'd like to work with, but I really am at a loss as to what to say when i begin cold-calling them - if that even is the right thing to do.
Any advice for me?
- pr20
my bet is you are a bit out of luck as there are tons of aspiring photographers who want toassist masters... I have a few photo assistant friends and if you don't mind being somone elses bitch you can learn a bit. Still i never had to go through the ranks (i do DP work though not photography, which in a way puts me a bit higher as i have a crew of as many as 10 people under me).
I lerned my crapf by wtaching toooons of movies and then technical aspect went along where i woudl leren what kind of wattage i needed to get a shot. I often watch photographs to look at their lighting schemes (look where shadows fall and you will leran where the light were put) but lately i haven't been sing nothing out of ordinary same shit -- back light or side light.
- Sickman0
There is no secret really. Just be confident - cold call if necessary - and if you don't give up you will find something.
If you are good photographer or have good PS skills it shouldn't be to hard to find some work.
- mpfree0
work in the porn industry. i hear there are 'loads' of fringe bennies
- Bottlerocket0
One word: "Fluffer"
- Crouwel0
well, top league photographers usually have a fine selection of photography students to choose from, so you have to be really good and driven to be approved for such a thing.
- bigtrick0
haha thanks for the responses... hmm. let's say i am going to try to cold-call some of my heroes in la. any advice on what to say on the phone?
also, would calling their agents be any help? i am thinking they might have the skinny on which of their photographers might need assistants soon...
- M0NEYCIDE0
you got xperience a portfolio you're in LA, you call bang on doors and be a cool charming son of a bitch and don't stop if you make any leads
- Sickman0
what M0NEYCIDE just said.
bring a print portfolio around with you
diversify your website portfolio - you only have shots from one shoot under each section/heading on your website
variety is the spice of life
- HijoDMaite0
7 year BUMP!
@bigtrick: by the looks of your wonderful photography site it seems you accomplished what you were after. I wonder how it went for you soon after you posted this thread? I see you also moved to Chicago from L.A. was that helpful in your success?
I find myself wanting to resign from my work to pursue my own photography business. I also think the best place to gain good experience is to start assisting.
- nice bump... but honestly, @HijoDMaite, you may get some corporate work without assisting first if you can do events wellvaxorcist
- mg330
- vaxorcist0
Nice work, I like your progression from a few years ago!
I've worked as a photo assistant in Chicago, possibly quite a bit different from LA... but it's a VERY word of mouth business.
You often become a second or third assistant first, by befriending the first assistant, who hires you, not necessarily the photographer.
(you may do nothing but fetch coffee the first time, some people take time to trust, others give you the keys to their mercedes and ask you to get the Hassie out of the trunk...Become part of the photo community, be seen and known, and don't try to work for the same rock star as everyone else, make a rep for yourself if you have the time to do this without panicking about rent....
http://www.apa-la.org/Upcoming-A…
- wow... what a multi-year blast from the past bump! no wonder his website still says Chicago!
vaxorcist
- wow... what a multi-year blast from the past bump! no wonder his website still says Chicago!
- formed0
You better have a kick ass portfolio yourself. Any top pro (or even us amateurs) have plenty of people to pick from, all for free.
The top guys are going to want talented people that can 'see' more of what they see. Someone to also shape into what they want. Anyone off the street can't do that (it's a lot more than just carrying lights around, at least for the upper guys).
So focus on making your portfolio amazing. But again, the competition will be fierce. There's no shortage of young, ambitious (and often times people with trust funds that can work 14 hr days 7 days a week for free, at least that's what I saw in architecture enough times to make me chose another career...and I'd guess photography would be a thousand times worst).
Also, find guys that your work aspires to. Don't bother just hitting up random pros that you found their name in Vogue, you'll be lucky if you get a receptionist. Find those that they will, or might, like your work.
Agents won't care one way or another. Like Vax says, it'll be 99% word of mouth. No shortages out there, so they can #1 find someone that they, or someone they trust #2 has a great portfolio of a similar style of work
Lastly, determine your aspirations. If you are just trying to learn, then becoming part of a community is a good start, you'll learn TONS, people can be quite generous with the skills, particularly when it is casual and fun. You should be doing that anyway.
Good luck.
- HijoDMaite0
all around good information here. I am going to focus on getting more involved in the photographer community here in San Diego and of course work on building a portfolio I can be proud of. Maybe in seven years I will be a success story like our boy bigtrick!