Proud Photography Blog

Nearly all photographers begin life as an assistant.  When the time comes for you to choose your own assistant it can be exciting but is also a responsibility.  An assistant works for practically free – there isn’t a wage expected generally speaking, unless you assist in a studio.  You are expected to provide travel expenses and lunch money to your assistant. Usually if they have done a good job, then you can give them a bonus.

Assistants are a blessing to busy photographers.  No matter what kind of photography you do, there is always a use for an assistant.  They are there to help you out there – so they can carry you r equipment, they can fetch hot drinks, they can check the light meter, they can help you spots faults in a shot.  They can pretty much do anything that you need help with.

Assistants will have varying levels of skill. Some are as good as professional photographers out there but are looking for their big break so will be well equipped to help you.  Some will be newcomers and may be nervous around you and will need your direction.

If you are working on a low stress job and taking a few assistant you may not mind the skill level of the assistant. If you are dealing with a wedding, then you will want an assistant with more experience because a wedding is a high stress situation.  You need someone who will be able to help you with setting up lights and generally being your extra pair of eyes in a stressful environment.

If you have decided to take an assistant with you to an event like a wedding where you are being paid a substantial amount you will normally get the best responses from assistants if you offer some payment.  They will have to work hard for you and it’s fair to give the assistant and amount of money for their dedication.

If you need an assistant for a stressful occasion then make sure you test them out before hand.  This is very important –because you have no idea how professional the person is.

Places you can look for an assistant:

At local colleges or Universities
Advertising in local newspapers or on classified websites

Usually there are so many photographers looking for experience you won’t have a problem attracting people.

Make sure that you ask the following questions to potential assistants:

-    How long have you been studying photography for?
-    Have you assisted for anyone else?
-    What photography experience do you have?
-    Have you ever worked in a studio?
-    Have you every worked on (ask about the genre you are shooting for)?
-    How do you cope under pressure?
-    Do you have a portfolio?
-    Can you drive?
-    Are you flexible with your hours?
-    Do you need travel and food expenses paid? If so can you estimate how much?
-    Do you have any references (an ex tutor will do)
-    What camera are you used to using?
-    Do you know how to set up lights?
-    Are you willing to work unsociable hours?
-    Are there any dates you cannot work?
-    Are you confident on the phone? Do you have your own mobile you can use for work?

If you are looking at hiring a full time permanent assistant you may want to ask a slightly different set of questions.  We will look at this in another post.