Recommendations for Assistants
Help things go smoothly and look at the big picture. Oh, and make me look good.
As a photographer who hires assistants, I’m looking for someone to help me, not hinder me. You’re part of the image my client sees as me. You represent me and I’m looking for someone who sees that. Recognize your role in the process with each photographer, because everyone has different expectations. I empower my assistants to be more than a helper. I look to them to see things and to be part of the final image in ways that they take pride because they made a difference.
A few simple tips; Ask what dress is appropriate the day before the shoot, If you see anything of concern, communicate to the photographer (not the client), always have a basic tool kit, look for opportunities to help, be patient, anticipate what comes next and be ready. Don’t make your problems the photographer’s problems. Make their problems, yours. One more tip – when in doubt, ask.
There are ways to make yourself more valuable, like learning various capture and editing softwares, and knowing various brands of lighting, computers and cameras. Anything you do to make my life easier and the final product better, makes you a more valuable member of my creative team.
Todd Joyce is a recent Past President of ASMP and specializes in conceptual people photography for advertising. See Todd’s work at joycephotography.com and contact him at todd@joycephotography.com
