Assistant’s Workshop – Learn Photo Assisting in Colorado
Are you an aspiring photo assistant, emerging photographer, or creative professional in Colorado looking to break into the commercial photography industry? Join ASMP Colorado’s Assistant’s Workshop—a one-day, hands-on event designed to give you the technical skills, industry knowledge, and professional connections you need to succeed.
Why Attend the Assistant’s Workshop?
This intensive training is built for anyone who wants to work on professional photo sets, improve their lighting and grip knowledge, and learn the real-world etiquette of assisting photographers. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to land higher-level assisting gigs, this event is a direct path to building your career.
What You’ll Learn
- Lighting & Grip Basics: Safely handle studio lights, grip gear, and digital workflows.
- On-Set Etiquette: Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that keep productions running smoothly.
- Career Navigation: Tips for finding work as a freelance photo assistant or emerging photographer.
Event Highlights
- Hands-On Training: Rotate through three learning stations led by expert instructors.
- Industry Panel: Hear directly from working photographers and creatives in Colorado’s commercial photography scene.
- Networking Opportunities: Enjoy a free lunch and connect with speakers, sponsors, and fellow assistants at happy hour.
Who Should Attend
- Aspiring and beginner photo assistants
- Emerging photographers ready to gain industry experience
- Working creatives who want to expand into commercial photography
Key Takeaways
Walk away with:
- Practical, real-world experience working with professional equipment
- A stronger understanding of how photo assisting works in the Colorado market
- New contacts and mentors to help you grow in the creative industry
Bios: Workshop Instructors
Circe Baumgartner is a photographer originally from the sun-kissed city of Denver, Colorado.
Her love of photography began at the age of eleven when she built a darkroom in her basement and began to document her friends- skateboarders, thespians, and athletes. Since building her portfolio with budding talent from Next Model and many everyday champions, Circe’s career has spanned over a wide range of prominent clients, such as ESPN and MTV Networks.
Whether she’s shooting in Germany’s Bavarian Forest, the beaches in the Bahamas, or in her native home of sunny Colorado, Circe’s easy-going style has a unique way of capturing all aspects of the shoot to consistently bring about the best in her subjects in every photo.
Steven Begleiter is a freelance photographer living in Denver, Colorado. Before moving to Denver, he was a freelance commercial photographer and teacher at the Rocky Mountain School of Photography. Before moving to Missoula, he was a lecturer of photography at the University of Pennsylvania School of Design, in addition to running a photo business and exhibiting his work in juried art shows.
He has authored five books: Fathers and Sons, The Art of Color Infrared Photography, The Portrait Book, A Guide for Photographers and most recently 50 Lighting Setups for the Portrait Photographer Vol. 1 and Vol 2.
He was selected as one of 10 master portrait photographers for the book, Professional Portrait Photography: Techniques and Images from Master Photographers, by Lou Jacobs Jr. and is included in his book, Creative Portraiture.
He is a contributor to the trade magazine, Photo Techniques, and reviews photography books by Elsevier Publishing.
His professional career began in 1982 as first photo assistant to Annie Leibovitz and Mary Ellen Mark. Since then, his work has appeared in Esquire, Newsweek, Big Sky Journal, Us Weekly, Forbes, Elle, Business Week, on the cover of Time, in Fortune 500 annual reports and in national advertising campaigns. He is a recipient of a Greater Philadelphia Cultural Association grant and has served on the board of the Philadelphia chapter of the American Society of Media Photographers.
Peter Loyd-Vuolo is an interiors and architectural photographer based in Englewood, Colorado. He collaborates with interior designers, architects, home builders, and landscape architects across residential and commercial projects.
Peter launched PLV Photography two years ago and has been shooting full-time since day one. He studied in the Commercial Photography program at Arapahoe Community College, an experience that laid the foundation for his career.
He credits assisting established photographers as pivotal to his growth—both technically and professionally—and he continues to make time to assist the mentors who supported him in the last two years.
Location: Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design
1600 Pierce St, Lakewood, CO 80214
Mary Harris Audititorium
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Tickets: Please purchase through Eventbrite
- ASMP Members: Free
- Non-members: $50
- Students: $25 (w/ valid .edu email)
Bonus: If you decide to join ASMP after the event, your ticket fee will be credited toward your new membership!
Perks + Giveaways:
- All attendees will receive a QR-coded badge linking to exclusive resources like our Find an Assistant page, event schedule, Member perks, and upcoming ASMP events.
This is more than a workshop—it’s your launchpad into Colorado’s vibrant photography industry. Space is limited to keep groups intimate and impactful. Don’t wait— Register by October 16th to claim your spot.