I always liked the idea of being able to find a Photographer who wanted a solid first assistant. A Photographer that would help to pass on not only photography knowledge but business sense as well. An apprentice program of sorts. That is still a reality for some, however it is hard these days to find someone who is comfortable with sharing their craft and industry secrets. Egos are alive and well.
I spent a long time assisting, maybe too long. Lot of factors kept me in the game. The money can be very good and the work is normally fun. Yes, you might have to carry a lot of gear or spend 15 hours outside in 95 degree weather with high humidity. Honestly I found it difficult to find enough work as a photographer to quit assisting. I need to pay bills and sometimes it is hard to turn down a 4 day job at $500 a day working as a Digital Technician.
So why should you assist? The same reason you went to school, the same reason you got a book on photography. Knowledge! There is a real issue with young photographers who think they know everything. They scoff at photographers who they assist. “I could shoot this” “my lighting is better” etc..What they don’t have is any real experience with real time critical thinking and problem solving on set with a client who expects results. They do not have any experience working with clients. They do not know how to stand up for themselves when the scope of work changes. If you are smart you are watching the photographer interact with all members of the production team regardless of size. How does the photographer talk to the crew, the client, the art director? Is the photographer stressed out and then takes it out you ? I have assisted photographers from all over the world on productions with small 5 thousand dollars budgets to national advertising campaigns for massive brands with 6 figure production budgets. Assisting gives you a look in the world of those that are really doing it.
Whenever I was on set with a photographer I always looked for opportunities to ask questions. I wanted to know about their path and how they won the bid for this job. Some photographers understand most, if not all of assistants want to be successful photographers some day. However many photographers have egos that prevent them from being generous with their knowledge because they see you as a threat. They think you will take their client. Which is fucking absurb. Do not actively pursue a client you meet on another photographer's shoot unless that client reaches out to you directly. Do not be the snake, word will get out and you will not be assisting long.
The best part of assisting at the end of the day is getting a look at all the different types of jobs and clients that are out there. You then can make a game plan for the type of work you want to do as a photographer. You get to see first hand how it feels to not have a proper crew or production supplies. You get to see mistakes like a photographer not having a SOP for managing data and losing part of the job, they forgot the charger for the computer, or they piss the client or crew off and create a poor work environment.
The knowledge I have from years of assisting has made it possible for me to accomplish many different types of photography productions. I know the costs involved for high production work, I know how having one more assistant will make the day better for everyone. Most importantly I know how to communicate with a team to accomplish a common goal.
I think everyone should do some type of internship or assistant work. If you went to school for photography or art. Assisting is like a masters program. You have the theory but can you put it into practice. Food for thought
What questions do you have about assisting?
Photo by Kim Hummel Photography