Never Let ‘Em See You Sweat

[by Blake Discher]

I have an expression I tell anyone who assists for me, “Never let ‘em see you sweat.” in other words, regardless of what happens on a shoot, let’s keep it entirely professional in the eyes of the client.

I recall a young assistant working with me on an annual report shoot in Monterrey, lMexico. I was in the center of a grouping of tables configured in a square so I could shoot candids of the executives during the meeting.  We had lights in all four corners of the room to illuminate everyone somewhat evenly.

About 15 minutes into the shoot a capacitor in one of the lights blew with a loud bang, startling everyone in the room.  Cool as a cucumber, my assistant Angie walked over, unplugged the light, grabbed a replacement, set it up and acted as if nothing happened.

During the next break the client complimented us on our “prepared for anything” work process.  I glanced over at Angie to see if she had heard the compliment.  I could tell by her slight smile that she did.

Blake J. Discher is a photographer specializing in people for Fortune 500 companies worldwide. He speaks internationally on the topics of web marketing, SEO, and negotiating. To learn more: http://www.blakedischer.com.

Don’t Stop Creating

[by Sean Kernan]

Assisting is a step toward being a photographer, a way of learning how things are done, how they work.

That’s all very important, but you really need to keep your creative work going. That’s what will really make  you a photographer. That’s where you learn what no one can teach you. That’s where your career will ultimately come from.

Knowing workflow and procedures is important, but not more important than doing the actual work.

Assist to Learn the Intangibles

[by Jay Kinghorn]

Congratulations, you’ve just graduated from a prestigious photo school with a spectacular portfolio and you’re ready to change the world. As you start your career as a professional, I strongly encourage you to assist another photographer to learn the ropes of running a profitable photography business.

While assisting, watch and listen to the way your photographer interacts with clients, manages jobs and handles problems. These intangibles are often the difference between a good photographer with a busy, profitable studio and a great photographer with a stellar portfolio but no clients because they don’t understand the “soft skills” necessary for success.

Sweat the Small Stuff

[by Judy Hermann]

A couple of years ago, I surveyed a bunch of photographers to find out what Assistants do that drives them crazy.  If you’re building a business as an Assistant, following these tips will help you win ongoing client loyalty and great referrals.

1. Be on time.  If you’re not going to be on time, be early.  If something catastrophic (and it had better be catastrophic) happens and you’re going to be late, call the photographer the moment you know you’re not going to make it on time.
2. Dress appropriately.  Most photographers are pretty casual but not all clients look kindly on piercings, tattoos, etc.  When in doubt, ask the photographer what’s expected.
3. Stay on task.  Don’t text, make or take calls or use your iPod unless you’re on a break.  Don’t sit or eat unless the photographer is doing the same or tells you it’s ok.
4. Communicate openly.  Ask the photographer what their expectations are and be honest about your ability to fulfill them – never exaggerate your skills or knowledge level.
5. Be Proactive.  Anticipate what the photographer’s going to need and have it ready.  If the photographer grabs a powerpack, have that extension cord plugged in before he or she has to ask.
6. You’re not just an extra pair of hands.  You’re also an extra pair of ears. If you overhear any client comments – about the shots or their experience of the shoot, good or bad – discretely convey them to the photographer.
7. Remember who your client is.  Your job is to make the photographer look good.  If you have ideas or solutions, that’s great but share them with the photographer in private.
8. Remember who your client is not.  Never, ever try to get work directly from the photographer’s client unless the photographer explicitly gives you permission to approach them.

The best analogy I’ve ever seen to a great photographer – assistant dynamic is a Surgical team.  Think of yourself as the scrub nurse to the photographer’s surgeon and you’ll do great.

Judy Herrmann’s Breaking into the Biz seminar covers what every student and emerging photographer should know.  Her blog, www.2goodthings.com, helps people earn a living doing what they love.

Recommendations for Assistants

[by Todd Joyce]

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