Comments on: Advice From A Photographer

By: Just a thought | happy camera club

Just a thought | happy camera club — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:36:01 +0000

[...] advice from a photographer 12.971599 77.594563 Share this:Like this:LikeBe the first to like this [...]

By: Cameron Davidson

Cameron Davidson — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:09:21 +0000

Don’t text, tweet or send a message via Facebook that you are running late or can’t make the assignment. A master printer I know fired an assistant who sent a message via Facebook that she was sick. He demoted her to an unpaid intern position.

If you can’t make it or if something comes up call and leave a message if there is no answer. Then call the next number in the telephone call list to make sure the photographer or producer knows about the change and can adapt.

By: Anonymous Intern/Assistant

Anonymous Intern/Assistant — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:12:32 +0000

kristian thacker:

I have something to add about cigarettes.

Definitely quit smoking them regularly, but don’t quit carrying them. Never know when the Producer/AD/Model wants to bum one.

By: Advice To Assistants From A Photographer | MELISSA MERCIER

Advice To Assistants From A Photographer | MELISSA MERCIER — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:06:20 +0000

[...] found this “Advice from a photographer” on A Photo Editor blog and thought it was simple and brilliant. You would assume every photography assistant would [...]

By: PhotoTipMan

PhotoTipMan — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:41:27 +0000

Perfect list of advice. I especially appreciate that you are telling people they need to know and have knowledge of business. A career and money doesn't fall onto someone's lap. It is hard work and good business sense, as well as a creative eye with good technique, that separate the top pros from everyone else. Great-Photography Tips

By: producer

producer — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 18:10:20 +0000

Hello : ) and what can you suggest to those that would like to become a photographer? I’m talking about the people that have been assisting for more than 6 – 7 years out of college. I find that many of my friends are stuck… I personally am not looking to be a photographer but I work in the field and I went to college for photography.. so i know a LOT of photographers/assistants. The agency I work with took on a few new talents. One of them is 24 yrs old. I know this is an exception to the rule but I worry that many people get stuck. The money gets good when you assist for top notch people – you get used to the free lunches and dinners, the free travel and all of a sudden.. you realize you are almost 30 and you don’t have a completed portfolio book. Your website has material that is from college, and you can’t turn down the assisting days because if you do, you risk not getting booked again.
Could you feature an article on this chapter that many people find themselves in?
I want to give decent advice…and its tough. People get sensitive to having to spend money out of pocket in order to make it. And Reps don’t look for someone who has NO clients.

Thoughts?

By: Matt Farrell

Matt Farrell — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 15:47:45 +0000

Well, since everyone else is chiming in on #16, I think I will too. I’ve only recently made the jump from assistant/tech to shooter, so I think I’m well positioned to speak to both viewpoints. And I have to say, you’re wrong. In #13, you say to be loyal, this is good advice to an assistant, and just as good advice to a photographer. You should look out for your assistants if you want them to look out for you.
I don’t want an assistant on their phone all day, but when one of my guys tells me they need to step outside and take a quick work call, I tell them to go ahead. I want them to do well, the last thing I want is my favorite assistant quitting the business because he wasn’t getting enough work.

By: chanel tassen prijzen

chanel tassen prijzen — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 19:26:56 +0000

My personal experience vindicates Old Geezer’s #6 advice for assistants. The Bible states that “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” In order to be a good assistant and get the most out of the experience, a photographer really must put his own personal work temporarily on hold. There’s really no way to devote 100% effort on personal work while simultaneously getting the most out of an assisting or apprenticeship experience without one of them suffering from the dual loyalty arrangement.Commercial photographers get paid to pay attention on a shoot…done. end of story. We do not work in an office, we have no water cooler, and we have no time on a shoot to “check in” with our people…… leave that crap for lunch time, or after work. I had a hard enough time finding good assistants before the whole texting craze… now, it’s a joke. Leave the shit alone, and look around, check the gear, pay freakin’ attention!
I feel that the personal connections will take you very far in this business.
You cannot connect with people in work or conversation while thumbing your iphone. It comes off as rude, and I am tired of having my clients think that my assistant is bored with what we are doing!Everything else I agree with for the most part. Never-less, photographers need to remember one thing; at the end of the day it is just a f#@&ing picture! Yes, there are budgets, sometimes HUGE budgets, or tight time frames. And the pressure/stress that goes with it. Maybe I am getting burnt out on the superficiality of the industry but I think many photographers have huge egos and take themselves WAY too seriously. The only people who should take there jobs this seriously are those who have there own or others lives on the line (military, emt’s, police, etc). Funny though that many of those people do not stress themselves out so much and are cool under pressure. Yet, here we have photographers and there clients stressing themselves out over a photo that 99% of the intended viewers glance over without a second thought or even a care! What percentage of advertising photography is thrown away without a second thought or glance?Never assume unless you are sure about the outcome of your working project.
Travel out of the country as much as possible. Learn how other people live. Learn that America is not the center of the universe, and learn that you don’t need your cell phone 24 hours a day. Again, be a sponge, about how other people live.

By: nike free singapore

nike free singapore — Sat, 14 May 2011 03:22:20 +0000

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By: alexis

alexis — Tue, 10 May 2011 17:32:51 +0000

what is with #5? no one needs to “take some acid”. there must be something better than acid. that shit can do some majorly fucked up things to your body and if you take too much than you can die. coming from a girl that lost her daddy because he took acid.
thank you so much you idiot, i love the advice (sarcasm). that makes me want to be a photographer so much more.

By: Mark Sperry

Mark Sperry — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 11:55:05 +0000

I got out of assisting because it was too much BS with not enough payoff. I don’t want to end up 45 with a hatred for photography and looking at a $50K year as average. I got super tired of the assistant/photographer dynamic, especially around the relationships of everyone on set, and everyone you meet in the industry. People just want to know how to get the next job, because everybody’s either broke, or close to broke.

13. Be Loyal. Why? Studios aren’t loyal, they go down a list and the first to call back gets the job. Unless you’re first, and that only goes so far. I’ve seen plenty of firsts replaced simply because they took another job when their usual guy was busy.

14. Go beyond the call of duty. Not for less than $250 bucks a day. And not after haggling about my rate.

16. Turn off your fucking cell phone… No. Stop being annoyed and suck it. I’m not missing that 2 week job for a cruise line by 5 minutes. I’m not going to be obnoxious. This is the real world during a recession and I’m going to actually take work calls (I won’t be calling my friends, obviously). I have rent to pay.

I had to get out. There are too many photographers out there, and too few jobs. I don’t love my job and it’s not glamourous (retail photo), but I make more now than my best years assisting, with insurance, and I can finally afford to take all the pictures I want, of what I want. I think the photography as a good career ship, if it ever was, has sailed.

By: Mike M

Mike M — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:19:14 +0000

By: john

john — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:33:39 +0000

Pay freakin’ attention! Turn off your phone! Nothing says I am not really into your job, or your client’s job, like checking your email, or texting.

Commercial photographers get paid to pay attention on a shoot…done. end of story. We do not work in an office, we have no water cooler, and we have no time on a shoot to “check in” with our people…… leave that crap for lunch time, or after work. I had a hard enough time finding good assistants before the whole texting craze… now, it’s a joke. Leave the shit alone, and look around, check the gear, pay freakin’ attention!

I feel that the personal connections will take you very far in this business.
You cannot connect with people in work or conversation while thumbing your iphone. It comes off as rude, and I am tired of having my clients think that my assistant is bored with what we are doing!

If I seem pissed, I am…

By: Paddy

Paddy — Fri, 21 May 2010 15:00:08 +0000

I hope you will update your blog with some new themes.,Zac

By: Aaryn

Aaryn — Tue, 18 May 2010 08:54:28 +0000

It is grate,lucy

By: kristian thacker

kristian thacker — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 18:53:27 +0000

I really enjoyed reading this post and all of the replies. I’ve been working as an assistant for a few people now for the past couple of years and it has certainly been a positive experience. Every photographer I have worked with has shown me something new and that is what I enjoy the most.

The first thing that I would add to this list is as an assistant you absolutely must stay in good physical shape. I am in relatively decent shape but even I still get sore after a day of humping gear all over creation. Also, be smart about lifting and moving heavy objects. My last bit of advice would be if you smoke then quit now. There is nothing worse than working on location and jonesing for a cigarette. Cigarettes are just another distraction you don’t need occupying your mind while working.

By: Canaan Albright

Canaan Albright — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 21:01:04 +0000

Here is some great info :)

http://assistingavedon.typepad.com/assisting-avedon/

By: Gwen

Gwen — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:59:50 +0000

@R. Collerd,

Totally. What happens to your book? Build yourself and not another person.

By: Advice (for assistants) from a photographer – PixelZombie.Tv

Advice (for assistants) from a photographer – PixelZombie.Tv — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 10:34:37 +0000

[...] have linked to this, and it’s not exactly new, but I stumbled across this recently over at Aphotoeditor, but it’s some advice from a photographer- mostly about being and [...]

By: Gypsy

Gypsy — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:22:13 +0000

So the question who needs an assistant on the Island of Oahu ~Im kind smart & talented ~you need me ~ trust me I know these things lol

By: lauren

lauren — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:42:06 +0000

i second #28

By: Patrick

Patrick — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 05:48:20 +0000

I agree and disagree with the original post. While I feel that #6 is one of the stupidest pieces of advice I have ever read, I also feel that #11 can be equally stupid!!! Funny how nobody else commented on that. Point is, WHY hire an assistant if you do not want that assistants help? I have worked on huge shoots where I was like, the 5th assistant. OK, I can semi-understand under those circumstances (where you should tell the 1st and not the photog). Or if it is one of your first times working with a shooter. But seriously, besides every other duty, a good assistant is a second set of eyes and this can be crucial. There have been many times where I have seen something blatant that the photographer or art director did not see, and I have pointed it out (discreetly to the photographer) and saved the day. Other times I have (again, discreetly) pointed out an idea or two that contributed greatly to the shot and these ideas were very much welcomed and appreciated. That is part of being a PRO assistant! You should find out what the shot is, and you should already have an idea of how to light/shoot it without the photographers instructions and start setting up the shot before you are told. Always anticipate. If a photographer has a problem with either this, or discreet suggestions, then they are an insecure asshole and you do not want to work for them regardless. I recently worked for someone like this… My “suggestions” were scoffed, scolded, and then implemented 30 minutes later after several pointless “tests”. All that was accomplished was wasting time and annoying the client. Again, insecurity and ego.
#16 – No, do NOT turn off your cell phone!!!! Put it on vibrate… Trip said it best with this line: “A job runs the risk of disappearing between now and lunch.” Boy is that the truth!!! I have lost big jobs because I called back even 30 minutes later and they simply moved on to the next person on the list. Yes, be respectful and find the right time but you are not a slave and you do not make enough to ignore your next job. Come to think of it, everything Trip said in post #27 is just as good of advice as the original post.

Everything else I agree with for the most part. Never-less, photographers need to remember one thing; at the end of the day it is just a f#@&ing picture! Yes, there are budgets, sometimes HUGE budgets, or tight time frames. And the pressure/stress that goes with it. Maybe I am getting burnt out on the superficiality of the industry but I think many photographers have huge egos and take themselves WAY too seriously. The only people who should take there jobs this seriously are those who have there own or others lives on the line (military, emt’s, police, etc). Funny though that many of those people do not stress themselves out so much and are cool under pressure. Yet, here we have photographers and there clients stressing themselves out over a photo that 99% of the intended viewers glance over without a second thought or even a care! What percentage of advertising photography is thrown away without a second thought or glance?

By: Jay Beauvais

Jay Beauvais — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 01:43:30 +0000

This was a nice microcosm of the photo world. you have some people who get and some who don’t. all in all i agree with everyone on most everything they wrote. oh btw, i am old enough to know what it is like to load film into the hasselblad back with one hand while dropping the 2nd, 4th and 5th strobes one click after the 3rd pop to hit the f45. anyway, i am going to try to place my stamp on this conversation.
Be polite,
attentive
energetic
quiet
attentive
sponge-like
anticipatory
attentive
don’t be an ass
a energy sucker
a door mat.
this job can be very rewarding and a hell of a lot of fun, but like most things you need to learn and trust me you don’t know everything on your first gig and sometimes you still don’t know everything when your old like me.
know your limitations but don’t be limited by them, accept being uncomfortable but don’t let yourself be taken advantage of, your still a human and if you don’t want to work for some asshole then tell them your booked.
Good Luck.

By: Neil

Neil — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 16:54:58 +0000

@ATL Shooter, Follow that email up with a telephone call.
Most of us like a day off from the Mac/Viewfinder every now and then, and your email can also end up in our Spam box – nag, nag, nag until you get a response (good or bad) from the guy you want to work for.
And do not, EVER, assist for free.
An assistant who is willing to work for free isn’t worth employing.
A photographer who won’t pay you isn’t worth working for.

By: » A Photo Editor - Advice From A Photographer

» A Photo Editor - Advice From A Photographer — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:15:35 +0000

[...] A Photo Editor – Advice From A Photographer. [...]

By: Alexis Evanoff

Alexis Evanoff — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 08:09:18 +0000

@Andrew,
When I lived in Los Angeles I found it extremely easy to get the contacts I needed in the music business etc by going to venues on Sunset and hanging out with bands, shooting bands (any lame excuse to do it will do, the point is to schmooze with them), going to parties, events, shows, whatever to get them to introduce me to who I needed to know (a lot of local band members were related to big names in Hollywood, some actually were big names in Hollywood)… In my case though, once I got where I needed to be, I wasn’t too thrilled with the working environment so now I’ve got to figure out a new specialty…

By: alicia

alicia — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:01:54 +0000

hey i would just like to say that your website is awesome it has helped me and my children both so thank you for having this website!!!!!

By: kombizz

kombizz — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:07:04 +0000

Never assume unless you are sure about the outcome of your working project.

By: asapolas

asapolas — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:29:21 +0000

good information.

By: From A Photo Editor Blog - Advice From A Photographer | Richard Louissaint Photography: The Journal

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:21:26 +0000

[...] A Photo Editor – Advice From A Photographer [...]