Comments on: Ask Anything – How Do Assistants Take It To The Next Level http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/05/27/ask-anything-how-do-assistants-take-it-to-the-next-level/ Former Photography Director Rob Haggart Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:01:49 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 By: Michael Donovan http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/05/27/ask-anything-how-do-assistants-take-it-to-the-next-level/#comment-63523 Michael Donovan Tue, 01 Jun 2010 17:32:47 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5917#comment-63523 @Rick Lohre, Thanks for the links! @Rick Lohre,

Thanks for the links!

]]> By: Jonathan Waiter http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/05/27/ask-anything-how-do-assistants-take-it-to-the-next-level/#comment-63466 Jonathan Waiter Mon, 31 May 2010 18:36:56 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5917#comment-63466 @David Harry Stewart, Thank you David:) Honestly, I look at everything, but I don't really feel influenced by much. I'm much more inwardly focused. I look at allot of stuff, but much of what I do is a reaction to what I don't like. For example, I am very critical of truths portrayed in photography. Photography has the pretension of saying: look, this was reality. This is, of course, is extremely false and unreliable. So in my work, I am always sort of playing with that, --but in my own way. And darkness is like a super cliche thing these days. The references are ridiculous and almost comedy now. I think we've become totally desensitized by movies and media. It now takes a very sophisticated vision to see what is now relatively dark. I've always felt specially tuned to emotional aesthetics and darkness has always fascinated me more than lightness. So thats the basics ;) I'm doing ok, building books for new faces, but I need to find the mythical art producers. I'm just now putting together my first book. I don't really know what to do with it. Who to talk to ect... @David Harry Stewart,
Thank you David:)
Honestly, I look at everything, but I don’t really feel influenced by much. I’m much more inwardly focused. I look at allot of stuff, but much of what I do is a reaction to what I don’t like. For example, I am very critical of truths portrayed in photography. Photography has the pretension of saying: look, this was reality. This is, of course, is extremely false and unreliable. So in my work, I am always sort of playing with that, –but in my own way. And darkness is like a super cliche thing these days. The references are ridiculous and almost comedy now. I think we’ve become totally desensitized by movies and media. It now takes a very sophisticated vision to see what is now relatively dark. I’ve always felt specially tuned to emotional aesthetics and darkness has always fascinated me more than lightness. So thats the basics ;)

I’m doing ok, building books for new faces, but I need to find the mythical art producers. I’m just now putting together my first book. I don’t really know what to do with it. Who to talk to ect…

]]> By: David Harry Stewart http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/05/27/ask-anything-how-do-assistants-take-it-to-the-next-level/#comment-63461 David Harry Stewart Mon, 31 May 2010 18:09:51 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5917#comment-63461 @Jonathan Waiter, Hi Jonathan, How are you? I just went to your site. Wow, fantastic work! Love what you are doing. Briliant. What are you looking at these days? What are your influences? d @Jonathan Waiter, Hi Jonathan, How are you? I just went to your site. Wow, fantastic work! Love what you are doing. Briliant. What are you looking at these days? What are your influences?
d

]]> By: Jonathan Waiter http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/05/27/ask-anything-how-do-assistants-take-it-to-the-next-level/#comment-63459 Jonathan Waiter Mon, 31 May 2010 17:55:24 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5917#comment-63459 @David Harry Stewart, I assisted you once in Topanga. Your advise back then was really helpful. Thank you! @David Harry Stewart,
I assisted you once in Topanga. Your advise back then was really helpful. Thank you!

]]> By: David Harry Stewart http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/05/27/ask-anything-how-do-assistants-take-it-to-the-next-level/#comment-63458 David Harry Stewart Mon, 31 May 2010 17:35:23 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5917#comment-63458 Hi Suzanne, Hi Amanda, Thanks for writing to this question. It something that gets asked of my frequently, and something that as you have pointed out, is very difficult to generalize. It is an incredibly difficult transition for people to make, and I feel for all the assistants out there who struggle with this. This is what I tell people: -You need a consistent vision, it must be cohesive. -This vision needs to be carried out in a competent way so that buyers are assured that you can repeat it on demand. -Your vision needs to be relevant. If you are really into some obscure niche, like underwater caves or something, that is great, but not so relevant. -Your vision needs to be honest. If people think you are faking it, or that it does not come from your heart, it won't be believed. The ADs want your heart and soul into their job, and if you are not fully committed to your vision, there is someone else out there who is. Personally, I never book a big job without my printed portfolio being called in. I wish that was not the case, as they are a real pain to make, but that is the reality. The order of the book, and the selection of the images is something I work on with my agent. I agree with what everyone has said on this point, it is essential to get someone else to help in the editing. Hopefully that person is very smart and is informed about what is happening in the market. This is what I do for a portfolio: The portfolio is about 100-120 images, printed double sided on Inkpress Duo 300GSM 11x17. I use an Epson 4800 printer on 8 pass. The prints are then trimmed, 3 hole punched and sprayed with a fixative. The binders to the books are made by Richard at Portfolio Creative Design. I have 4 of them, down from 60 10 years ago. Thank god for that. We redo the books about twice a year, and it completely consumes my studio for 2 weeks each time I do it. I hope this is helpful, Best wishes, David Hi Suzanne, Hi Amanda,

Thanks for writing to this question. It something that gets asked of my frequently, and something that as you have pointed out, is very difficult to generalize. It is an incredibly difficult transition for people to make, and I feel for all the assistants out there who struggle with this.

This is what I tell people:

-You need a consistent vision, it must be cohesive.
-This vision needs to be carried out in a competent way so that buyers are assured that you can repeat it on demand.
-Your vision needs to be relevant. If you are really into some obscure niche, like underwater caves or something, that is great, but not so relevant.
-Your vision needs to be honest. If people think you are faking it, or that it does not come from your heart, it won’t be believed. The ADs want your heart and soul into their job, and if you are not fully committed to your vision, there is someone else out there who is.

Personally, I never book a big job without my printed portfolio being called in. I wish that was not the case, as they are a real pain to make, but that is the reality.

The order of the book, and the selection of the images is something I work on with my agent. I agree with what everyone has said on this point, it is essential to get someone else to help in the editing. Hopefully that person is very smart and is informed about what is happening in the market.

This is what I do for a portfolio:

The portfolio is about 100-120 images, printed double sided on Inkpress Duo 300GSM 11×17. I use an Epson 4800 printer on 8 pass. The prints are then trimmed, 3 hole punched and sprayed with a fixative. The binders to the books are made by Richard at Portfolio Creative Design. I have 4 of them, down from 60 10 years ago. Thank god for that. We redo the books about twice a year, and it completely consumes my studio for 2 weeks each time I do it.

I hope this is helpful,

Best wishes,

David

]]> By: Tony Gale http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/05/27/ask-anything-how-do-assistants-take-it-to-the-next-level/#comment-63426 Tony Gale Mon, 31 May 2010 01:47:24 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5917#comment-63426 @Romain Kedochim, You might take a look at The Association of Photographer in the UK for suggestions. http://www.the-aop.org/ @Romain Kedochim,
You might take a look at The Association of Photographer in the UK for suggestions. http://www.the-aop.org/

]]> By: Romain Kedochim http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/05/27/ask-anything-how-do-assistants-take-it-to-the-next-level/#comment-63420 Romain Kedochim Sun, 30 May 2010 19:21:11 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5917#comment-63420 I won't lie, I heard most of what was mentioned in this post many times and somehow I still do not get it. Being a photographer specialized in Editorial and Music related portraiture (and live music!), I feel my book will only reflect part of who I am. Cause at the end of the day, it's not the only thing I do. How does one show the full spectrum of one's skills while still keeping this cohesion you guys mention, this body of work? I often assist a few very talented photographers, and I tried more than once to have them look at my portfolio to give me leads on what I should do. But more often than not I get a "I don't know, there is no rule". So is there? And if I was to get professional help (I'm in the uk), how would I go about finding the right person for me? Thanks for the blog, it's a goldmine of information! Cheers, Romain I won’t lie, I heard most of what was mentioned in this post many times and somehow I still do not get it. Being a photographer specialized in Editorial and Music related portraiture (and live music!), I feel my book will only reflect part of who I am. Cause at the end of the day, it’s not the only thing I do.

How does one show the full spectrum of one’s skills while still keeping this cohesion you guys mention, this body of work?

I often assist a few very talented photographers, and I tried more than once to have them look at my portfolio to give me leads on what I should do. But more often than not I get a “I don’t know, there is no rule”. So is there?

And if I was to get professional help (I’m in the uk), how would I go about finding the right person for me?

Thanks for the blog, it’s a goldmine of information!
Cheers,

Romain

]]> By: Rick Lohre http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/05/27/ask-anything-how-do-assistants-take-it-to-the-next-level/#comment-63351 Rick Lohre Fri, 28 May 2010 23:16:39 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5917#comment-63351 @Kenneth, Have a look at these books. Very helpful advice in them. One thing I've learned ever since my corporate days is the value of reading and research. These books are GREAT tools to moving your business forward, figuring out who is who, and all the rest of becoming a successful commercial photographer. Best of luck and wish you well in moving forward! Cheers, Rick http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0817476776?ie=UTF8&tag=cmshde-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0817476776 http://www.amazon.com/Best-Business-Practices-Photographers-Second/dp/1435454294/ref=pd_sim_b_2 http://www.amazon.com/Successful-Self-Promotion-Photographers-Elyse-Weissberg/dp/081745926X/ref=pd_sim_b_1 http://www.amazon.com/Tell-World-Dont-Suck-Photographers/dp/0557019036/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1275087860&sr=1-1 @Kenneth,
Have a look at these books. Very helpful advice in them. One thing I’ve learned ever since my corporate days is the value of reading and research.
These books are GREAT tools to moving your business forward, figuring out who is who, and all the rest of becoming a successful commercial photographer.
Best of luck and wish you well in moving forward!
Cheers,
Rick

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0817476776?ie=UTF8&tag=cmshde-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0817476776

http://www.amazon.com/Best-Business-Practices-Photographers-Second/dp/1435454294/ref=pd_sim_b_2

http://www.amazon.com/Successful-Self-Promotion-Photographers-Elyse-Weissberg/dp/081745926X/ref=pd_sim_b_1

http://www.amazon.com/Tell-World-Dont-Suck-Photographers/dp/0557019036/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1275087860&sr=1-1

]]> By: Kenneth http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/05/27/ask-anything-how-do-assistants-take-it-to-the-next-level/#comment-63349 Kenneth Fri, 28 May 2010 22:35:07 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5917#comment-63349 This has been helpful. However, once you get that book, and a pimped out website, and a general marketing plan: what does one do without a rep? Most of "us" (assistants) don't really know what "next" is. We (generally) work with people who have multi-year relationships in place or reps whom we aren't ready for. How can we REALLY step it up? and who are we stepping to? This has been helpful. However, once you get that book, and a pimped out website, and a general marketing plan: what does one do without a rep? Most of “us” (assistants) don’t really know what “next” is. We (generally) work with people who have multi-year relationships in place or reps whom we aren’t ready for. How can we REALLY step it up? and who are we stepping to?

]]> By: Dan Brouillette http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/05/27/ask-anything-how-do-assistants-take-it-to-the-next-level/#comment-63340 Dan Brouillette Fri, 28 May 2010 20:49:16 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5917#comment-63340 Good post! I agree with some other comments about editing your own work and finding YOUR style...not just what you think the editor/buyer wants. Amanda helped me narrow down my site from multiple categories to just a couple and from about 200 images to 30 or so. Funny how much sense it made after she did it...but without the help, it was just a mess that I couldn't seem to sift through. Good post! I agree with some other comments about editing your own work and finding YOUR style…not just what you think the editor/buyer wants. Amanda helped me narrow down my site from multiple categories to just a couple and from about 200 images to 30 or so. Funny how much sense it made after she did it…but without the help, it was just a mess that I couldn’t seem to sift through.

]]> By: Suzanne and Amanda http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/05/27/ask-anything-how-do-assistants-take-it-to-the-next-level/#comment-63338 Suzanne and Amanda Fri, 28 May 2010 20:28:32 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5917#comment-63338 @Andrew Ptak, We would offer out the following information: The beautiful printed portfolio can be a show stopper but you need to get it out there to make it worth your time and money.In a presentation to a client, a printed portfolio is needed. If you can't get one printed in time, make sure you have a PDF of your portfolio (Agency Access offers to their members a PDF portfolio for a great fee). The iPad is making an impact on viewers and it can be considered less than printing a book. So while books are not being called in as much, you should be prepared in case it is. @Andrew Ptak, We would offer out the following information: The beautiful printed portfolio can be a show stopper but you need to get it out there to make it worth your time and money.In a presentation to a client, a printed portfolio is needed. If you can’t get one printed in time, make sure you have a PDF of your portfolio (Agency Access offers to their members a PDF portfolio for a great fee). The iPad is making an impact on viewers and it can be considered less than printing a book. So while books are not being called in as much, you should be prepared in case it is.

]]> By: Ed Hamlin http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/05/27/ask-anything-how-do-assistants-take-it-to-the-next-level/#comment-63337 Ed Hamlin Fri, 28 May 2010 20:27:16 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5917#comment-63337 I have used Lost Luggage and A & I for books to show my personal work in the past, both are great options and with just a handful to maybe 20 prints the A& I option is not that expensive. Lots of great advice on the book and resources out there affordable if you don't have a big budget. And you can make it very personal, with the needed help of others. I have used Lost Luggage and A & I for books to show my personal work in the past, both are great options and with just a handful to maybe 20 prints the A& I option is not that expensive.

Lots of great advice on the book and resources out there affordable if you don’t have a big budget. And you can make it very personal, with the needed help of others.

]]> By: Grant Harder http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/05/27/ask-anything-how-do-assistants-take-it-to-the-next-level/#comment-63334 Grant Harder Fri, 28 May 2010 18:08:00 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5917#comment-63334 I recently made the transition from assistant to photographer and I can't stress enough how important it was for me to get outside help with the editing of my book. I was emotionally attached to certain images that weren't necessarily going to make my work stronger. It's not an easy thing to wrap your head around as everything is subjective. By hiring someone to edit for me I was able to distance myself from my work and I felt like I had one more person on my team. This has resulted in a greater amount of confidence while shopping my work around. I recently made the transition from assistant to photographer and I can’t stress enough how important it was for me to get outside help with the editing of my book. I was emotionally attached to certain images that weren’t necessarily going to make my work stronger. It’s not an easy thing to wrap your head around as everything is subjective. By hiring someone to edit for me I was able to distance myself from my work and I felt like I had one more person on my team. This has resulted in a greater amount of confidence while shopping my work around.

]]> By: Jonathan Waiter http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/05/27/ask-anything-how-do-assistants-take-it-to-the-next-level/#comment-63333 Jonathan Waiter Fri, 28 May 2010 17:23:58 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5917#comment-63333 I'm in the process of putting my first book together. I'm using fashion as a vehicle. I've gotten so much great advise, from Art Dept and you guys, but I still don't know what to do with my book. I have some good clues, and I'm going to follow those, but I think it would be nice to know who fashion photographers are supposed to meet. Where are these mythical art buyers/producers ? Haha I’m in the process of putting my first book together. I’m using fashion as a vehicle. I’ve gotten so much great advise, from Art Dept and you guys, but I still don’t know what to do with my book. I have some good clues, and I’m going to follow those, but I think it would be nice to know who fashion photographers are supposed to meet. Where are these mythical art buyers/producers ? Haha

]]> By: Melynda http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/05/27/ask-anything-how-do-assistants-take-it-to-the-next-level/#comment-63332 Melynda Fri, 28 May 2010 17:22:44 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5917#comment-63332 I enjoyed this post as we're finishing up our custom portfolios. We worked with Amanda and Brooke (Dweller By The Stream) and can't imagine getting through this process without both of their expertise. I enjoyed this post as we’re finishing up our custom portfolios. We worked with Amanda and Brooke (Dweller By The Stream) and can’t imagine getting through this process without both of their expertise.

]]> By: Andrew Ptak http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/05/27/ask-anything-how-do-assistants-take-it-to-the-next-level/#comment-63325 Andrew Ptak Fri, 28 May 2010 15:40:40 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5917#comment-63325 @Amanda & Suzanne, Thanks for the reply. I'm not trying to cheap out on this - really. I would have never thought of an on-demand printed book, but I've seen some really nice ones and they have design and layout options not available with a traditional book of prints. Hence my question. There's no reason to pay an arm and a leg for a book if you don't have to and I could get four or five "Blurb type" books for the cost of a traditional portfolio of prints - and the books could be out to more places then. I'm an old guy, but frankly I'm a bit stunned that people still want to see printed material, even when there's a good chance the work will be used electronically. However, my opinion doesn't matter. I'd just like to know if there's a preference these days. Thanks. @Amanda & Suzanne, Thanks for the reply. I’m not trying to cheap out on this – really.

I would have never thought of an on-demand printed book, but I’ve seen some really nice ones and they have design and layout options not available with a traditional book of prints. Hence my question.

There’s no reason to pay an arm and a leg for a book if you don’t have to and I could get four or five “Blurb type” books for the cost of a traditional portfolio of prints – and the books could be out to more places then.

I’m an old guy, but frankly I’m a bit stunned that people still want to see printed material, even when there’s a good chance the work will be used electronically. However, my opinion doesn’t matter. I’d just like to know if there’s a preference these days. Thanks.

]]> By: Suzanne and Amanda http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/05/27/ask-anything-how-do-assistants-take-it-to-the-next-level/#comment-63313 Suzanne and Amanda Fri, 28 May 2010 15:00:54 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5917#comment-63313 @Shane, Yes, Leslie is AWESOME!! It is great to know she is out here in the consulting world as well as she knows her stuff!! @Shane, Yes, Leslie is AWESOME!! It is great to know she is out here in the consulting world as well as she knows her stuff!!

]]> By: Suzanne and Amanda http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/05/27/ask-anything-how-do-assistants-take-it-to-the-next-level/#comment-63312 Suzanne and Amanda Fri, 28 May 2010 14:59:53 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5917#comment-63312 @Rick Lohre, Thanks for your lovely comments. And with Mike working with talented photographers does make the process and journey a pleasure!!! Here is to the future for you and Julie!!! @Rick Lohre, Thanks for your lovely comments. And with Mike working with talented photographers does make the process and journey a pleasure!!! Here is to the future for you and Julie!!!

]]> By: Amanda & Suzanne http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/05/27/ask-anything-how-do-assistants-take-it-to-the-next-level/#comment-63311 Amanda & Suzanne Fri, 28 May 2010 14:59:14 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5917#comment-63311 @Andrew Ptak, What is your REAL budget? Are you going to take it out and show people or let it sit on your shelf and wait to get called in (which doesn't happen often anymore). Be honest with yourself and figure out what type of time and money you have to invest in it and then ask how much energy will you invest in the book once it is in your hands. @Andrew Ptak, What is your REAL budget? Are you going to take it out and show people or let it sit on your shelf and wait to get called in (which doesn’t happen often anymore). Be honest with yourself and figure out what type of time and money you have to invest in it and then ask how much energy will you invest in the book once it is in your hands.

]]> By: Amanda & Suzanne http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/05/27/ask-anything-how-do-assistants-take-it-to-the-next-level/#comment-63310 Amanda & Suzanne Fri, 28 May 2010 14:56:30 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5917#comment-63310 @narayan, The number thing to look at is how a book makes you feel. If you don't feel confident in that as an option, than it will show. We think a blurb book is a great option when a budget is limited. If we had our choice and no limitations we will always vote for the BIG ENCHILADA and go for the custom screw-post portfolio. But we have many clients who have made Blurb books and have had lots of success with it. We also have clients who use a traditional portfolio and then they use an iPad or a Blurb book to show the most recent work (since reprinting a book can be very expensive). @narayan, The number thing to look at is how a book makes you feel. If you don’t feel confident in that as an option, than it will show. We think a blurb book is a great option when a budget is limited. If we had our choice and no limitations we will always vote for the BIG ENCHILADA and go for the custom screw-post portfolio. But we have many clients who have made Blurb books and have had lots of success with it. We also have clients who use a traditional portfolio and then they use an iPad or a Blurb book to show the most recent work (since reprinting a book can be very expensive).

]]> By: Suzanne and Amanda http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/05/27/ask-anything-how-do-assistants-take-it-to-the-next-level/#comment-63309 Suzanne and Amanda Fri, 28 May 2010 14:55:07 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5917#comment-63309 @Mike Tittel, Thanks so much for the nicest post. It helps when working with great talent. Here's to the future- and it is looking great!!! @Mike Tittel, Thanks so much for the nicest post. It helps when working with great talent. Here’s to the future- and it is looking great!!!

]]> By: An accordion camera, innovative business cards, photo assisting, photos from the Gulf, Dorthea Lange interview - The Photoletariat http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/05/27/ask-anything-how-do-assistants-take-it-to-the-next-level/#comment-63307 An accordion camera, innovative business cards, photo assisting, photos from the Gulf, Dorthea Lange interview - The Photoletariat Fri, 28 May 2010 14:42:42 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5917#comment-63307 [...] On APhotoEditor:  How do photo assistants take it to the next [...] [...] On APhotoEditor:  How do photo assistants take it to the next [...]

]]> By: Shane http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/05/27/ask-anything-how-do-assistants-take-it-to-the-next-level/#comment-63270 Shane Thu, 27 May 2010 22:32:28 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5917#comment-63270 I worked with Leslie Burns and cannot imagine trying to build a portfolio without some sort of external help. In hindsight that is. Sometimes you kinda know what your style is in your subconscious but you need to make sure others are receiving that vision the way you are putting it out. Leslie gave me some really great things to think about that I hadn't considered before. I worked with Leslie Burns and cannot imagine trying to build a portfolio without some sort of external help. In hindsight that is. Sometimes you kinda know what your style is in your subconscious but you need to make sure others are receiving that vision the way you are putting it out. Leslie gave me some really great things to think about that I hadn’t considered before.

]]> By: Rick Lohre http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/05/27/ask-anything-how-do-assistants-take-it-to-the-next-level/#comment-63266 Rick Lohre Thu, 27 May 2010 21:05:46 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5917#comment-63266 I, like Mike, have recently worked with Suzanne on a portfolio edit as well as complete re-branding and marketing campaign. I can tell you that a lot of times we photographers get VERY attached to images which in their own right, might be great photos, but for the AB or potential client, they may not send the right message. I learned very quickly how a cohesive portfolio is put together, that it needs a "story" of sorts and and needs to show a consistent vision and style. Sometimes it's that outside eye that can see the mile high view when you're stuck at ground level and very much "in the mess" as I called it. After working through this recent port edit, I feel much more in tune with how to group, divide and present the images. As I shoot new images, I will be able to update, refresh and replace in each port with confidence now knowing that I've got a solid framework to work with :) Cheers, Rick I, like Mike, have recently worked with Suzanne on a portfolio edit as well as complete re-branding and marketing campaign.

I can tell you that a lot of times we photographers get VERY attached to images which in their own right, might be great photos, but for the AB or potential client, they may not send the right message. I learned very quickly how a cohesive portfolio is put together, that it needs a “story” of sorts and and needs to show a consistent vision and style.

Sometimes it’s that outside eye that can see the mile high view when you’re stuck at ground level and very much “in the mess” as I called it.

After working through this recent port edit, I feel much more in tune with how to group, divide and present the images. As I shoot new images, I will be able to update, refresh and replace in each port with confidence now knowing that I’ve got a solid framework to work with :)

Cheers,
Rick

]]> By: Andrew Ptak http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/05/27/ask-anything-how-do-assistants-take-it-to-the-next-level/#comment-63261 Andrew Ptak Thu, 27 May 2010 19:40:30 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5917#comment-63261 This may be getting off topic, but I'll blame Narayan! I need to update my book. It's been a long time and there are options now that were not available, or that good, before. I'm torn between an on-demand printed book (Blurb etc.) and a portfolio of real laser prints. What's the preference these days? There's a big price difference between the two. This may be getting off topic, but I’ll blame Narayan!

I need to update my book. It’s been a long time and there are options now that were not available, or that good, before. I’m torn between an on-demand printed book (Blurb etc.) and a portfolio of real laser prints.

What’s the preference these days? There’s a big price difference between the two.

]]> By: narayan http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/05/27/ask-anything-how-do-assistants-take-it-to-the-next-level/#comment-63248 narayan Thu, 27 May 2010 15:32:57 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5917#comment-63248 Are Blub books as portfolios acceptable? I had a couple made last year to take around to some agencies and the times when I was actually able to get face time, a positive comment was usually given regarding the book itself. But for some reason I feel like portfolio blurb book isn't going to be taken seriously. But at $85 per portfolio, it's hard not to want to make another one. Are Blub books as portfolios acceptable? I had a couple made last year to take around to some agencies and the times when I was actually able to get face time, a positive comment was usually given regarding the book itself. But for some reason I feel like portfolio blurb book isn’t going to be taken seriously. But at $85 per portfolio, it’s hard not to want to make another one.

]]> By: Mike Tittel http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/05/27/ask-anything-how-do-assistants-take-it-to-the-next-level/#comment-63246 Mike Tittel Thu, 27 May 2010 15:25:02 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5917#comment-63246 I've never done the assisting thing but just recently redid my print portfolio as I too was wanting to take things to the next level. After struggling with image selection, I decided that professional help was the best solution for me. Hiring a consultant (Suzanne Sease) helped take the emotion out of the image selection and offered a different perspective I couldn't have got on my own. I cannot say enough good things about the process. She did an incredible job of helping me build a memorable portfolio that effectively conveys MY style/vision. I've barely had a chance to share it and the results have already been amazing. I'm much more confident and clients are taking notice. I also highly recommend Scott Mullenberg and Lincoln Miller. Both are outstanding at what they do. I’ve never done the assisting thing but just recently redid my print portfolio as I too was wanting to take things to the next level. After struggling with image selection, I decided that professional help was the best solution for me. Hiring a consultant (Suzanne Sease) helped take the emotion out of the image selection and offered a different perspective I couldn’t have got on my own. I cannot say enough good things about the process. She did an incredible job of helping me build a memorable portfolio that effectively conveys MY style/vision. I’ve barely had a chance to share it and the results have already been amazing. I’m much more confident and clients are taking notice. I also highly recommend Scott Mullenberg and Lincoln Miller. Both are outstanding at what they do.

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