How to become a photography assistant: 1/2 How do you do it?
I've been working professionally in photography for over 25 years, primarily in the commercial communications sector (still life, automotive, portrait, interior design, industrial, aerial, etc.), and like many of my colleagues in other fields, I often need assistants. Being an assistant is a job, and it can also be an opportunity for learning and growth. Almost always, when an amateur photographer decides it's time to make the leap into a career, they first embark on a so-called "apprenticeship" to complete their training and learn skills/dynamics/concepts that can only be experienced through work, not in a school. At the same time, it's also a job, meaning an income-generating activity.
But how does one become a PHOTOGRAPHER ASSISTANT? The best way is obviously to approach studios or professionals offering their services. So there's the desire of the amateur photographer, there's the resourcefulness of those who aspire to work, there's also perhaps already a more or less extensive knowledge of photography, but... what's missing is the knowledge of "how" to propose oneself! And also of "what" to offer as a collaboration. So how do you do it? In fact, true training for assistants isn't found in schools and academies... it's common to think that a person, simply because they've evolved from the "amateur" condition to a greater or lesser extent, and simply because they want to... will be able to offer themselves with guaranteed success at any door they come across!
Well, with these videos, I'd like to offer some food for thought for those who are about to offer themselves as an assistant. Considering the many years of practicing the profession, during which I've also seen an army of aspiring assistants, with the most diverse experiences and backgrounds, show up at my door. And I myself, at the beginning of my career, assisted others!
In this video, I'd like to share some observations with you—perhaps you're thinking about or planning to pitch yourself to a photographer—and offer, in my own small way, some advice and tips that might help you get started on this journey! How should you approach it? How much do you earn? What should you know how to do?
As always, I have no intention of revealing absolute or unique truths: I'm sharing here what experience has taught me, and I'm happy to listen to your criticisms, suggestions, objections, and anything else!
For information on my courses (in-person and online), visit my website www.fotograficamenteonline.it
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