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View Full Version : How to ask a photographer if you can be an apprentice


rixth
26th of February 2007 (Mon), 06:40
Hi guys.

I've been into photography for a couple years now (I'm in my late teens) and am seriously looking at a career in Photography (if not right now, later down the track) and was wondering how you go about getting a job as an apprentice/helper.

You can see my gallery here http://rixth.deviantart.com/gallery/ I am worried that it seems to be mostly closeups, either stuff with black backgrounds, or birds. What kind of photos do you usually put in a portfolio? Should it be one genre, or a mix? (I know, some of my images are much better than others (my favourites are Summer, Good Advice & Corsair)).

Also, do you ask the photographer if you can apprentice with them, or do you look for job postings? I live in a small town and there are only a handful of pro photographers and a couple newspapers.

I'm just looking for general direction at the moment. I'm still unsure about becoming a photographer right out of high school because I think it'd be very hard to get off the ground, based on the fact I have very little experience shooting people (partly because I don't have anyone to model!). This is one of the things I'd want to apprentice for. I think I'd probably go down another career path and pursue photography on the side, then change to full time when I feel ready.

If you are a pro photographer who has taken on apprentices, what selection process did you go through? What qualities did you look for in the person? Did they approach you?

Tom.

wannasmaxx
26th of February 2007 (Mon), 19:47
My "portfolio" is it were is mainly focused on sports,american football in particular and thing associated with it (cheerleaders, mascots, what have you) I have the odd rockshow shot, the odd PJ type shot, some moody landscapes, some flowers and a tiny bit of wedding work. Diversity will open doors, although showing that you have tons of experience in one TYPE of field would help in an interview for that type of shooting. I'd suggest you put together a general portfolio with a couple of shots illustrating a few of the types of photography you can do. If the pro is interested in some of the shots, show him more of that type of photography in your "specialised" portfolio. I have mine that way, though it is sort of biased toward american football. It will deversify as soon as I start shooting other things than sports. My photobucket page will give a general I dea of what you should be after
http://s142.photobucket.com/albums/r87/JDPhotography_2007/Portfolio/

liza
26th of February 2007 (Mon), 19:52
I have people asking me all the time if they can second shoot for me. Honestly, I don't feel like training someone who will eventually be competing with me and probably undercutting me in price. I use talented high school students from my yearbook staff who have no interest in a career in photography. They appreciate the opportunity for extra cash, and I don't have to worry about someone taking away my business. Eventually, I'll use my own son as a second shooter, as he is showing great promise at this point. And he wouldn't dare undercut Mom! :)

wannasmaxx
27th of February 2007 (Tue), 18:37
he wouldn't dare undercut Mom! :)
do you still make him stuff his wife or GF doesn't? If not, undercutting could happen...lol

liza
27th of February 2007 (Tue), 18:46
do you still make him stuff his wife or GF doesn't? If not, undercutting could happen...lol

He's eleven. :lol:

delhi
27th of February 2007 (Tue), 22:31
I won't mind if it's a hottie. :p

rixth
28th of February 2007 (Wed), 00:05
Ehh, can we get back on topic pretty please =)

Also, this is what I think I'll port in my portfolio. These are fully edited, just need to crop them.

http://picasaweb.google.com/asubstitute/Finals

wannasmaxx
28th of February 2007 (Wed), 07:44
He's eleven. :lol:
They're never too young to mingle with co-eds:lol::lol::lol:

krazziecliff
28th of February 2007 (Wed), 07:51
Can we please get back to the topic, If you cant help the lad...dont post here.
Rixth I'd suggest you did a bit of research about the photographer you would like to approach. Try and ape his style and mix your own style into it. And when you put your portfolio together, keep it at a 50-50 ratio....50 percent of style similar to his and the rest should be a variety of different things just to show your technical proficiency.
I know exactly what you are going through. Its a bummer when people think photography is genetic!!!

tfitz
28th of February 2007 (Wed), 11:16
I also have a new photography business and have a couple of weddings lined up for this coming summer season.

However, here's the catch...I have never shot a wedding :p

So, that leaves me to get a feel for it by the time those 2 weddings role around. I plan on teaming up with a current pro in the area, but am not sure how to go about it. So some advice would be helpful on the matter

BTW - If you ARE are a pro and do NOT accept apprentices, then please don't post here, unless you have some decent advice to offer.

Thanks in advance!

Leandro Bento
28th of February 2007 (Wed), 11:34
Hello,
This is my 2 cents.
I don't know how to approach a pro, but I dont think you should do it without a tight portfolio. I recommend this book:
Photo Portfolio Success, By Pulitzer prize-winner photographer John Kaplan. It's been a great help to me. Here's the link from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Photo-Portfolio-Success-John-Kaplan/dp/1582972109/sr=1-1/qid=1172680232/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-2061596-1655305?ie=UTF8&s=books

Hope it helps,
Leo