Questions about assisting?

[TimothyJ]

How many of you started as an assistant? How would you recomend get an assistants job? I'm looking to become a part time assistant and wanting to get any information you might be able to share. Thanks.

[Mike Photo]

I am also trying to become an assistant. I'm interested in hearing what people have to say here. As for me so far I have put together an updated resume and began doing research on all the photographers in my area (boston) that work in the styles i want to. I then sent out lots of emails inquiring about whether they hire assistants and if I could send my resume. I found several were interested and I'm satisfied with my results, however i have yet to get any jobs. I do have some interviews so time will tell.
Mike Photo

[TimothyJ]

Thats cool man. I've been looking around my area, but I will proably need to look into Orange County, Los Angelos, and San Diego more than my city that I live in. Thanks for the insight.

[donlavange]

Offer to intern with a wedding photog for a while. Make sure that you are familiar with equipment and SLR image making in general. (intern= no$$$)

[gateruner]

I started by getting involved in a local forum in Texas. They have get togethers pretty regularly in each of the larger cities and I started attending those. Also, I started advertising on that forum that I was willing to assist for experience only and ended up getting together with some really great photographers. Worked some and have been invited to 2nd shoot a couple of times. You have to network for these pros and some are willing to let you apprentice under them.
See if there are any groups that have regular meetings locally and attend them. be honest about your abilities and your desire and you should run into some photogs that want to teach the noobs. Biggest thing in my mind is be prepared to do it for nothing in the beginning.

[delhi]

Saw a young petite woman whom I think is assisting this photog. Poor girl, she was carrying various camera equipments as she tries to follow the photog around this carnival. If this is the type of apprenticeship ie. cheap labour... no thanks.

[PhotosGuy]

I'm looking to become a part time assistant For shooting what?
I started in advertising & automotive. Best move I ever made.

[gateruner]

Saw a young petite woman whom I think is assisting this photog. Poor girl, she was carrying various camera equipments as she tries to follow the photog around this carnival. If this is the type of apprenticeship ie. cheap labour... no thanks.

I made sure to state that I wanted to assist in weddings. Not shooting some crazy carnival. I wouldnt want to do that either. My first assist dutys was carrying the alternate lens the photog was switching back and forth with and obtaining the cards from the 2 second shooters and uploading the shots onto the main laptop.