What does it take to be a good assistant?

[xtravaluemeal1]

I was a 3rd photographer at a recent wedding in the Chicago Area. First time being an assistant and it was both interesting, yet exhausting at the same time. There were 350 people at the wedding and lots of different personalities. The more I looked at my results, the happier I became. I walked away not feeling too great about my pictures because I tried to pick up the leftovers from the first two photographers...focusing mainly on the bridal party and pictures there.

My question to main photographers is "What do you look for out of an assistant?"

I know different photographers my vary based on personal preference, but what are you looking for? Anyways, here are a few photographs from that day. CC would be great, but really...what does it take to be a good assistant?

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/westloopphoto/Natalie%20and%20Chad/Reduced062307-200.jpg

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/westloopphoto/Natalie%20and%20Chad/Reduced062307-245.jpg
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/westloopphoto/Natalie%20and%20Chad/Reduced062307-370.jpg

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/westloopphoto/Natalie%20and%20Chad/Reduced062307-353.jpg

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/westloopphoto/Natalie%20and%20Chad/Reduced062307-539.jpg

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/westloopphoto/Natalie%20and%20Chad/Reduced062307-584bw.jpg

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p53/westloopphoto/Natalie%20and%20Chad/Reduced062307-585.jpg

[Toogy]

Honestly, to tell you the truth, for a good "assistant", I could care less if they even knew how to use a camera. I think you might be confusing what you are looking for with a second shooter. An assistant to me, is somebody that carries my bag, always making sure they know where my stuff is, helping me with posing, lighting, small details, organizing shots etc. Very little shooting if any.

[litwinphotography]

I agree with Toogy. My assistant DOES shoot as well, but when I need batteries, cards, a lens cloth or ANYTHING, she drops what she is doing immediately and assists ME!! It doesn't matter if she thinks she is just about to get the best shot of her life!


Assistants assist..bottom line!

[liza]

My assistant doesn't shoot. He carries my equipment, anticipates my needs, watches the gear, gets me water or whatever else I need, and serves as a general "gofer."

[cdifoto]

My assistant doesn't shoot. He carries my equipment, anticipates my needs, watches the gear, gets me water or whatever else I need, and serves as a general "gofer."

I use the wedding coordinator for that. :)

[xtravaluemeal1]

You're right, I guess I'm getting the two mixed up a bit. But I wasn't aware that there was a delineation between the two. I guess there is...so the assistant job is understandable...what about second/third shooter then? What do you expect from your second? Exactly the same shots as you? or something different? Also, who does the post processing?

[PhotographsOfYou]

2nd shooter: To Me-
Communicates
If I shoot wide they shoot tight
Never be side by side
Never in the others line of sight
Always knowing/listening
Communicating
My equal--Well at least I feel that they are. Some of the best shots are done by the second shooter: Kids, uncles laughing, moms crying with each other.
Communicated what is done and needed to do.
As a team, the wedding day will be easier...

[JaertX]

I use the wedding coordinator for that. :)


It is so nice when a good wedding coordinator helps. They really can make the day for everyone.

Really, a good assistant should be aware of what's going on and not ever off in la-la land. Being awol is a deal breaker and a good way to never get re-hired. Really, I would even consider that the deal for a second shooter...depending on what you're being hired to second-shoot.

[Emberghost]

I think a good assistant is one that can "assist" and "shoot" as I try and do. Make the main head honcho happy with you and please him with the pics you provide and you're golden. Maybe try and show um up a little hah, that's always fun. =P

[goatee]

I'm an assistant, and 90% of my time is spent shooting. Maybe I'd be called a second shooter if I worked with someone else. Anyway, I'm there to get some different angles on posed shots, set up the studio lights, and generally to provide more coverage - e.g. during speeches, the main photog will shoot the speech givers, and I'll look for reaction shots. I'll also do things like fetch a lens, or the PSD to backup the cards as they get filled up.

I've only done a couple of functions with the photographer, but we've both gelled really well, and I look forward to shooting many more functions with him (I also get a buzz seeing my shots in the online proofs!)

[Geo]

Nice assistant job lol

[tim]

Anyone I pay I expect to do what I ask, when I ask, rather than making assumptions based on what they've read on the internet.

[xtravaluemeal1]

of course tim, but there are basics that every second or assistant should understand...no? Of course, you pay me..you're my boss..I do as you say (as long as it's non-sexual in nature =P)...but in my mind, I'm trying to balance what are expectations from me to handle lighting, carry bags, chairs, etc...vs. shooting vs....shots that I look to compliment the photographer with. Now, as I caveated above, different photographers=different expectations...but I'm hoping to gain a more general sense of what the gammut might be for different photographers in terms of expectations.

I might not learn everything, but I will have been wiser the next time I step into that role in the future! Thanks everyone for your input thus far!

[goatee]

The photographer I work with gets everywhere as early as is sensible / possible. Yes, I'll help carry bags, but then I don't do anything he doesn't - I simply assist him to ensure the couple, and family get all the shots they want at the highest possible quality.

When he asks me to do something, I don't question it at the time, though frequently do once the function has finished, so he has time to answer me, and explain. This means next time, I'll be able to predict better what he wants, which makes things quicker / smoother.