Never thought I'd Utter These Words...

[Photodawg1]

I would like to be an assistant portrait/studio/wedding photographer! When I picked up my digital camera a few years ago I went out and for nearly a year shot nature, some fine-arts, and newsie stuff for the local paper, in the Spring of 2006, started getting antsy with the nature and stated shooting sports with abandon and have done exceedinly well with this. I want to still shoot sports, but lately I have been wanting to do more portraiture and I have assisted with one wedding that I was approached to do in 2004 or 5 and directed them to a friend who was a good wedding photog, and i did backup to see if I would like it or not.

At the time I didn't particularily care for it. But lately... I am drawn to it and have agreed to do a semi-formal/casual outdoor wedding in Front Royal in the spring and feel confident that I canhandle that one, because it's someone I have been covering for over a year.

I am hungry to learn more and figured assisting would be good way to go. Could you guys point me in the best direction of who and how to approach?
Linda

[Grace]

Quick!! Get her out of the ring...she's down for the count!

ONE
TWO
Three...

[Grace]

he he- you know I'm kidding you Linda..

First - I think you are in a great place.....geographically speaking. I think we have several great wedding photographers in Maryland.

Second - present yourself and your awesome portfolio to several different people/photographers that you would enjoy working with.

Thats my best advice. You have all the gear and enough experience with other things that you aren't a complete NewB :)

I wish I had more to say - I never got to second shoot with anyone. I just jumped out and did it. I actually get to second shoot my first wedding in Oct! :) ha ha

good luck!

[Photodawg1]

Grace,

Love your sense of humor! That sounds good. I need to get a portfolio together anyway. Thanks much for replying!

[*Mike*]

Approach humbly and be willing to shadow to learn the most the quickest. Even as an assistant, you'll learn a lot quickly. We hire interns every semester or so and from talking to them, they have had a heck of a time finding an internship. Not too many people want to share their skills and time. And just b/c they didn't post a want ad for someone doesnt mean they aren't hiring. We are always looking for shooters that compliment our style that are fun to work with. My advice - find a photog who's work you admire and go from there.

[Grace]

correction...obviously, I'm not shooting my first wedding...I'll be second shooting a wedding for the first time in Oct. :)

[Photodawg1]

correction...obviously, I'm not shooting my first wedding...I'll be second shooting a wedding for the first time in Oct. :)

I was a little confused by that.:confused:

[Grace]

I was a little confused by that.:confused:


you can't blame that on me...you started this thread confused :lol:

[gravy graffix]

Id really like to try a 2nd shooter... but I cant imagine anyone doing weddings, would want to help competition grow anywhere near the same territory. I spoze if they were turning away jobs left and right... I guess im to chicken to ask, mainly because of the lack of comradery between GWC's around here... not like there are a ton of dslr's in this smallish town but every time i see someone at a event they dont speak, and im a very approachable person... wow im babbling now...

[*Mike*]

Id really like to try a 2nd shooter... but I cant imagine anyone doing weddings, would want to help competition grow anywhere near the same territory.

If the photog thinks like that, you'll most likely get shot down. If they have something unique to offer, a style or niche that can't be easily copied, you'll have a better shot.

[Photodawg1]

Thanks Mike. It's hard to find the right people to work with sometimes. Some photogs are the most territorial people on earth, and with good reason. Often they have a lot invested financially, heart and soul in what they do, so I understand. I have learned the bulk of what I know on my own and much of it from POTN. I assisted one equestrian photog who was very much like you describe...didn't learn squat, got worked to death and just hated the whole experience and then I assisted with a wonderful photog twice and I worked sunrise to sunset and absolutely loved the whole experience and learned lots.
It's seems like these experience are either like something out of a Dicken's novel or like like being mentored by Yoda. So I always go it alone when I can. That being said a good teacher always raises the bar.