Starting Out

[FatsoForgotso]

If this is the wrong venue for a question like this, I apologize.

I'm an art student in studying photography (duh) and I'm nearing the end of my schooling. Whats the best way of getting into the photography business after or even during school. I've read its best to pick up experience for a few years as an assistant with various photographers. If so, how would I go about that? What are the dos and don'ts of inquiring about positions as an assistant.

If going the assistant route is not the way to go, what would you recommend?

As an art student, I haven't really been able to delve into the different types of photography (weddings, portraits, etc) but I'm more than interested in trying them all. Any help or comments are much appreciated, Thanks.

[Tommy]

I've read its best to pick up experience for a few years as an assistant with various photographers. If so, how would I go about that?

Yep... best way to gain experience and build a portfolio is as an assistant. ;)

Best way to secure an assistant position, start making phone calls to photographers you want to work for.

My studio is on Main St... across the street from me is a college full of art students. I get so many calls from students looking to intern/assist... Unfortunately, I can't take on the whole 2010 graduating class, so most of them get turned down... lol... but I still think that's the best way to go... make phone calls... just be quicker than your class mates. ;)

[jhcanon]

Isn't there some form of careers advice/information service available through your college? Seems srtange to me (in the UK) that you're simply left on yor own with a qualification and no advice as to how to go about turning that into earning a living.

Alternatively you should consider approaching some pro photographers in your area and while they might not have the answer (a job) they might well offer some relevant local advice

[FatsoForgotso]

I wish that was the case jhcanon but my art department is useless. As far as they're concerned, they don't teach how to be a better photographer or painter. They are more interested in breeding ******* snobbish kids who think like artists more than act like them. I never realized what I really wanted to study until it was too late but I'm learning better camera techniques and thinking of going to a photography school after I graduate if I can't do what I want with the degree I'm earning now. Thanks guys, I'll ask around.

[jhcanon]

I always think it's such a shame when colleges fail at the final hurdle in helping graduates focus their efforts into the job market.

As Tommy says get yourself along to a local professional whose work you admire and explain your situation to him/her honestly. Tell them you appreciate it takes time and a lot of effor tto get from a qualification to turning out preofessional and consistently pleasing (to the client) images and that is what you are looking to gain - experience and mentoring.

Good luck in your efforts and don't let the apparently poor attitude of your college dissuade you from proving your talents. Show them that, even without career guidance from them, you are capable of becoming a successful businessman.

[sadgrove]

So, you go to a local photographer. You tell them you want to become their assistant, with a view to becoming a competitor and stealing their clients once you've absorbed all their knowledge.

That doesn't sound like a great pitch to me. And for that reason, I don't see too many photographers hiring assistants.

Also, a lot of photographers like being on their own. They're the archetypal one-man band who can't be bothered with assistants.

And here's another thing (I'm going to get my head blown off for this). Talented people don't work as anyone's assistant. They just go out and do it. So, go out there and find work. Start small, very small. Only take on work that you're competent to do.

Position yourself as a photographer, and work will come. If it doesn't, you were insufficiently motivated. Or not competent enough.

And if you don't know enough about the business, go on a course that teaches you about professional photography. Here's one (but there are many others):
http://www.inst.org/photography-courses/become.htm

[mritchy]

I am a second year finance major in Dallas and I picked up my first camera a year ago. Before I knew it, I was following another photographer for weddings. I started out doing just portraits and products, then after following a couple of times, I tried weddings out for myself. Since Apri I have shot 44 weddings and have a pretty well established client base that keeps on growing. I am graduating in a year and a half and by that time am looking to have shot over 150 weddings. I suggest offering services on Craigslist (not the ideal customer base, but a good place to start). Believe me, if you are good and do a few jobs for relatively cheap, things will happen for you.

[mritchy]

So, you go to a local photographer. You tell them you want to become their assistant, with a view to becoming a competitor and stealing their clients once you've absorbed all their knowledge.

That doesn't sound like a great pitch to me. And for that reason, I don't see too many photographers hiring assistants.

Also, a lot of photographers like being on their own. They're the archetypal one-man band who can't be bothered with assistants.

And here's another thing (I'm going to get my head blown off for this). Talented people don't work as anyone's assistant. They just go out and do it. So, go out there and find work. Start small, very small. Only take on work that you're competent to do.

Position yourself as a photographer, and work will come. If it doesn't, you were insufficiently motivated. Or not competent enough.

And if you don't know enough about the business, go on a course that teaches you about professional photography. Here's one (but there are many others):
http://www.inst.org/photography-courses/become.htm

Agreed.

[sadgrove]

mrritchy, you are a star.

Tell me, when you say, 'Before I knew it,I was following another photographer for weddings', how did that happen? Did you ask that photographer become their assistant?

And I agree absolutely about Craigslist - it's perfect guerilla marketing.

Kit

[mritchy]

mrritchy, you are a star.

Tell me, when you say, 'Before I knew it,I was following another photographer for weddings', how did that happen? Did you ask that photographer become their assistant?

And I agree absolutely about Craigslist - it's perfect guerilla marketing.

Kit

I found one that was looking for an assistant for an upcoming wedding on craigslist. All I had at the time were random still life and landscape shots, but that was it.

[EldoFreeride]

I have mixed reviews about posting on Craigslist, it is great because it is free and it gets your work out in front of a large number of people but from my experience i've run into a lot of flaky people that don't follow through. Just my luck i guess.

On a better note, I just got a call from a local photographer who was interested in heiring me to work with him on all of his weddings this spring:cool:. So craigslist cant be all bad. Its worth a try.

[mritchy]

I have mixed reviews about posting on Craigslist, it is great because it is free and it gets your work out in front of a large number of people but from my experience i've run into a lot of flaky people that don't follow through. Just my luck i guess.

On a better note, I just got a call from a local photographer who was interested in heiring me to work with him on all of his weddings this spring:cool:. So craigslist cant be all bad. Its worth a try.

Yeah, I get calls from other photographers as well- they know what's up. As far as the flaky people, I make all portrait and wedding clients pay deposits and wedding clients sign a contract. I just booked a 3 wedding weekend for the 10th and 11th of April :) May is packed too!

[FatsoForgotso]

I post on craigslist offering my services. So far only flaky people but I am trying to strike out on my own. I also interviewed with a local photographer as an assistant so we'll see. She said if she hires me she'll let me take down her prices and business practices as that was the hardest aspect of starting out.

Its frustrating though. This is something I really want to do and I don't want to take my first job on my own only to royally **** up and make somebody pissed at me for shoddy work. But the logic that assistants only quit a few years later to steal clients and provide more competition makes sense as well. I just have no idea where to start as my supposed photography school is slowly revealing itself as useless and to be a waste of money. This semester in my photo class, we've only succeeded to use scanners to "make" photos. My camera has only collected dust so far and its the most frustrating **** ever. I want to take photos.

[sadgrove]

When you post on Craigslist, make a specific offer, eg Children's Portrait Session, n photos size 10x8 in a frame, only $x, Normally $y.

Or Have a head and shoulders shot for all your publicity needs. 1 hour session, at least 8 different shots. Only $x.

Money back if not 100% satisfied.

Or 'Introductory offer - new professional photographer, only $X for a full set of family photos.

Why? Because knowing the price reduces uncertainty. And money back also reduces their risk.

But generic ads don't pull.

Make at least 5 different offers. See which one brings results.

Look also for local noticeboards, local online classifieds etc. Keep posting until you're too busy.

Tell me how you get on.

Kit