Assistants?

I've never done wedding photography, and I'd like to learn some more about it.. Obviously I'm not going to just jump right in and start shooting wedding, but I thought I'd contact some local photographers and see if they could use an assistant for some of their shoots.. Assuming they don't already have one, that is.

Just out of curiosity, for those of you who have or use assistants, what responsibilities do you expect from them? Did you interview them beforehand, what did you ask them..? Do you pay them? I wouldn't expect to get paid for the first 4-5 weddings, after all I'm being taught by a professional, but after that would it be unreasonable to expect compensation? Assuming I took some shots, what about using those to build a wedding portfolio?

Thanks

I used my son as an assistant to carry all the gear, to make sure I had memory cards and batteries readily available, to hand me lenses when I needed to change them, to set up my tripod, and to hand out business cards. He did not take any pictures. That duty would be relegated to a second shooter.

liza wrote in post #2434026
I used my son as an assistant to carry all the gear, to make sure I had memory cards and batteries readily available, to hand me lenses when I needed to change them, to set up my tripod, and to hand out business cards. He did not take any pictures. That duty would be relegated to a second shooter.

Interesting.. I guess I didn't realize the difference between a secondary shooter and an assistant.. What kind of experience would you expect in a second shooter?

Are you trying to be an assistant or second shooter? They're different.

My wife assists me, and occasionally grabs a camera when I'm preparing the reception slideshow. What she does is carry extra gear, hand me lenses, lights, batteries when I need, does some crowd control, is a second eye for details I may miss, and is great at joining conversations with the clients to keep the shoot relaxed, laid back, and fun.

BrandonSi wrote in post #2434047
Interesting.. I guess I didn't realize the difference between a secondary shooter and an assistant.. What kind of experience would you expect in a second shooter?

I'd expect the person, at minimum, to know how to compose an image in a manner similar to my own style (for continuity in the album) and to know how to operate the camera using manual exposure. They would also have to possess some talent for making images. There are a number of amateurs out there who want to shoot weddings and build a portfolio but few who really have an "eye" for this type of work.

Actually, I am more concerned with a second shooter's people skills and conduct over photo knowledge. Second shooters are usually just there to build their portfolio, just like you. I'm taking my own pictures so I know I'll have a good set to deliver. And if I get a couple bonus pictures from the second shooter, then that's just gravy.

The last time I used a second shooter, I used 5 of his photos, and majorly cropped 3 of them into an interesting composition. But he was just happy to get some experience and pick up a few pointers.

I don't see second shooters as much benefit to me, I look at them as people I'd like to help out. Actually, I've found having a novice second is more work than shooting solo.

picturecrazy wrote in post #2434095
I don't see second shooters as much benefit to me, I look at them as people I'd like to help out. Actually, I've found having a novice second is more work than shooting solo.

I would imagine it would be more work, instructing them and shooting at the same time.. although you could probably charge more for offering 2 photographers than just 1, right?

liza wrote in post #2434026
That duty would be relegated to a second shooter.

Is that relegated or delegated ?

neil_r wrote in post #2434180
Is that relegated or delegated ?

rel·e·gate

TRANSITIVE VERB:
rel·e·gat·ed , rel·e·gat·ing , rel·e·gates

1. To assign to an obscure place, position, or condition.
   
2. To assign to a particular class or category; classify.
   
3. To refer or assign (a matter or task, for example) for decision or action.

thanks all for the information.. I guess I'll poke around craigslist and some other online resources and see if anyone needs a second shooter.

delegate (GIVE) Show phonetics
verb [I or T]

to give a particular job, duty, right, etc. to someone else so that they do it for you:
As a boss you have to delegate (responsibilities to your staff).

I haven't approached anyone yet, but I don't understand why wedding photographers would be willing to take on a second shooter? I would love to break into the biz, but I can't imagine why any professional would train another person to eventually compete with them? Is it just me or does this really seem like the craziest idea ever?

That's why it's difficult to find a photographer who'll be willing to take on a second shooter. I only use high school students who show some talent and typically don't make photography their career. The market is already too crowded around here.

Guidelines for 2nds, as seen by the pros:


1. Be very observant to your host shooters needs.
2. Never EVER shoot from the same angle that the first shooter is shooting from!
3. Check to see what appropriate dress is for the event.
4. Have your own equipment. If an agreement has been made concerning sharing equipment, TAKE CARE OF IT!
5. Stay quiet and out of the way, never EVER take charge. A 70-200 VR is the ideal lense for a second shooter... you should never be right in a bridal party member's face!
6. Gracefully take instructions from first shooter.
7. Never EVER give out your own cards, you are there as an extension of the first shooters biz... do NOT self promote!
8. The less attention you draw to yourself, the better.
9. Be willing to lug equipment, change lenses, and grab water if that is what is needed (again Thanks SO much to Alison and David for being willing to do this!!!!)
10. Finally, follow the laws of common sense. If someone is shooting, and you are across the room (or wherever you are) GET OUT OF THEIR SHOT! This type of common sense law applies across the board. Try your best to be where you are needed, when you are needed... and be out of the way the rest of the time!
11. Shoot for the fun of it because I don't need your photos, they'll just be used as extras
12. Experiment with lighting, lenses, composition and everything else to build your portfolio because I don't need your photos, they'll just be used as extras
13. Take a few funny photos of me for my blog and I'll do the same for your blog
14. Don't take the last piece of chocolate wedding cake... that is for me
15. Always smile at everyone
16. Don't point out problems or make suggestions too loudly
17. No drinking alcohol... it makes the pictures blurry
18. No reckless driving or loud music within 15 miles of the wedding city
19. Be 100% confident
20. Compliment me
21. Don't take shots of formal poses while I'm taking shots of formal poses. I'll just delete them. lol
22. Always arrive at least 1/2 hour early to wherever you are to meet the main, using your camera bag to block the closest parking spot to the church for her/him.
23.Have a cup of cofee in your hand to offer them when they arrive. (be sure to have pre mixed the cream and sugar for them so they can save thier energy for more important things).
24. Be the first to grab thier equiptment and never agree to let them help you. Just smile and say,"Oh, Ive got it".
25. Always agree with everything they want to do, and when they have indicated they have forgotten something (again) abandon what you are doing and make haste to their vehicle to retrieve it.
26. Protect thier equiptment from seedy charachters looming in your presence,even if it means you will miss the shot certianly to label you "a photographic genius" and your bag is still in the parking spot you saved for them because you were so busy carrying thier equiptment, you forgot yours.(Dont worry, no one can see it, its now under the car).
27. Have at the ready a cool refreshing beverage to offer for when your main begins to tire.
28. Always be prepared to catch cosmetic issues cocerning your bride and discretely mention them to your main, remembering that it is not for you to be the hero, and all possible catastrophies that are cathwarted should be directly credited to your main( even if noone else saw the booger but you).
29. Be sure to secure your mains dinner plate and arrange for a comfortable area for him/her to dine and rest while you keep an eye on the party as not to miss any key moments. (You may quietly suck on small pieces of your powerbar while you are standing by if you feel you must have nurioushment)
30. After the last shot has been taken, be sure to carry all of your mains equpitment back to the vehicle and load it , so that when she/he is done recieving praise and accolades from the bride and groom and both sets of parents about what a fabulous job he/she did and how they will be passing thier name on to everyone they know, they will be pleasntly surprised.
31. Tell your main, over and over how wonderful they are and how lucky you were to have the opportunity to work with them.
32. Go home and edit the 500-800 fabulous shots you took at the wedding.

Wow, Corey, I want a 2nd like that!