As a photographer, having a good assistant can make all the difference. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, having an assistant who knows the ropes and can help you out on set is essential. But what are the top things that an assistant should be doing to be helpful to the photographer? Here are my top 5:
Be prepared: As an assistant, your job is to help the photographer in any way possible. This means being prepared for whatever might come up on set. Make sure you have all the equipment and supplies that the photographer needs, and have them ready and organized. This can include everything from camera gear to extra batteries to snacks and water. Photographers frequently forget to drink water all day on set. During breaks in the shoot, throw a water bottle to the photographer and force them to hydrate.
Be proactive: One of the best things that an assistant can do is to be proactive. This means anticipating the photographer's needs and taking action before they have to ask. For example, if you see that the photographer is running low on battery power, offer to switch out the batteries for them.
Be attentive: As an assistant, it's important to be attentive to the photographer's needs and to the details of the shoot. This means paying attention to everything from the lighting to the composition to the model's wardrobe. Being attentive can help you catch any potential problems before they become bigger issues, and can help the photographer get the shot they're looking for. This also means staying off your phone!
Be flexible: Photoshoots can be unpredictable, and things don't always go according to plan. As an assistant, it's important to be flexible and to be able to adapt to changing circumstances. This might mean being ready to switch up the lighting or the composition at a moment's notice, or being willing to help out with tasks that are outside of your usual job description.
Be respectful: Finally, it's important for assistants to be respectful of the photographer and the rest of the team on set. This means being punctual, being professional, and following any rules or guidelines that are set out. It also means being courteous and respectful to everyone you encounter on set, from the models to the makeup artists to the client.
By following these top 5 tips, photo assistants can be a huge asset to the photographer and the rest of the team on set. So if you're an aspiring assistant, keep these tips in mind and you're sure to make a great impression!
