During my career, I’ve had several assistants, some of whom were invaluable and others who were more of a distraction.

In recent times, I have been an assistant to two great photographers – Tito Herrara and Kwaku Alston. Having experience on both sides of the fence leaves me asking “What makes a great photographer’s assistant?”

Here are my top 3 things …

 

Willingness to Learn

Whether you’ve been a photographer’s assistant for many years or a notable photographer yourself you have to check your ego at the door and be willing to learn.

Each photographer does things their way and the requirements of each assignment vary though some elements may remain the same.

Being willing to learn allows you to be fluid; especially if things don’t go as planned.

What I’m not saying is to negate whatever experience or knowledge you have but embrace it as you step on set, knowing that you bring value and it’s an opportunity to grow.

The last thing anyone wants to have on set is a clout-chasing know-it-all. So ask questions where you are unclear and take notes where you need to.

Remember your job is to serve not spout how great you are.

 

Being Present

It’s easy to get distracted by a familiar face or a famous face for that matter. Resist the urge to overindulge in small talk as you catch up with that familiar face and certainly stay away from grabbing selfies with the famous face of the talent (it comes across as unprofessional).

You also want to avoid scrolling through your social media feed excessively whenever there is a lul during the shot; unless you are on an official break; even then that’s a good time to network or connect with other people on set.

Deliberately being present takes work and allows you to swoop in and assist in areas where you may be needed. In the event, that there is a technical issue and your photographer needs someone to hold the camera you’re already beside them before you are summoned because you saw it coming (in the event and journalism photography this is what is referred to as the “pregnant moment” – you anticipating something before it happens and positioning yourself accordingly).

Your job is to make the photographer’s life easier, giving them one less thing to worry about. If they have to call you for everything they need this may lead to frustration.

This leads me to my third point …

 

Taking Initiative

I once was doing a location shoot and we took a break to do a wardrobe change, which took a few minutes, my assistant asked me “Would you like an apple box to sit on?” Before I could say “Yes!” she had it ready. That was our first shoot together and she impressed me. She was observant (correction present 🙂) and took initiative.

Since then I’ve looked for that quality in every assistant I’ve worked with. I also do the same when I’m playing the role of assistant to another photographer.

Why? It demonstrates that you’re paying attention and are willing to solve problems. It makes you an asset and shows you are a team player. It’s critical thinking in action.

 

Many other qualities help to make a great photographer’s assistant but these are the ones I believe are crucial.

If you decide to be a photographer’s assistant remember that your actions speak loudly, it can also be the difference with you getting a callback to work with photographers repeatedly.

Worried about your technical competence, here is playlist of videos I share with my assistant before each shoot – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0vyziy–hEL27htiW-1gHARWIpUGxhqL.

Cheers 🍻 to being the best photographer’s assistant there is.