One of the best ways to become a professional photographer is to be a photography assistant. Photography assistants have the opportunity to study and work with professionals, so they don't have to worry about business matters for the time being and make professional images.
Some top photographers or photography studios will hire several full-time photography assistants, but other photographers may not be able to afford them. Therefore, being a freelance photographer and working for a group of professional photographers is a good way to keep a stable job. At the same time, the opportunity to observe the working methods of different photographers at close range is more conducive to improvement.
What is this job:
The photo assistant needs to complete all the preparatory work to ensure the smooth shooting. It usually includes setting, checking whether the equipment functions normally, setting lights and accessories, using exposure meters and transmitting documents, films and photos.
When working for the studio, the assistant needs to participate in the daily management of the studio, keep the set clean and tidy, and print the required photos. Photographic assistants need to classify and optimize digital files, scan negatives, and participate in image processing and editing. They also need to record film storage, exposure settings, lighting settings, and remember the names and details of production designer, models, designers, pet agents, etc. When customers arrive during the filming process, the responsibility of receiving them falls on the photography assistant to avoid unnecessary interruption to the photographer.
When shooting on location, the assistant can also do technical investigation and on-the-spot investigation in advance to check the car, battery and communication equipment. Assistants should arrange transportation, food, accommodation, set up photographic equipment, and find local print shops and tour guides.
Some high-profile photographers employ several photographic assistants, who are called the first assistant, the second assistant, and so on. Photographers will assign them different responsibilities. Many times, the first assistant directly helps the photographer set the scenery, and the second assistant is responsible for taking pictures and daily management.
Typical career planning:
Because this is an entry-level job, some photographers are still willing to hire inexperienced people. However, most photographers prefer candidates with some photography training or experience in photography, fashion or advertising. Therefore, photography assistants are expected to have a good foundation in creativity and technology, such as photography, scenery building, lighting and so on. This will not only let the photography assistant know the necessary photography preparation, execution and expression, but also better communicate with customers, art directors and models and understand their discussions with photographers. Photographic assistants also need a friendly and positive attitude to meet the needs and requirements of photographers.
Key points of knowledge and skills:
Photographic assistants need to be methodical and well trained. They need excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to foresee and evaluate potential problems.
Calm and effective ability to deal with accidents, be able to answer the phone politely and enthusiastically, pay attention to details, and be curious.
They know how to use digital and traditional cameras and scanning equipment. They should know different softwares (such as Photoshop and Aperture) and image processing and optimization techniques. They should also be familiar with digital communication.
The International Professional Standard for Photographic Imaging (NOS) subdivides the knowledge and skills needed to complete a specific task. At the end of the paper, the relevant international professional standards NOS for this job are listed.
Training and qualification:
A college diploma does not guarantee that you will be hired, but course practice will help students gain valuable work experience and get in touch with this industry before graduation. PQE is a professional qualification examination provided by BIPP of British Professional Photography Society, which has been widely recognized by employers. PQE is listed in HND, a British national diploma in higher education, and now it usually adopts a three-year system. Eight universities in the UK and two universities in Scotland offer PQE (see the BIPP website for details).
To apply for photography degree courses, you usually need at least five gcse(A-C) or five standard grades (1-3) plus two A-level or three advanced courses, or have equivalent education.
HNC/HND requires four gcse(A-C) courses or standard grades (1-3) plus 1 A-level courses or two advanced or equivalent degrees.
Future employers usually want to see a photo selection-preferably 10- 15 carefully selected photos to show your comprehensive skills and qualifications.
Senior photographers or studios often support British vocational training systems, such as apprenticeships and NVQ/SVQs. NVQ/SVQs can get Grade 2, Grade 3 and Grade 4 in photography, digital image and photography, but the new standards and framework will be implemented in September 2007.
Membership in professional associations such as BIPP, AOP and SWPP is also useful. BIPP and SWPP provide a series of qualifications, which are usually awarded after submitting the anthology, acknowledging that the applicant has reached the same benchmark as other photographers in the industry.
Photographic assistants also need a driver's license.
No matter whether it is windy or rainy indoors or outdoors, photography assistants always have to do a lot of physical work, such as carrying cameras and lamps. Therefore, they'd better know some skills, health and safety laws, and be able to predict and avoid the use risks of electronic flashlights, equipment and props.
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