| When things start happening you'll be glad if you | | | | quick to learn and friendly is good. Someone able |
| have a great assistant. This person can run for | | | | to read "sign language" go get what you need is a |
| film or an extra card or batteries and let you | | | | big asset. Keeping kids out of the equipment, |
| keep right on shooting, perhaps getting the "shot | | | | watching for things that might spoil a photo and |
| of the day." It's the person who helps you | | | | anticipating what is needed to keep conversation |
| succeed. | | | | to a minimum is good. |
| Above all the key to a great assistant is someone | | | | Of course often a great assistant needs a great |
| you can get along with. It's someone who | | | | teacher. Communication is important. Sit down |
| understands the importance of every shot, and | | | | with an assistant and explain what is going to |
| beyond that who even when things are chaotic | | | | happen. Stress their duties and what you expect. |
| and stressed can overlook things said impatiently. | | | | If you get nervous and abrupt during a day of |
| Not all photographers have, need or want an | | | | shooting explain that in advance so the assistant |
| assistant. For many the creative independence of | | | | doesn't take it personally and apologize |
| photography means not dealing with anyone else. | | | | afterwards for any harsh words. People will |
| Others cannot imagine doing a wedding shoot | | | | forgive and be loyal through a great deal when |
| without a good assistant. What works for you | | | | treated like a human being with common |
| and what your personality is greatly affects using | | | | courtesy. |
| an assistant and which assistant to use! | | | | Explain to a potential assistant in advance what a |
| A great assistant gets along with people while | | | | typical wedding is like. Have a clear idea and |
| remaining professional. They must be absolutely | | | | description what you want them to do. If they |
| reliable and willing to work attentively with you. If | | | | are acting as an assistant only this might be |
| you need batteries or a change of disks or a | | | | straightening the bride's dress or helping set up |
| different lens the assistant should be right there | | | | group shots. If they have photo experience and |
| and, even better, already in motion to get it. | | | | are acting as a second shooter then be clear |
| Professional dress is important, given the occasion. | | | | what shots you want them to get. |
| The assistant should understand the importance | | | | For example, some men photographers might |
| of your job but his or her job as well! There | | | | have a female assistant who as a second shooter |
| often is no second chance. If you miss the cake | | | | goes in to photograph the bride's final preparation, |
| cutting even staging a second cut doesn't seem | | | | perhaps getting more relaxed photos than a man |
| as genuine and reflects on your professionalism | | | | would. |
| somewhat as you weren't there to get a critical | | | | A great assistant is more than a "go-fer" person. |
| shot. | | | | A great assistant makes you look even better! |
| A great assistant is punctual and reliable. Someone | | | | |