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A photographer’s assistant is an anticipator, a problem solver, a wire wrangler, a light setter, a meter reader, and an equipment handler. Essentially, a photography assistant is an extra set of eyes, ears, and hands that stays attuned to the photographer’s every shooting need. Some assistants know very little about the industry and are just starting, while others may be very well-versed in different cameras, lights, gadgets, and imaging software.
Some assistants may even be professional photographers in their own right, trying to make some extra income or learn new techniques. While many have experience and expertise, finding the right one for you can come down to mutual connection and chemistry. Vancouver-based photographer and former assistant Lindsay Siu explains:
When you spend ten, twelve, or sixteen hours a day with someone, it’s important that there is mutual respect. Over time, you also learn to anticipate each other’s needs and speak in a shorthand that can improve the outcome of the job.
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Assistants, like all people, have different strengths, and it’s important (and fun) to get to know your crew and bring out the best in each other.
Hiring an assistant ensures the photographer can fully focus on the creative aspects of the shoot without being occupied by lugging equipment, maneuvering lights, or changing backgrounds. The relationship between assistant and photographer is mutually beneficial: the assistant is not only financially remunerated but also reaps the reward of real-world experience, and the photographer gains an extra set of hands. If you think you may be saving money not hiring an assistant, you may want to consider the time an assistant can save you on set.
Photo production assistants and third assistants are more common in large-scale productions. They will not only get coffee and lunch, but also will lug gear. Some won’t have photography experience but are trying to work their way into the business by gaining production experience.
Most assistants begin their career as the second assistant. Not only does a second assistant manage everything a PA/third assistant will, but they are also capable of setting up lights, managing strobes, and tethering the camera. Because a second assistant is constantly vying for the first assistant position, they have the incentive to improve their skills continually.
The first assistant is an extension of the photographer —a trusted creative problem-solver, a sounding board, and a confidant. A first assistant can be a freelancer or a full-time hire, but it’s more than likely the bond you’ve built over time that they have attained this significant position. The first assistant is so in tune with the photographer that they know a problem before it is a problem, and they can anticipate what is expected next without being told.
While a digitech probably evolved through the ranks of assistants, they’ve garnered savvy technical skills that make them invaluable. They sit at the computer managing files through the digital capture process. A digitech is orderly and organized as they process RAW files from the shoot and manage workflow. They will also alert the photographer if the exposure is off, or the shutter doesn’t fire. Smaller productions don’t often require their services. Read more about what a digital tech is in a recent Wonderful Machine crew article.
You may be able to find an exceptional assistant just by asking other photographers. Word of mouth referrals may provide a comfort level with hiring an assistant because you’ll already have a respected opinion from a colleague. If your social media channels are broad and deep, you can post about hiring an assistant. The chances are that photographers and crew follow you, so use these connections to find your best candidates. You may be able to connect with some very eager students that are hungry to gain experience in the business if you live near a college or university. Finally, Wonderful Machine’s crew page is an excellent resource in locating qualified assistants.
With the wide range of skills that an assistant may bring to the table, it’s important to know what your needs are before you start searching for one. Are you just looking for an extra set of hands, or will they need to have some specialized skills? For example, do they need to be familiar with motion/film equipment or certain software programs?
Drew Gurian, a New York-based photographer and long-time assistant, explains:
A good assistant should have a positive attitude and work ethic, the necessary technical knowledge for the job, work efficiently, and the know-how to delegate on sets with a larger team.” As a first assistant to Joe McNally for nearly five years, Drew’s goal was to be at the top of his game so that Joe could devote all his energy to creating.
Before the shoot, an assistant should familiarize themselves with all equipment and check to make sure batteries are charged and everything is functioning properly. They will work with the photographer to light the set, secure cables, ensure the scene is hazard-free, and monitor camera and light settings during the shoot. They may need to diagram lighting setups and record strobe settings for the photographer’s future reference. If no digitech is on the set, an assistant may manage assets, labeling them appropriately for workflow. But most importantly, during the shoot, an assistant anticipates the next problem before it becomes problematic.
Before she launched her own successful photography business, Lindsay assisted influential photographers like LA-based celebrity photographer Art Streiber for five years. She looked for photographers to assist by studying mastheads of magazines, then calling and emailing photographers whose work she admired.
I was one of the only female assistants in the area at the time, so I felt a lot of pressure to do just as much as the guys. Luckily, other assistants were generous, teaching me how to use the gear to make my job easier. I also found different ways to assist that suited my size and skill. For example, in production and later working exclusively as a digital tech.”
When the assistant is given the okay, they will strike the set and put all equipment away in an orderly fashion. They may be responsible for copying the files onto second and third backup drives and then uploading images to the studio server. They will clean the studio, throw out the garbage, and possibly return rental equipment. A good assistant won’t leave the set until everything is organized, and the photographer is satisfied with the shoot’s outcome.
A day rate for assistants working 10 hours for commercial advertising photographers is approximately $350. However, first assistants can make upwards of $400 a day if they work consistently for the same photographer. Digital techs make more than any other assistant type with starting rates of about $500 – $600 per 10 hour day. Editorial photo assistants are paid less — $250 for 10 hours, and some publications will offer as low as $150 to $200. Check out this recent Wonderful Machine pricing and negotiating estimate including first and second assistants.
Drew describes how assisting Joe benefited him when he transitioned to his own business:
Before working with Joe, I had no idea how to craft light, and I learned many techniques, but there’s so much more to building a successful career in photography. Working side-by-side with Joe and his long-time studio manager Lynn, I learned about running a successful photo business, contracts and negotiation, production, travel logistics, and client relationships.
Finding an assistant that you can build a long-lasting relationship with is ideal. You’ll need to work together for a while to get to that point, but when you’re in the thick of a stressful shoot, having an ally by your side can make all the difference.
Further Reading:
B&H Photo: The Photographer’s Assistant: Tips For Assisting on a Photo Shoot
Digital Photography School: How to Find the Perfect Photography Assistant
i-D: 9 female photo assistants on how to make it in the industry
PetaPixel: How to Land a Photography Assistant Job
In search of a Photographer Assistant? Check out our Find Crew page!
If you’re a photographer in need of help connecting with clients, reach out.