Deborah Chan
Wedding photography is a challenging but rewarding career, and a great way to enter the field is by becoming a wedding photographer assistant. Assisting a wedding photographer is a fantastic opportunity to learn the trade without the same pressure as the main photographer. You will be the extra pair of hands the photographer needs throughout the day, carrying equipment, setting up cameras, and helping with lighting. It is a challenging role, but it is a great way to learn from an experienced professional and make connections in the industry. This role can be a fantastic foot in the door for aspiring wedding photographers, and a good impression could lead to paid work and recommendations.
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What You'll Learn
Be punctual and professional
Punctuality and professionalism are key attributes of a good wedding photographer assistant. Being punctual means arriving on time, or, even early. This makes life easier for the photographer and the rest of the team. Being early leaves room for addressing any unforeseen issues that may cause delays. It also allows you to soak up all the information and advice the lead photographer shares with you.
Professionalism is equally important. As a wedding photographer assistant, you are an extension of the photographer's brand. Your conduct reflects on the photographer, and if that reflection is negative, they may not hire you again. Always ask what you should wear and adapt your attire to the context. Avoid assuming that casual clothing, such as jeans, is acceptable. If jeans are permitted, refrain from wearing old or torn ones. Maintain a respectful demeanour by refraining from cursing or using your phone during shoots. Only take breaks when the photographer does, and even then, first ask if there is anything you could be doing to assist.
Before the wedding, it is essential to review the contract and guidelines provided by the lead photographer. Be clear about all expectations for the wedding day and the job you have taken on. If possible, gain a reasonable amount of knowledge about the technical aspects of photography, such as setting up lights, using light meters, and changing lenses. Think ahead and anticipate what the photographer will want. For example, consider what electrical outlets are needed for lights or whether a tripod is required for the camera. Bring a small bag with useful items, such as a comb, bobby pins, clips, tape, blister packs, scissors, and any other gear that may be necessary.
During the wedding, be alert and proactive in addressing any issues that may arise. Try to resolve them before the bride or photographer even realises they exist. Always think about what's coming next, be ready with any checklists for photos, and help gather guests for group photos. Remember that your role is to support the photographer and represent their business. Do not undermine their hard work by handing out your business cards. Instead, carry the photographer's cards to offer to anyone who asks.
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Support the photographer and represent their business
As a wedding photographer assistant, it's important to remember that you're there to support the photographer and represent their business. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Firstly, always be professional and punctual. Being early is even better as it shows your dedication and allows you to prepare and address any potential issues. During the wedding, be alert and proactive in resolving any problems before they reach the photographer or the bride. Think ahead and stay prepared with any checklists for photos, and quickly pack away the photographer's gear when needed. Carrying an emergency bag with useful tools like scissors, bobby pins, and tape can help you address issues swiftly.
It's crucial to understand your role as an extension of the photographer's brand. Maintain a positive and engaging attitude, reflecting well on the photographer. Avoid handing out your own business cards; instead, carry the photographer's cards to offer to interested guests. Your priority is to ensure everyone gets along and works together, creating a harmonious environment for the photographer to capture beautiful moments.
Assistants should also be knowledgeable about different camera brands, lighting equipment, and basic photography skills. This includes knowing how to set up lights, use light meters, and change lenses. Stay open to learning from the photographer and adapt to their preferences. Before the wedding, be proactive in helping the photographer plan and ensure they have everything they need.
While the role can be challenging and exhausting, it provides valuable learning opportunities. Embrace these experiences and step out of your comfort zone. Remember, your hard work and dedication will be noticed, and you'll gain valuable connections and progress in your career.
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Be an extra pair of hands
Being a wedding photographer's assistant is all about being an extra pair of hands. You are there to make the photographer's life easier and support them throughout the day. This means helping with any number of tasks, from carrying equipment and setting up flatlays to fluffing the bride's dress and keeping track of the family formals shot list.
Before the wedding, it's a good idea to check in with the photographer to see if there's anything you can do to help them prepare. This could include scouting out potential shoot locations, checking if they need to rent any gear, or organising space for hair and makeup.
On the day, be early. This gives you time to prepare and allows for any travel issues that may arise. During the wedding, be alert and try to resolve any issues before they become problems for the photographer or the couple. Always think about what's coming next and be ready with any checklists for photos.
As an assistant, you may also be asked to help with lighting, setting up additional cameras, and gathering guests for group photos. You might even offer a second point of view and suggest ideas for better shots. Remember, your role is to make the photographer's shoot a success, so do whatever it takes to get the shot, regardless of how mundane the task.
Finally, always be professional. Dress appropriately, don't take breaks unless the photographer does, and don't answer your phone during the shoot. Remember, your professionalism reflects on the photographer, and you are an extension of their brand.
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Assist with lighting, equipment and flatlays
As a wedding photographer assistant, you will be expected to assist with lighting, equipment, and flatlays. This will involve being proactive and engaged, and taking responsibility for staying on top of the equipment. You will need to be mindful that you are dealing with expensive equipment, including tripods and lenses. It is your duty to keep track of and organise the equipment, ensuring it is secure and easily accessible.
Prior to the wedding, it is important to check if there is anything you can do to help the photographer prepare. This could include renting gear, particularly lenses or lighting equipment, and scouting out potential locations.
On the day, you may be asked to help with setting up lighting equipment, additional cameras, and props or attire during bride and groom portraits. You should also be mindful of the background and subjects, ensuring there are no distractions and that everyone looks their best. For example, you could help to fluff the bride's dress or style her veil during portraits.
In terms of equipment, it is useful to be familiar with different types of lighting and setups. This includes knowing how to set up lights, use light meters, and change lenses. Flatlay photography also requires specific equipment, such as a tripod and a DSLR camera.
Overall, as a wedding photographer assistant, it is important to be proactive and engaged when assisting with lighting, equipment, and flatlays. This will ensure that the photographer can focus on capturing the special moments of the wedding day.
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Be proactive and anticipate the photographer's needs
Being proactive and anticipating the photographer's needs is key to being a good wedding photography assistant. You should always be one step ahead, thinking about what's coming next and being ready with any checklists for photos. Get the photographer's gear packed away quickly and neatly when needed, and be an extra pair of hands to help carry equipment, set up flatlays, and help with lighting. You can also help with styling shots, such as the wedding rings, or gathering flowers.
Before the wedding, it's a good idea to check if there's anything you can do to help the photographer ensure they have everything in place for the shoot. For example, if they're travelling far, they may need to rent gear or lighting equipment, or they may need help scouting out locations.
On the day, be alert to any issues that may arise and try to resolve them before the photographer or the couple even realise. Take initiative and be proactive in gathering guests for group photos and dealing with multiple people. If you don't know what the photographer needs, ask them how they like things done and their thoughts on lighting and setup.
Having a small bag of tools can also be helpful, such as a comb, bobby pins, clips, tape, blister packs, scissors, and other items that may come in handy, like A-clamps, gaffer and duct tape, a multi-tool, Allen wrenches, a light meter, a sync cord, a lens cloth, and lens cleaner.
Remember, your role is to support the photographer and represent their business. Be professional and engaging, and only hand out the photographer's business cards if asked.
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Frequently asked questions
An assistant is an extra pair of hands for the photographer throughout the wedding day. This may include carrying equipment, setting up flatlays, helping with lighting, running errands, fluffing the bride's dress, and keeping track of the family formals shot list.
Being an assistant is a great way to learn about wedding photography without the stress of being the main photographer. You can learn valuable lessons that cannot be learned from online research, and gain experience working with a seasoned photographer. This can help you develop your skills and build connections in the industry.
Reach out to local photographers whose style you admire and send them a personalised email expressing your interest in assisting them. You can also respond to photographers seeking assistants via Instagram DMs or blog posts. Be prepared to gain experience through unpaid assisting jobs before expecting paid work.
Review the contract and guidelines provided by the lead photographer to understand your responsibilities and expectations. Familiarise yourself with different camera brands, lighting equipment, and photography techniques. Bring your own emergency kit with tools like scissors, bobby pins, and tape. Arrive early and be professional and enthusiastic throughout the event.
Be proactive and think ahead to anticipate the photographer's needs. Stay alert and resolve any issues promptly. Represent the photographer's brand professionally and engage positively with clients. Show initiative and be willing to take on any task, no matter how mundane, to ensure the photographer can capture the important moments.
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