How does one get into Photography apprentice.

[Briony]

Well have been having a serious think and not being able to get out with the camera over the snowy period I realise I have really, really missed it. :shake:

I was wondering if there was such things as "apprentices" in the photography line where one could learn alongside a pro :shrug: be it sports, wildlife etc.

Probably a stupid question but really want to better myself, so if anyone knows or can point me in the right direction even if it to say " don't bother, waste of time etc" then all comments greatley appreciated.

Perhaps I need a good shake and being told to wake up:bang: but it is something I want to do and do properly. :shrug:

Am I mad or what????:shrug:

 

[Bythesea]

Been some time since I have looked at this sort of thing but one of the ways in (depending on what type of photography you are into) was as an assistant. This was working alongside a pro, often for peanuts, but being able to use the studio etc when it wasn't in use.

I'm sure there will be others with far more knowledge than me who can advise though

 

[Briony]

Obviously not,::shrug:is there not so many pros on here willing to give advice then ? :shrug:

 

[chip]

I get contacted on a weekly basis by people wanting to get into photography. They usually want me to teach me all that I know so they can then set up in competition with me.

Making a living from photography is so competitive these days that less and less 'pros' are willing to pass on their knowledge for free, if at all.

If you are interested in the social market, there are stacks of photographers offering courses, for a hefty fee, but of course this is nothing like gaining experience in the field.

Not so sure what teaching is available in the sports & wildlife genres though.

 

[Vic]

I wish there were photography apprenticeships, definitely would have been an option for me instead of this degree lark!

I've never heard of assistants for wildlife or sport, Chris is right that it is a competitive business and why would people train up others in the same area to compete with. Most assistant jobs are with portraiture, commercial or weddings I have found.

 

[Briony]

I get contacted on a weekly basis by people wanting to get into photography. They usually want me to teach me all that I know so they can then set up in competition with me.

Making a living from photography is so competitive these days that less and less 'pros' are willing to pass on their knowledge for free, if at all.

If you are interested in the social market, there are stacks of photographers offering courses, for a hefty fee, but of course this is nothing like gaining experience in the field.

Not so sure what teaching is available in the sports & wildlife genres though.

So is it a "closed shop then"? there are pro's and there are pro's who think they are pro's, but what is wrong with teaching someone if they are willing to learn and pay for it:shrug:

Life is one competition out there and it is a survival game.

 

[jamesoliverstone]

To be honest, I am not sure what you would be able to do other than carry gear and setup lights. I sometimes use assistants when I am doing big corporate shoots just to help with gear and adjusting lighting setups. The problem is you would never really be shooting as the client is paying for my images, and I would want them done in a very specific style to please my client and I wouldn't have time on a shoot to do teaching as its just too busy. Then when not on a shoot I would be editing, out getting more business or having time off with my mates down the pub

I really cant see why (certainly me) would need a fulltime apprentice, as the sole product I sell is me and my style... plus, I wouldnt want the additional overhead of paying for a fulltime member of staff just to basically carry gear, I can get those when and where I need them.

I think it may well be different if I had a high street studio, but again these places are usually very busy (think EG) and he certainly isn't going to have time to teach someone. It would make more financial sense to hire another pro photographer and get them earning (and that is much easier than training one).

Then of course there is the other issue mentioned before of someone investing their time, energy and money in training up a keen amateur only for them to leave when they realise they can earn more cash that the pittance that they are being paid as an assistant...

I hope that might shed some light on why positions like this aren't ready available? :shrug:

EDIT: I am not directing any negative comments at you by the way, just speculating on why positions like this are rare. Frustrating I know, as years ago I would have loved to have worked and trained alongside a pro!

 

[EOS_JD]

Get yourself on a degree course and learn there. many young aspiring togs gp from there into stidios to learn the trade.

Other than that I agree with James.

 

[Briony]

To be honest, I am not sure what you would be able to do other than carry gear and setup lights. I sometimes use assistants when I am doing big corporate shoots just to help with gear and adjusting lighting setups. The problem is you would never really be shooting as the client is paying for my images, and I would want them done in a very specific style to please my client and I wouldn't have time on a shoot to do teaching as its just too busy. Then when not on a shoot I would be editing, out getting more business or having time off with my mates down the pub

I really cant see why (certainly me) would need a fulltime apprentice, as the sole product I sell is me and my style... plus, I wouldnt want the additional overhead of paying for a fulltime member of staff just to basically carry gear, I can get those when and where I need them.

I think it may well be different if I had a high street studio, but again these places are usually very busy (think EG) and he certainly isn't going to have time to teach someone. It would make more financial sense to hire another pro photographer and get them earning (and that is much easier than training one).

Then of course there is the other issue mentioned before of someone investing their time, energy and money in training up a keen amateur only for them to leave when they realise they can earn more cash that the pittance that they are being paid as an assistant...

I hope that might shed some light on why positions like this aren't ready available? :shrug:

EDIT: I am not directing any negative comments at you by the way, just speculating on why positions like this are rare. Frustrating I know, as years ago I would have loved to have worked and trained alongside a pro!

I understand but just to be part of things, ask questions, what settings used etc and just generally try and learn

Perhaps just to tag along sometimes to pick up little tips, ideas etc.

 

[EOS_JD]

All you can do is ask around but as said above photographers get these emails all the time from a variety of people.

Do some training courses and you'll pick up a lot from that.

 

[jamesoliverstone]

There is of course another way to look at this.

I personally (and did) would prefer to learn the basics and techniques any way I can, ie. books, dvd's, youtube, local courses etc. and from here forge your own style based on your own ideas.

I spent many years trying to emulate the work of others (and this could quite easily happen if the only point of creative and technical input you have is from one professional photographer that you work for). The problem with this is that you don't do what "feels right" but rather what someone tells you to do.

By working it out on your own you develop your own methods, style, creativeness and technique. This way you create work you will be truly proud of as the years go by as it is yours... not a facsimile of another persons work.

I find my work is heavily influenced these days by other photographers I still aspire to, but its still my style.

Now I have typed this I am not too sure where the point has gone, but I think there is one in there somewhere

 

[jamesoliverstone]

Another thing I was going to point out is that you should be careful of who you learn from too. Most of my work is portraits and corporate advertising.

I reckon I have a fair bit of knowledge I could pass on (if I do say so myself )

But, you seem by your post that you like wildlife, sports etc. maybe even the occasional landscape?

I can tell you this for certain, I SUCK at landscapes, I SUCK at wildlife AND I SUCK at sports photography!

Seriously, I just cant take a good picture of the rolling hills of hampshire, or a cute little squirrel in my garden. Its not my chosen field and I just dont have it in me to take them like some of the others on this forum for example.

So, would being my apprentice be of any use to you... I doubt it very much. Me telling you to use a wide angle, shove it in f16 and photograph that hill is of so little use its laughable.

Most of the technique and fundamental knowledge can be learned from any source, especially courses, books, DVD's, college, Uni etc.

What no-one can teach you is creativity or the "eye" for a photo. You either naturally have it in you, or can develop from lots and lots of practise.

Perhaps join a local camera club to be around other like minded people?

Just my 0.02p +(vat @ 20%)

 

[missemanuel]

I get contacted on a weekly basis by people wanting to get into photography. They usually want me to teach me all that I know so they can then set up in competition with me.

Making a living from photography is so competitive these days that less and less 'pros' are willing to pass on their knowledge for free, if at all.

If you are interested in the social market, there are stacks of photographers offering courses, for a hefty fee, but of course this is nothing like gaining experience in the field.

Not so sure what teaching is available in the sports & wildlife genres though.

I think its sad that "pros" are unwilling to take assistants, Iv found this alot as well, the attitude stinks if you ask me. If someone is willing to work hard and assist someone for b****r all money (ie be taken advantage of, a bit problem in the arts today) they clearly have the passion and should be given every chance in the world.

If a photographer is afraid of the competition they clearly dont have enough faith in thier own abilities as a photographer if they think most people are going to set up and be better than you.

Briony, sadly many pros as like this, unhelpful and unfriendly. However I do find some are not of this ilk, so keep trying to contact them, many are will to give friendly advice.

 

[EOS_JD]

I think its sad that "pros" are unwilling to take assistants, Iv found this alot as well, the attitude stinks if you ask me. If someone is willing to work hard and assist someone for b****r all money (ie be taken advantage of, a bit problem in the arts today) they clearly have the passion and should be given every chance in the world.

If a photographer is afraid of the competition they clearly dont have enough faith in thier own abilities as a photographer if they think most people are going to set up and be better than you.

Briony, sadly many pros as like this, unhelpful and unfriendly. However I do find some are not of this ilk, so keep trying to contact them, many are will to give friendly advice.

Why would you cut of the hand that feeds you? I really don't get that attitude - I'm not a full time pro but have put in effort to learn on my own.

I really do understand why a pro would not want to go out his way to teach you just for your pleasure and so you can take away business from them?

Whilst we would all love to be able to assit for a pro, the larger businesses likely already have assistants. Many small one man bands have people who already assist for them.

I find it sad that people think that pro's should have to go out of their way to help people they don't know.

There are many people doing amazing work that have never assisted anyone - because they took the bull by the horns and put the effort in themselves to learn and didn't wait to be spoonfed.

Sorry if this sounds like a rant - it's not meant to be but I don't think you are giving pros any respect.

As I say I'm not a pro. I have a house that I use as a home studio (in a small living room)and do a few shoots a year - nothing major - and I've been asked many times from people that want to assist - I don't have the experience, or time that would allow that. So I say no sorry..... Does that make me unhelpful? I'd rather share any info I have here on a forum as I learn from here too.

Please don't knock the pro's like this I think it's very unfair.

 

[missemanuel]

Why would you cut of the hand that feeds you? I really don't get that attitude - I'm not a full time pro but have put in effort to learn on my own.

I really do understand why a pro would not want to go out his way to teach you just for your pleasure and so you can take away business from them?

Whilst we would all love to be able to assit for a pro, the larger businesses likely already have assistants. Many small one man bands have people who already assist for them.

I find it sad that people think that pro's should have to go out of their way to help people they don't know.

There are many people doing amazing work that have never assisted anyone - because they took the bull by the horns and put the effort in themselves to learn and didn't wait to be spoonfed.

Sorry if this sounds like a rant - it's not meant to be but I don't think you are giving pros any respect.

As I say I'm not a pro. I have a house that I use as a home studio (in a small living room)and do a few shoots a year - nothing major - and I've been asked many times from people that want to assist - I don't have the experience, or time that would allow that. So I say no sorry..... Does that make me unhelpful? I'd rather share any info I have here on a forum as I learn from here too.

Please don't knock the pro's like this I think it's very unfair.

Jim, this is just my experience, and also iv said not every pro is like this, iv met some very friendly people indeed. Which is the message I was trying to give Briony, just because some people do not want to help, others do, so dont give up...

I was just responding to an earlier comment......if everyone had the attitude of not wanting to help people the world would be a very sad place indeed and the arts would definitely suffer... not everyone has the time, money are resources to study a degree in photography and many careers I could mention you learn on the job, photography being just one of them.... iv found the pros who are willing to talk to people learning are the ones who are usally the most successful and dont feel threatened by new people entering the field....

and no, your not unhelpful, as you say, you do not have the experience, time etc to help, so it would be of no use to someone wanting to learn would it?

Many people do learn without help, this is true. However I see you are on a forum, getting feedback and advice from other photographers no doubt, reading about this and that, this is no different from wanting to assist a pro to learn... People learn in different ways, some by reading, some by writing and some by doing...... we are all different....which is a good thing

 

[anniephoto]

The advice given by James on here says it all and should be taken...learn from all available sources, books, dvd's, youtube, practice, practice, practice, forums, courses for specific skills (I think James does some of them!), practice, practice, practice and find your own style. The technical understanding you need for Photography can be learned by study, by doing a degree, by reading, but the gift for seeing an image in your mind, composing it mentally and then quickly using your kit to actually capture it... that... in my humble opinon, comes from within!

The only other advice I would offer is that the camera is a tool for capturing a subject... by finding a subject you lust after, adore, enjoy, never tire of, you will find using the camera to capture it much more satisfying. So rather than trying to be all things choose a place to start. For me it was an obsession with butterflies that got me started and I mastered macro photography over a number of years before I even bothered to start really taking portraits... of course it was just a hobby back then ;-)

 

[EOS_JD]

Absolutrely but my point was that you say some are just unhelpful - Without knowing their circumstances you were (as I saw it) sort of presuming because they didn't help you the were unhelpful. For those that have made it, many are now lecturing and making more money doing that than they probably ever did shooting! !

Just because you can find noone to assist for it should not stop you reading, writing and doing.

I thought about assisting but instead started with a few freebies and learned a lot! Now I'm happy shooting the clients I get and worry a lot less. Put the time and effort in and you can get the rewards - just don't rely on others to get you there

 

[Arkady2]

I remember reading an interview with John Swannell about his time as an assistant to David Bailey. In the three or so years he worked for him, he was never allowed to even point a camera at a subject in Bailey's presence, let along press the shutter button.
Tea-making, luggage carrying, setting up lights and driving jobs were his main tasks as well as loading cameras and processing film. Bailey often did his own printing, but happily let Swannell do the dev'ing.
It certainly echoed the short time I spent assisting a Pro who did magazine shoots and interiors for The National Trust when I was a grubby teenager.
And long, long hours - forget any sort of personal life.
Your job would be to be in the studio hours before the boss, getting things set up, doing any grocery shopping that needed doing and frequently being chased off during shoots to handle some other job that needed doing (collecting the dry-cleaning, picking up the kids from school, more food-shopping etc etc etc) that the Boss was too busy to handle.
After the shoots were all done, you get to clear up and prep for the next day while everyone else goes home.
And all for peanuts: baked-beans on toast in a cold flat was the order of the day.

Most Pros are finding it hard to make ends meet for themselves without taking on the additional responsibility for someone else's welfare...

Nowadays there's even less benefit to being a photographer's assistant unless you're lucky enough to team up with a big 'name' - which only really helps you network for future clients.
Most stuff that you can learn is available online which it never was in the past.

It might sound fun, but there's no money in it and you'll learn a lot less that you would have, say twenty or thirty years ago.

 

[realspeed]

The only difference between a pro photographer and an amateur photographer is one gets paid for their photos the other doesn't. This has no reflection on the quality of of the photos taken, infact I have seen pictures (in some cases) of what I would consider very poor pro photos.

Briony
Maybe you can learn a lot at events by just asking other photographers your questions then trying out their suggestions. That way you can get more ideas than just one from a single photographer

Realspeed

 

[boyfalldown]

I think its sad that "pros" are unwilling to take assistants, Iv found this alot as well, the attitude stinks if you ask me. If someone is willing to work hard and assist someone for b****r all money (ie be taken advantage of, a bit problem in the arts today) they clearly have the passion and should be given every chance in the world.

If a photographer is afraid of the competition they clearly dont have enough faith in thier own abilities as a photographer if they think most people are going to set up and be better than you.

:

This attitude really saddens me. Its not you offering me unpaid work (which I may or may not need). How much is a photography training course nowdays? - and you'd like training for free. :shake:

Its not about being scared of the competition thanks, and frankly thats an old sad cliche, I just don't see why its expected that I'll risk my livelihood on someone who tells me my attitude stinks and is expecting something for very little.

 

[ding76uk]

I think the high end Pros will want/need assistants, whereas the average Pro will have no need for them. Like Rob says, the life of an assistant is far from glamourous and will more than likely involve setting up lights etc. and taking the blame if the slightest thing goes wrong.

Its not about being scared of the competition thanks, and frankly thats an old sad cliche, I just don't see why its expected that I'll risk my livelihood on someone who tells me my attitude stinks and is expecting something for very little.

Surely that is exactly what you are saying? You are scared that if you teach someone they will steal your clients?

There is a lot of I had to learn the hard way and I'm not helping you attitude in photography of late, a lot of people are scared of helping in case they lose work. There is a distinct lack of belief in their own talent amongst many photographers.

So many have got the impression that photography now just boils down to a bunch of technicalities. It never has and it never will. Anyone can learn that side of photography, it is basic maths, but that does not a photographer make. A photographer is about exploring unique angles and seeing what others cannot.

A lot of amateurs are seemingly stuck between a rock and a hard place. No one is willing to take them along and tutor them (via assisting etc.) but yet we all bemoan them (me included) when they give away work for free, usually in the effort of building up a portfolio.

 

[boyfalldown]

Surely that is exactly what you are saying? You are scared that if you teach someone they will steal your clients?

No its not. I survive (as does every other pro photographer) on reputation. I'm not going to risk that on someone who tell me my attitude stinks

Its really pees me off when people say its cause your scared of competition -there is enough work to go round, but reputation is key, why risk it?

 

[AliB]

I think its sad that "pros" are unwilling to take assistants, Iv found this alot as well, the attitude stinks if you ask me. If someone is willing to work hard and assist someone for b****r all money (ie be taken advantage of, a bit problem in the arts today) they clearly have the passion and should be given every chance in the world.

If a photographer is afraid of the competition they clearly dont have enough faith in thier own abilities as a photographer if they think most people are going to set up and be better than you.

Briony, sadly many pros as like this, unhelpful and unfriendly. However I do find some are not of this ilk, so keep trying to contact them, many are will to give friendly advice.

And that attitude is one very good reason why you will find yourself not considered for any assisting jobs that do come round. Congratualations on shooting yourself right in the foot.

An assistant is a business decision not some altruistic gesture. If I need an assistant or better a second shooter then that person is asked if they would like to do it because I already know them, I already trust them and I know they will fit in with what I'm doing and my business ethics. It won't be someone off a forum who I have never met.

So get out there and start mixing and networking. It won't come overnight but if you stay around long enough and more importantly have the right attitude it can pay off. It has for me.

Just becasue you have a camera and want to do it, nobody owes you a bean.

 

[ding76uk]

No its not. I survive (as does every other pro photographer) on reputation. I'm not going to risk that on someone who tell me my attitude stinks

Its really pees me off when people say its cause your scared of competition -there is enough work to go round, but reputation is key, why risk it?

Fair enough, but if you carefully vet any assistants you would be risking nothing? If you need them that is. Obviously a lot of people don't, and also a lot of assistants already have experience when applying for an assistants position.

 

[missemanuel]

And that attitude is one very good reason why you will find yourself not considered for any assisting jobs that do come round. Congratualations on shooting yourself right in the foot.

An assistant is a business decision not some altruistic gesture. If I need an assistant or better a second shooter then that person is asked if they would like to do it because I already know them, I already trust them and I know they will fit in with what I'm doing and my business ethics. It won't be someone off a forum who I have never met.

So get out there and start mixing and networking. It won't come overnight but if you stay around long enough and more importantly have the right attitude it can pay off. It has for me.

Just becasue you have a camera and want to do it, nobody owes you a bean.

I believe your confused.....Im not looking to get assistant work from this forum! never was if you you read the start of this thread........which I might add I never started....... its funny how some people agree with me and some dont, it just shows different attitudes in photography.....

 

[missemanuel]

This attitude really saddens me. Its not you offering me unpaid work (which I may or may not need). How much is a photography training course nowdays? - and you'd like training for free. :shake:

Its not about being scared of the competition thanks, and frankly thats an old sad cliche, I just don't see why its expected that I'll risk my livelihood on someone who tells me my attitude stinks and is expecting something for very little.

To be honest I have no idea what you are going on about, training for free? who said anything about that? Cliche, well your certainly coming across as one well yourself so I dont need to help you on that count.......

My atttitude? what asking someone if I can work for them (which im not im just discussing someone elses thread), working hard for them and asking if I can be paid in the process in giving them my time and helping them, maybe be able to pic up some knowledge, yes, clearly that makes me a bad person .....next youll be telling me you do your work for free?

 

[missemanuel]

I think the high end Pros will want/need assistants, whereas the average Pro will have no need for them. Like Rob says, the life of an assistant is far from glamourous and will more than likely involve setting up lights etc. and taking the blame if the slightest thing goes wrong.



Surely that is exactly what you are saying? You are scared that if you teach someone they will steal your clients?

There is a lot of I had to learn the hard way and I'm not helping you attitude in photography of late, a lot of people are scared of helping in case they lose work. There is a distinct lack of belief in their own talent amongst many photographers.

So many have got the impression that photography now just boils down to a bunch of technicalities. It never has and it never will. Anyone can learn that side of photography, it is basic maths, but that does not a photographer make. A photographer is about exploring unique angles and seeing what others cannot.

A lot of amateurs are seemingly stuck between a rock and a hard place. No one is willing to take them along and tutor them (via assisting etc.) but yet we all bemoan them (me included) when they give away work for free, usually in the effort of building up a portfolio.

Finally , someone with a bit of common sense! here here!

Its very clear there are two camps of "pros" those that see the value in assistants and how this can be of mutual benefit to one another and those that dont..... which if anyone read my original piece clearly was exactly what I was trying to expalin to Briony..... rather than her just getting negative feedback of "dont bother talking to pros"......

Clearly iv touched some nerves, interesting to say the least...... Happy New year everyone!

 

[boyfalldown]

To be honest I have no idea what you are going on about, training for free? who said anything about that? Cliche, well your certainly coming across as one well yourself so I dont need to help you on that count.......

He-ho exactly why I'd never put you infront of one of my clients :shrug: So what are you gaining if you worked as an assistant for free if not training then?

My atttitude? what asking someone if I can work for them (which im not im just discussing someone elses thread), working hard for them and asking if I can be paid in the process in giving them my time and helping them, maybe be able to pic up some knowledge, yes, clearly that makes me a bad person .....next youll be telling me you do your work for free?

from your earlier comment -

'The pros attitude stinks'

clear enough for you?. No nerves touched (and I've no idea if you're a bad person or not), just wonder why you want to toss the sad attitude around?

Anyway happy new year

 

[Arkady2]

Its very clear there are two camps of "pros" those that see the value in assistants and how this can be of mutual benefit to one another and those that dont..... which if anyone read my original piece clearly was exactly what I was trying to expalin to Briony..... rather than her just getting negative feedback of "dont bother talking to pros"......

Clearly iv touched some nerves, interesting to say the least...... Happy New year everyone!

It's also very clear that you have absolutely no understanding of the needs of most professionals today.

The days of 'assisting' in the traditional sense are long gone, I'm afraid.

You're more likely to be hired either as an occasional assistant/second shooter as and when the need arises, or simply as an office assistant/general dogsbody if the photographer runs a busy studio.
These days, most photographers prefer to cut overheads by employing family members to perform the office drudgery and offering up 2nd-shooter opportunities to other Pros in their areas.

Unless there's a particular reason to hire an enthusiast, why would any Pro risk their reputation?
With every man and his dog thinking they can buy a mid-range DSLR and become 'Wedding Photographer of the Year' overnight simply by asking a few questions on internet forums, why would any sane businessman risk losing a market-share to someone else, unless they were specifically grooming that someone to become part of their own business?

 

[Tugster]

It's also very clear that you have absolutely no understanding of the needs of most professionals today.

The days of 'assisting' in the traditional sense are long gone, I'm afraid.

You're more likely to be hired either as an occasional assistant/second shooter as and when the need arises, or simply as an office assistant/general dogsbody if the photographer runs a busy studio.
These days, most photographers prefer to cut overheads by employing family members to perform the office drudgery and offering up 2nd-shooter opportunities to other Pros in their areas.

Unless there's a particular reason to hire an enthusiast, why would any Pro risk their reputation?
With every man and his dog thinking they can buy a mid-range DSLR and become 'Wedding Photographer of the Year' overnight simply by asking a few questions on internet forums, why would any sane businessman risk losing a market-share to someone else, unless they were specifically grooming that someone to become part of their own business?

 

[missemanuel]

It's also very clear that you have absolutely no understanding of the needs of most professionals today.

The days of 'assisting' in the traditional sense are long gone, I'm afraid.

You're more likely to be hired either as an occasional assistant/second shooter as and when the need arises, or simply as an office assistant/general dogsbody if the photographer runs a busy studio.
These days, most photographers prefer to cut overheads by employing family members to perform the office drudgery and offering up 2nd-shooter opportunities to other Pros in their areas.

Unless there's a particular reason to hire an enthusiast, why would any Pro risk their reputation?
With every man and his dog thinking they can buy a mid-range DSLR and become 'Wedding Photographer of the Year' overnight simply by asking a few questions on internet forums, why would any sane businessman risk losing a market-share to someone else, unless they were specifically grooming that someone to become part of their own business?

I quite disagree, sadly this is exactly the view I have professionals today. Which I confirm is a rather sad reflection.

Your comment says it all " why would any Pro risk their reputation". This is just a reflection of some Pros, happily not all.

Also just because someone may own D3s etc does not a professional make, Iv seen many people who may own the top kit but still take average photographs... and many people who own a mid range DSLR take amazing photographs......it takes more than technical knowledge and kit to take a good photograph.....

 

[Arkady2]

I quite disagree, sadly this is exactly the view I have professionals today. Which I confirm is a rather sad reflection.

Your comment says it all " why would any Pro risk their reputation". This is just a reflection of some Pros, happily not all.

Also just because someone may own D3s etc does not a professional make, Iv seen many people who may own the top kit but still take average photographs... and many people who own a mid range DSLR take amazing photographs......it takes more than technical knowledge and kit to take a good photograph.....

And it takes more than the (mere) ability to take a good photograph in order to be a successful Professional...
Some very sucessful photographers are actually 'a bit average' when it comes down to the imagery - re: my own post a few days back regarding Testino's Royal Portraits - absolutely average photos; brilliantly successful photographer.

This has nothing to do with ability or equipment by the way...

"Why would any pro risk their reputation" - you still have no comeback to that one I see...because there is no convincing argument to counter it with...

 

[missemanuel]

And it takes more than the (mere) ability to take a good photograph in order to be a successful Professional...
Some very sucessful photographers are actually 'a bit average' when it comes down to the imagery - re: my own post a few days back regarding Testino's Royal Portraits - absolutely average photos; brilliantly successful photographer.

This has nothing to do with ability or equipment by the way...

"Why would any pro risk their reputation" - you still have no comeback to that one I see...because there is no convincing argument to counter it with...

I agree, some successful photographers are just a bit average...the ability to network and market ones self is very important and can make or break a business today...... Testinos shots were average, but hey , thats "society" photoraphers for you, its the same with handbags and jewelry, its not what you know, but who you know eh....

lol, Rob, I did "respond" to that comment if you look again ;-) I said your comment said it all, ie the attitude of some and I mean only some pros.....

Though I was not trying to "come back" this is not a slanging match, its a discussion

Though to be honest Im rather tired of it now so will end here...... its a new day, a new dawn, its a new life for me and im feeling good (Nina Simone, 1933 - 2003)

 

[Arkady2]

You did, though your comment made no sense whatsoever to me...

Sorry, but I'm still confused as to why having a protectionist 'attitude' to your own business is a bad thing...:shrug:

 

[AliB]

No point. So I deleted what I wrote.

 

[jamesoliverstone]

Don't know why my "attitude stinks"

I thought I was being perfectly reasonable and offering my opinion as requested by the op? :shrug:

 

[EOS_JD]

Another point - for anyone taking on an assitant - even for free - it would cost them money! Extra insurance and more importantly in their time - time is indeed money.

So you spend time and effort and then they b****r off when the job's done.

If I need an assistant I use my family - With an assistant you actually don't need someone that can even hold a camera!

Briony
Not being cheeky here when I say do what most of us have done. Get out and shoot, Get some inspiration from photographers you like. Get on a couple of training courses and offer your services perhaps even freely at first until you have the confidence in your own ability.

You can do it if you want to.....

 

[itsdavedotnet]

Go out and shoot.

For some fields, assisting work is common. Two ends of the scale:

Probably dying out a bit in the wedding industry, but then maybe some wedding photogs are happy to pay low/min wage for having someone who can carry bags, and as a bonus, grab a few snaps to pad their portfolio. If I did weddings, I wouldn't want someone from local to me assisting though. Event photographers might employ assistants as salespeople / photo editors, taking the photos taken of customers, selling, editing and printing them.

Commercial shoots, some photo productions are run (and sometimes are) on a similar scale to movie shoots, with sometimes several camera assistants, lighting engineers, grip, catering, makeup etc... Doing that kind of work, you'll learn more about professional production than the photography itself, and all while gaining onset experience, seeing how the photographer interacts with the subject, and also the client, art directiors etc. This kind of scale will often require significant knowledge of technical and safety issues, as well as a good working rapport with the photographer and their team.

Commercial photographers working on smaller projects will often have a small pool of assistants that they can call upon, usually as freelance workers, to assist where needed. If you want this sort of work, networking is key, but also good technical skills, knowing what the photographer is going to ask for, being prepared, and good at thinking on your feet, and coming up with safe, reliable, practical solutions to inevitable problems is a good skillset.

As for landscape photographers assisting... hens teeth would spring to mind, unless you were perhaps a very skilled large format camera assistant. Ditto sports, usually all one man band freelancers or staff photogs, only using runners or assistants at very major sporting events with large numbers of photographers and cameras, and technical requirements and networking for them all...

so yeah, go out and shoot! Shoot the kind of pictures that you want to be being paid for! Do it on your terms, but go make pictures!

 

[EMA747]

If there are no jobs out there and nobody is willing to train anyone then what happens when the current crop retire? Who will take their place? There will be a lot of technically good amateurs but they won't have the business knowledge.

 

[EOS_JD]

Many togs don't have any formal apprentice training - THere are plenty of training courses one can attend to learn more and there is also plenty of online stuff too..... If you are good enough you will succeed.