Process 105 ☼ How to Be A Good Assistant
Process 105 ☼ How to Be A Good Assistant
Giveaway: $150 gift certificate for the Moment store
Dear friends,
In this week's letter, I talk about the qualities and responsibilities of a great studio assistant, right as I open up applications for my next one.
Throughout the issue I will share some behind-the-scenes images of my wonderful assistant Taylor hard at work. Hilariously, Taylor was so good at his job that it took me a few hours to find any pictures he appeared in to include in this issue because he was always a perfectly invisible and helpful presence. You’ll see mostly glimpses only, like below where he’s holding a flash (left) or a bounce (right).
This week's Process Giveaway is brought to you by Moment, a valued supporter of Process and our community. A $150 gift certificate will be awarded to a random winner. Scroll down for more.
What It Takes To Be a Great Photography Assistant
Alright, my friends, we're diving headfirst into the role of a photography assistant – trust me, it's way more than just being the sidekick. You gotta be quick on your feet, adaptable, and resourceful since circumstances on set can change fast.
It’s not just about lugging gear and setting up lights – it's about immersing yourself in the craft, soaking up knowledge like a sponge, and fine-tuning your eye for the perfect shot. You're a second pair of eyes and ears, anticipating the photographer's every move, because you wanna be there before they even know they need you.
Here is a bullet-pointed list of things to keep in mind when starting a role as a photographer's assistant:
Tips for Success
Ask for Guidance: Don't hesitate to seek clarity if you're unsure about any task. Asking questions is a sign of confidence and care, not weakness.
Reflect the Brand: Your conduct and communication should align with the photographer's style and professionalism. You are part of the team after all.
Be a Team Player: Work collaboratively with other assistants and team members.
Pay Attention to Detail: Ensure that everything is in order and organized during shoots, keep an eye on details that are easily overlooked like background noise or an area of the set that might make for a great shot.
Research Skills: Assist with location scouting, subjects for projects, grants, etc.
Effective Communication: Craft clear and concise emails and messages. Communication is everything in this business (and relationships).
Continuous Learning: Take a proactive approach to seeking out opportunities to learn about the things you’re most interested in. For example, if you’d like to learn about making a zine and I’m not currently working on one, ask about it. Advocate for yourself always because an internship is not just about how you can help me, but also equally about how I can help you grow.
Traits
Professionalism: Conduct yourself with respect and courtesy at all times, both internally and externally, on set and on email.
Adaptability: Be prepared for the unexpected and stay flexible on set.
Observant: Anticipate the photographer's needs and be attentive.
Resourcefulness: Find solutions to challenges that may arise during shoots.
Initiative: Take proactive steps to assist the photographer and the team.
Enthusiasm: Show genuine passion for the craft and the projects you're involved in.
Responsible: Handle equipment and props with care, and be accountable for your actions.
Remember, being a photographer's assistant is a valuable stepping stone toward your own photography or storytelling career. Embrace the learning experience, be proactive, and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.
I am writing this issue of Process during Taylor’s last week with me. He has been a phenomenal assistant, exemplifying all the aspects I highlight above, making my work easier, better, and more enjoyable. Aside from being an excellent assistant he’s also a fabulous human being and it’s been a treat to have him by my side. I asked him to write a note about his experience being my assistant and have included it below. Make sure to follow along with his work and adventures.
Taylor’s Experience Being My Assistant
Hi Process community!
For the last year plus, I have been acting as Wesley’s photography assistant for everything from casual photoshoots to scheduling and planning more complex projects that are still ongoing. Over the last ten years, I have worked as a photography assistant, second camera operator, and general production assistant and I am filled with gratitude for the invaluable lessons I've learned and the experiences that have shaped my own creative path.
Working alongside Wesley has been a highlight of my career as this felt like the first time that an assistant role bordered on that of an apprenticeship, where I believe that the value I provided Wesley was reciprocated in learning more than I ever have before about the art of taking creative, professional photographs.
As Wesley's assistant, I had the privilege of witnessing the evolution of his artistic vision from concepts on paper to the final photo. He showed me first-hand how to encourage and shape light and shadow in the same breath as he was able to calm a nervous subject who was not used to being in front of the camera. Often times my work in the past was with actors and models so having to navigate uncertainty from the subjects has always been a struggle to grasp how to overcome. Wesley showed how easy and fun it could be.
While the shoots were great fun, the bulk of our work together was spent behind our computers working to organize plans for future shoots and general research and development tasks that are a crucial component to any creative small business operator. To most, that sounds like it would be monotonous. But, for as much searching for a new creative subject to reach out to we spent equal time discussing the work of the creatives we found along the way, bantering about what we liked or didn’t like about various works and how to incorporate or avoid techniques I came across in those searching sessions.
Behind every successful creative, there needs to be some form of structure to hold everything together, and the work I was able to do for Wesley showed me just how painless that structure can be. The Process mentor sessions and this newsletter are emblematic of his desire to pay forward the same creative permission he has received for future generations of artists. Working with Wesley has taught me the significance of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and supporting others in their creative endeavors.
With Wesley's guidance and mentorship, I've grown both as a photography assistant and as a creative, with the last few months getting me centered on creating my very own photography zines as a way of utilizing my body of work that has just ended up living on hard drives in storage and creating something physical out of those data. The experiences and insights I've gained have undoubtedly shaped the course of my creative journey, and as one of you prepares to take over my position, I hope that by sharing some of my experiences of working with Wesley over the past year, you begin to feel that excitement for the adventures that lie ahead.
Thank you for joining us on this remarkable artistic voyage. Keep shooting and nurturing your creativity with love and care.
Warm regards,
Taylor Foster, Photography Assistant to Wesley Verhoeve
Opening Applications
Calling all aspiring photographers and photography enthusiasts. I am excited to announce that applications are now open for an internship position of a photographer's assistant starting this fall.
To apply, simply send your applications to hello@wesley.co and include a brief, personal letter of motivation that showcases your past photography experience and outlines your future goals both as a photographer's assistant and as a photographer in your own right. What would make this internship a success for you? What are you most excited to learn about? What are your strengths as an assistant? Talk to me!
The deadline for applications is August 31st and the internship requires a six-month commitment, for a half day per week. Only for Amsterdam-based applicants. Start date is flexible, September is ideal.
That’s it for this week!
Next Week: The time I traveled to India with the very first camera I bought myself
Keep shooting and take good care of yourselves and others. <3
Wesley
PS Analog shots were developed and scanned by my friends at Carmencita Film Lab. They’re my favorite lab in the world and I’m grateful for our collaboration. Use code “PROCESS” at check out to get a free upgrade.
Gear Used
All digital images were shot on iPhone and the Canon 5D Mark IV using the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM lens. These are links to my friends over at MPB.com, which has become my go-to place to buy, sell, and trade used cameras and lenses. MPB caters to over 625,000 visual storytellers and provides a 6-month warranty. Thanks for supporting the Process community, MPB! <3
Process Giveaway!
Last week’s Giveaway for a $150 gift card in partnership with Moment is still open for submissions until May 21st. Many readers have already shared their answers to the question:
QUESTION: How do you keep your creativity alive when life gets in your way?
ENTER THIS WEEK’S GIVEAWAY before 11 am EST on July 29th.
The winner will be randomly drawn. This giveaway is for Process subscribers only.
Major shout out to my friends at Moment for sponsoring this giveaway. Check out their webshop for all your photo needs. Whether you're looking to stock up on some fresh film, snag a stylish new bag, or enroll in an online course, the choice is yours!
The best way to support my work here at Process is to buy my photo book NOTICE.
Another good way to support is to spread the word by sharing Process with friends.
I was an assistant here in Sydney Australia for 6 years before I started shooting for myself and have to say it was the very best education you could ask for, working on every conceivable type of photography job for many different photographers and learning as much about what not to do as what to and how to deal with clients and direct talent... the list goes on and on and the best part I was paid for the privilege... paid to learn on a daily basis... I tried to study in a formal photography course and lasted one term before I returned to assisting...
I can't be creative if I'm not ingesting good art. That can be as simple as music, but ideally, I'm reading fiction or poetry. Creativity is magic and there's little magic to be found in my phone or in the eternal news cycle or work email loop. I must consume beauty to have a gnat's chance at making it.