My first time as an assistant at a wedding! Help! Tips!?

[Bianca.Tarleton]

I'm going to assist at my first wedding this summer, under my boss who is a well known photographer. I've done 1 wedding in the past (by myself, very low key), and in the meantime I've got my own projects to keep myself busy.. but I'm a little nervous!

What can I expect to do as an assistant? I plan to ask him specifically as the time nears, but I'd like to have a good idea of what I should generally expect.

Also, how much does an assistant expect to make (as a percentage of total cost of wedding photographer)? I haven't discussed any of that with him, but again I wanted to have a good idea of what to expect.

Thanks!

[candleman]

dont expect a percentage.. more an hourly rate.
expect to carry tripods, stepladders & hold reflectors too.. best to ask him.

have fun

[LeeR]

I used to use my daughter's as assistants on weddings. True, they toted a lot of camera gear, but I always had them carry a camera as well. They could go places I couldn't; especially in the dressing room. I was always surprised by what they created. In one shot, the sisters of the bride have created a kind of tunnel with the gown so she can dive through it without messing her hair. My daughter put the camera at the top of the dress capturing the bride, arms strecthed toward the camera, hair still in curlers, smile on her face. Wonderful shot. One I never would have been permitted to get.

Another time she took the bride's shoes and put them on a grand piano. She was able to get an amazing shot of the shoes and their reflection in the lacquered finish. I never would have thought of that. While I always appreciated the help with the gear, I found these images to be a terrific bonus. They always saw things I didn't and the extra set of eyes really help round out the portfolio.

[bardman]

You'll basically be a gopher. The real benefit is you get to be right there as an experienced photographer does their thing. You'll pick up oodles of great tips. As for what you should be paid, somewhere between $100 to $200 for the day methinks.

[Stina3246]

Originally Posted by bardman

You'll basically be a gopher. The real benefit is you get to be right there as an experienced photographer does their thing. You'll pick up oodles of great tips. As for what you should be paid, somewhere between $100 to $200 for the day methinks.

I have been an assistant for a great photographer several times now and that is exactly what he pays me. And yes, I carry a lot of equipment, hold the reflector, corral the guests etc but I also shoot. The most important part was not the pay, but what I learned from him and am still learning. I couldn't EVER get this type of experience in a school or from a book. He and I work very well together so we almost NEVER get in each others shots, since he is the primary I have to make sure I stay out of his way but am right there if he needs me. I am there mainly to catch the stuff he can't get while he is doing the traditional shots or to catch a different angle of the same shot. On one wedding he was with the bride during her preparation so I was with the groom and groomsmen getting thiers since he couldn't be in both places at once. I don't do ANY of the editing which is fine with me. I get full rights to my photos to use for my portfolio and he gives me credit for mine on his website. Yes I was VERY nervous for the first one but as soon as I started shooting, it went away.
Good luck and have fun with it!!