What’s Your Preference?

lesleyD · #1 (**permalink**) 04-06-2009, 08:58 AM

hello,
i want to be a second shooter/assistant for weddings..i have assisted at a few before and i loved it..i no longer assist the photographer anymore,he is my brother inlaw, he wants to teach his wife so i have been replaced..fair enough..but now how do i get to do that again??ive emailed, phoned professional photographers and posted threads on forums seeking to find anyone willing to take me on, but what can i do or say to be able to get this position again??
I am a portrait photographer..i have 2 years experience in shooting maual mode..
im still fairly new and although id be capable of doing weddings my self i dont want to dive in head first..
Thanks in advance for your advice

lesley desmond.

RoyL · #2 (**permalink**) 04-06-2009, 10:10 AM

I gather that when you have contacted other photographers that you have given then a folio or at least a contact sheet of work done.

Pressure always works, it shows you are interested. Keep in touch with them but not to the point of annoyance. You never know when one has a job but is short on an assistant, that is when they phone.

lesleyD · #3 (**permalink**) 04-06-2009, 11:02 AM

hi there,
yes i have a blog with all my best pictures on for them to see..
i was thinking of emailing a photographer again who did show a bit of interest before but i didnt want to come across as a pest and ruin what chances i might have had..
thanks for ur reply..

Jim Bryant · #4 (**permalink**) 04-06-2009, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lesleyD

hi there,
yes i have a blog with all my best pictures on for them to see..
i was thinking of emailing a photographer again who did show a bit of interest before but i didnt want to come across as a pest and ruin what chances i might have had..
thanks for ur reply..

You really need to show them portfolio type prints instead of blog photos. I suggest if this is what direction to take, then put together a portfolio and set up an appointment (face to face) this with them to explain your desires.

t blanchard · #5 (**permalink**) 04-06-2009, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

You really need to show them portfolio type prints instead of blog photos. I suggest if this is what direction to take, then put together a portfolio and set up an appointment (face to face) this with them to explain your desires.

I agree with Jim here that it's best to meet with them face-to-face. It's difficult to sell yourself via email - even if you have strong photos on your blog. So much of being a photographer is the "people" aspect, and a wedding photographer will want to meet you in person first to make sure that your personalities gel; get the confidence that you can both work well together; and ensure that you will deal well with their clients. I'd target a few photographers in the area and call them to try and set up a time to grab coffee. Of course not all of them will want to take time to meet you, but keep at it and I'm sure you'll find one!

I'd also ask the other photographer who you worked with to write you a letter of reference that you can show in your portfolio. good luck!

KodiakStar · #6 (**permalink**) 04-06-2009, 04:49 PM

Can't tell if you are looking to get a job being a second shooter (making money) or doing it pro bono for the experience.

In either case, approach this as you would a job. As others have suggested, set up a meeting time, come professional, well dressed, with a portfolio etc.

Even if you are working to make experience, they have a job and a business where they are trying to keep a high standard to keep their clients and gain more. It is doubtful that they would hire someone as an assistant without speaking to them, or seeing a larger sampling of their work other then a few photos on a blog.

kelleyrie · #7 (**permalink**) 04-06-2009, 11:12 PM

I just met with a photography sutdio about this exact thing...I emailed them first...showed my portfolio and then they sent me on my first 'job' this past weekend. I was only editing stuff the main photographer was taking but they have invited me to photograph along side them at some upcoming weddings, getting paid peanuts but I get to use whatever I shoot for my portfolio.

lesleyD · #8 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 04:28 AM

Thank you all for ur advice..Ive taken it all in..
Im actually meeting up with a wedding photographer in a few weeks and i cant wait..
For now i would do it free, but eventually i'd love to get paid for it..
Anything to get my foot in the door...
Thanks once again..
my site http://lesleydesmonds.blogspot.com

RoyL · #9 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lesleyD

Thank you all for ur advice..Ive taken it all in..
Im actually meeting up with a wedding photographer in a few weeks and i cant wait..
For now i would do it free, but eventually i'd love to get paid for it..
Anything to get my foot in the door...
Thanks once again..
my site http://lesleydesmonds.blogspot.com

I brought my kids up with the advice that if you want a job then offer to work a week for free, to show them you are worth keeping. All my lads have good paying jobs, two with advancement opportunity. Free can be good, but only to establish yourself. I would expect that after 2 shoots that an offer for payment should be made, especially if they have you shooting.