Assisting
- Thread starter Browncoat
- Start date
Browncoat
Senior Member
Ya, it's interesting to see how other people work. There are times when I'll wonder to myself why he's doing what he's doing, and am usually amazed by the result. I've also learned that I'm far too picky. I would probably take up too much time making sure everything was perfect when it doesn't need to be. I'm also learning a lot about lighting placement for interiors and how light reflects off different surfaces.
He's also learning from me. My LumoPro speedlights and Rogue Grid are being used on several occasions to highlight furniture pieces that are difficult to reach with the main lights. He's actually so impressed with their performance, he's going to pick up a few. We're also using my PocketWizards to trigger all the lighting because they have better range than his triggers.
At the same time, it's nerve wracking. He's using brand new (we unwrapped them on day one) Profoto monolights, which are about $2100 each. Combined with all the other gear and working in very expensive homes with breakable stuff everywhere, you have to be very careful. He scratched a Chippendale dining table today and will have to pay to have it repaired. Just glad it wasn't me. That thing costs more than I make in a year.
He's also learning from me. My LumoPro speedlights and Rogue Grid are being used on several occasions to highlight furniture pieces that are difficult to reach with the main lights. He's actually so impressed with their performance, he's going to pick up a few. We're also using my PocketWizards to trigger all the lighting because they have better range than his triggers.
At the same time, it's nerve wracking. He's using brand new (we unwrapped them on day one) Profoto monolights, which are about $2100 each. Combined with all the other gear and working in very expensive homes with breakable stuff everywhere, you have to be very careful. He scratched a Chippendale dining table today and will have to pay to have it repaired. Just glad it wasn't me. That thing costs more than I make in a year.
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Browncoat
Senior Member
Days 3 and 4:
Sorry for the lack of updates. Between being crazy busy and crazy tired, I just haven't had the time. We wrapped up the shoot yesterday and I'm glad...it was a long 4 days. I've had some marathon sessions before, but this one seemed to really knock the wind out of my sails.
There are people who earn a living being photography assistants, usually in larger cities where you can do it consistently. It was honest work, a networking opportunity that I hope will lead to others, and a learning experience. Not to mention, a not too shabby paycheck.
Sorry for the lack of updates. Between being crazy busy and crazy tired, I just haven't had the time. We wrapped up the shoot yesterday and I'm glad...it was a long 4 days. I've had some marathon sessions before, but this one seemed to really knock the wind out of my sails.
There are people who earn a living being photography assistants, usually in larger cities where you can do it consistently. It was honest work, a networking opportunity that I hope will lead to others, and a learning experience. Not to mention, a not too shabby paycheck.
jcottone45
Senior Member
Anthony, it sounds like you picked up a lot of useful data to add to your knowledge of photography, I am sure it will pay dividends in the end. I read where you said this assist comes at the expense of family/Sept 11 events, but I think if you keep those in your heart, you'll never lose those cherished memories.
If I were 30 years younger I'd ask you how I could enlist in the program. Can they train half-assed photographers too.???
If I were 30 years younger I'd ask you how I could enlist in the program. Can they train half-assed photographers too.???
Anthony, that sounds like a great experience and one that'll only get better once you've caught up on your sleep 
Thanks for sharing, that might just lead me into approaching some of our local studios as either an assistant or second shooter should they need one. Glad you enjoyed yourself mate, funny how you can even show the main photographer a trick or two, you should be on a commission for showing him your kit. a most interesting read
Thanks for sharing, that might just lead me into approaching some of our local studios as either an assistant or second shooter should they need one. Glad you enjoyed yourself mate, funny how you can even show the main photographer a trick or two, you should be on a commission for showing him your kit. a most interesting read
Browncoat
Senior Member
Joe: This opportunity came along via my membership to ASMP. You can create an assisting profile, where other members can look you up and contact you with opportunities. I am a student member, which receives a heavy discount off the membership dues. Being in NY, you may have more opportunities available to you than I do here in Ohio...but the full membership fees may not be worth it. You can try contacting local pros as well, but at least in my own personal experience, almost all of them are unwilling to actually pay someone as an assistant.
StephMiller
New member
How exciting! I love BH&G and have always thought it would be so cool to work with them. Hope it all went great .. can't wait to hear the follow up!
Browncoat
Senior Member
Well, that's because they are staged LOL.
Considerable effort was made before each shot on the part of the designer to put everything in its place. Accessories are brought in, sometimes new wall hangings and other decor items. Everything is cleaned, primped, and straightened. Also keep in mind these are some pretty high-end clientele, people who hire out to have their houses cleaned and stuff like that.
Considerable effort was made before each shot on the part of the designer to put everything in its place. Accessories are brought in, sometimes new wall hangings and other decor items. Everything is cleaned, primped, and straightened. Also keep in mind these are some pretty high-end clientele, people who hire out to have their houses cleaned and stuff like that.
ohkphoto
Snow White
Well, I guess for the magazine, this is what they want. Everything is very bright and and the lighting is kind of flat. There even seem to be some hot spots. I think I read somewhere that magazines like this insist that the photos be bright and evenly lit. So I guess the photographer delivered. It's just not my "cup of tea".
Good experience for you, though. Thanks for sharing.
Good experience for you, though. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, Anthony...hehehe.......I KNOW they're staged. That's my point. It doesn't look like someone would actually live there. Know what I mean? I appreciate all the work it takes to get it to look like that, but........somehow it just doesn't look appealing. This is just my opinion, mind you. I'm not knocking the photography.....not at all. All the shots came out terrific. It's what the photos are projecting is what I'm getting at. Anyway......doesn't matter. It's done, you had a great experience, you obviously learned some valuable photography techniques.......it's all good.
stamatisg2002
Senior Member
II guess that a home is not a real unless it has at least to some degree some "untidyness" and some mess!!! Then you feel that YOU live in that house, and it's not some kind of museum...