Gaining experience as a 2nd or assistant photographer

[ted_smith]

Hi

I'm not Uni educated (at Photography) or even attended any official classes - just taught myself using books, APUG etc.

I'd really like to accompany a wedding photographer though, either as an assistant or second photographer, to gain some experience of this particular craft.

Is this a possibility I wonder? I live in Derbyshire, UK.

I realise it's a big ask, but I'd hope I could be of use, as well as gaining experience for myself.

 

[MattKing]

Ted:

Just a suggestion. Post this question on the UK region forum. It wouldn't surprise me if the APUG members who do wedding work mostly use digital or don't really want to talk about "work" when they are here, so may not check this forum.

If it was 20-30 years ago (when I used to do a lot of this), and you were around here, I'd have been happy to help you .

Matt

 

[ozphoto]

Hi Ted,

I was in a similar position after I left college (although I would describe myself as "self taught"). I actually moved from Australia to London to get experience assisting photographers in the area I wanted to break into.

My first call was the AOP website and then I searched for every photographer who undertook and produced work in the style I loved. From there I got in touch and asked if they required an assistant; often actually bookeing a time to meet with them to show some work. It paid off - I landed many gigs and also semi-fulltime work with one particular photographer.

It isn't easy, but professionalism, a willingness to do the most mundane things (tea anyone?), a good work ethos, being well organised and tenacious will get you over the line eventually.

Get in touch with photographers in the area and see if they need help on their next wedding (or one in the future). It makes *very* good business sense on their part to have more than one assistant on call - you never know when they may get the flu, decide to move or just break on their own as well!

If you want a more in-depth breakdown of what i did, drop me a PM.

Good luck!

- Nanette
www.nanettereid.com

 

[2F/2F]

I have done, and continue to do it all the time.

I got my first jobs through "worker available" ads in the classifieds.

Now you have Craigslist, which makes it much easier and quicker for you (and perhaps for the people who are looking to hire).

Try doing it for free one time if you are unsure of your abilities. I did not, but I was not unsure of my abilities.

 

[removed account4]

sometimes at the local photo stores / labs where the wedding pros shop
there is a bulletin board where people can post job-stuff.
good luck!
john