getting into photo assisting
Out of context: Reply #13
- Started
- Last post
- 14 Responses
- formed0
You better have a kick ass portfolio yourself. Any top pro (or even us amateurs) have plenty of people to pick from, all for free.
The top guys are going to want talented people that can 'see' more of what they see. Someone to also shape into what they want. Anyone off the street can't do that (it's a lot more than just carrying lights around, at least for the upper guys).
So focus on making your portfolio amazing. But again, the competition will be fierce. There's no shortage of young, ambitious (and often times people with trust funds that can work 14 hr days 7 days a week for free, at least that's what I saw in architecture enough times to make me chose another career...and I'd guess photography would be a thousand times worst).
Also, find guys that your work aspires to. Don't bother just hitting up random pros that you found their name in Vogue, you'll be lucky if you get a receptionist. Find those that they will, or might, like your work.
Agents won't care one way or another. Like Vax says, it'll be 99% word of mouth. No shortages out there, so they can #1 find someone that they, or someone they trust #2 has a great portfolio of a similar style of work
Lastly, determine your aspirations. If you are just trying to learn, then becoming part of a community is a good start, you'll learn TONS, people can be quite generous with the skills, particularly when it is casual and fun. You should be doing that anyway.
Good luck.