Some of the help we need we can find on the therapists couch. Some of you do need therapy, but that’s not the kind of help I’m talking about. As I have previously stated some of the best education you can get is working as a second shooter. Now that I have told you how NOT to behave, I guess I owe it to you to tell you how to get to be a second shooter in the first place. I did some unscientific research and the response I got was, well underwhelming, but that said it came from established photographers who actually hire second shooters.
Most commonly people complain to me about not being able to get a job as a second because established photographers don’t even answer your emails. I emailed Bill Gates this week to ask if I could hang around his office, maybe deliver some memos for him, just for the experience. Oddly enough he didn’t respond either, so I can see your frustration. Ok, that was patently untrue but see my point. What other job would you apply for unsolicited via email and expect very much enthusiasm? Here is some advice based on the responses I got from the unscientific DWF poll and other unscientific research (good thing I didn’t go into a scientific field).
Cold Calling: When you go looking for an office job you dress your best (whatever that means to you), meet with people in person, ask if they are accepting applications, deliver a resume, follow up with phone calls, all while trying to not be needy. Photography is also a profession, so why would you expect anything different? I am not telling you to be someone you aren’t or buy a business suit, but be your personal best and make me want to do everything I can to hire you. Some pros hire from emails or other unsolicited sources. Don’t give up on that, but remember that we get a lot of these and yours had better stand out and be followed up on and backed up with some sort of online portfolio.
Networking: Most of the pros that I heard back from hired people they knew, which sucks for you if you don’t know any pros. Oh, wait! Forums such as the Digital Wedding Forum were created to provide just such networking opportunities. You can also find local groups or just start one yourself. My local networking started at a vendor mixer given by a local bridal publication which is open to all wedding vendors whether they advertise or not, and look at me now! I’m a D list photo celebrity! I found an intern at a birthday party. Every one you know should know that you are looking to network with other photographers.
Help Wanted Ads: Forums also have areas set up just to put people together. If you want to work then check out the help wanted section of a forum, and place a notice that you are available. Pros will not just assume that you want to second shoot, you have to tell them that you are open to it.
Check out my thread for members How are you finding your help? and if you aren’t a member get a trial membership and start networking.
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4 Comments at "Where Do the Pros Find Help?"
Hi,
I read your article with interest!
In a previous life I used to work in the music radio business, as a presenter/jock/DJ and as a manager. So I have been the sender and recipient of letters (Yes there was a time before emails) and demos asking for a lucky break. And, yes, very few replied.
However, when I got to be the manager who hired and fired, I made a point of answering all correspondence that came my way. Not out of sympathy of being there before. Nor was it because of my being super efficient in a very busy job (Actually I wasn’t that efficient). The simple truth is that, if you look carefully, you could find some great raw talent out there. In photography that means, with a bit of coaching, they can help you create more great images for your client.
It’s a win win!
A photographer should never be too busy for that.
Darren.
UK based wedding and portrait photographer.
The problem is this….with this economy so bad, why train the competition ? I have been in the business for over 20 years and have mentored and trained just the type of aspiring photographer that you are talking about. ALL of them left me once they felt they had enough knowledge and training to go out on their own, leaving me high and dry having to find and train someone else AGAIN. So I stopped hiring them.
They then became MY competition in my own town.
Forget about all the “up your game man” etc…..that’s bullshit. I never apprenticed, went to school, practiced and practiced, taking free gigs until I achieved a level where I could sell my art.
Today’s wannabes want it all schlepped into their laps without doing any hard work.
It’s as simple as that.
Hi there George,
I find it very sad that you see the whole thing this way – if you have over 20 years of experience as you state, you should most definitely be ahead of all the assistants you have trained. Experience is the most valuable thing you can have and you will forever be at least 20 years ahead of anybody who is starting out now. If you are not – I guess then there is something wrong in the picture. I truly believe that there is enough out there for all of us who are in it for the right reasons and always do our best and try to exceed our clients’ expectation and challenge ourselves to do more.
Starter-uppers who want it all schlepped into their laps will not have the attitude it takes to make it out there in the long run anyway so as a professional with over 2 decades of experience you really don’t need to worry about them, not so? And again – if even those guys are your competition you are doing something wrong, not them. And if that is the case, maybe you should not train anybody anyway…
Maybe I’m not looking in the right places, but I have a terrible time finding talented second shooters. when I find ones with some reasonable amount of talent and no equipment they are very righteous about how much money they get to be there with me. they want $300 for the day here in Calgary because they graduated with a degree. however, they should be paying me because I am having to share my equipment throughout the day and tell them to take initiative because they’re standing around looking bored.
Where do I find good second shooters?
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