There are many ways to learn about photography. My recommendation is to try them all and learn from each one. These are some ways to get to see a pro work and learn from them.
Shadow
When you ask a photographer if you can shadow them or they offer you need to understand etiquette of the role. You are there to observe. Your role is not to be shooting, because when you ae shooting you are no longer observing.
You may help a photographer by asking if you can carry anything. You can also help by letting them know if a flash isn't working, but whenever you do this you need to do so discretely. I would whisper rather than pointing this out in front of a client.
In general you are to stay out of the way and take this time to watch how the photographer works. It is best if you schedule time later to ask the photographer questions rather than during the photo shoot. Carry a small notepad and write down questions you have that you can go over at a later time.
A photographer has a great deal on their mind and many responsibilities when they are working. Respect their role and when you offer help pay close attention to if just the offer of helping is being a nuisance.
Photo Assistant
A good photo assistant anticipates the needs of the photographer. There are many people in the industry who would prefer this role over being the photographer.
The primary role of the photo assistant is to lighten the load of the photographer. Photo assistants do not shoot. They help by being a Sherpa, extra set of eyes, runner, and anything else the photographer needs during a photo shoot.
The assistant is primarily responsible for all the equipment. They need to unpack and repack the camera bags, lighting kits, cables, computers and everything needed for the photo assignment.
Photo assistants helping in getting model releases on many jobs.
Photo assistants role is to tell the photographer when something is not working. A flash can fail and the assistant must tell the photographer.
Second Shooter
A second shooter often serves as a photo assistant who shoots photos.
Second shooters generally do not own the copyright to the photos. You will see second shooters used in weddings and events primarily.
The second shooter compliments the photographer. Most of the time you are not shooting the same things, but sometimes on very critical shots the photographer may ask the second shooter to shoot the exact same shot because this will serve as an emergency backup.
Second photographers never hand out their business cards or talk to the photographers client about doing work on the side. This is not just wrong if this is discovered you are doing this you may be blackballed in the industry.
If a client asks you directly, always reply that if they need help in the future to contact the photographer and he/she can reach you.
Assistant
You can also just be a general assistant. The major difference between the photo assistant is most assistants do not know photography well enough to do this role. However, a good assistant can be just as valuable to a photographer.
Like a good host you make sure the client is comfortable and the photographer is serviced as well. You may handle model releases, help get snacks or lunch for the crew. You may run errands like picking up props, picking up clients or talent.
I like to use assistants who just understand good hospitality. My favorite assistants can talk with a client to keep them from distracting me when I am trying to solve problems that arise. Great assistants are gifted in knowing when to jump in and when to stay out.
You may have gifts already that could make you valuable to a photographer. In any of these roles you will be able to observe and learn. Almost every successful photographer has done one if not all of these roles before they became a full time professional photographer.
Most all of my friends who are full time pros enjoy working with other professional photographers occassionally in one of these roles. The reason is simple, they like learning something new.
They learn how another photographer works and they learn about the other roles. I am a better photographer today because I have learned how to better work with my team. I am also sure that I could still do a better job and always like learning from other photographers.
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| I walked around for a while with Justin Veneman while he was shooting in Fort Worth, Texas. I enjoyed shadowing Justin. (Nikon D3S, ISO 12,800, f/5.6, 1/250, 28-300mm) |
When you ask a photographer if you can shadow them or they offer you need to understand etiquette of the role. You are there to observe. Your role is not to be shooting, because when you ae shooting you are no longer observing.
You may help a photographer by asking if you can carry anything. You can also help by letting them know if a flash isn't working, but whenever you do this you need to do so discretely. I would whisper rather than pointing this out in front of a client.
In general you are to stay out of the way and take this time to watch how the photographer works. It is best if you schedule time later to ask the photographer questions rather than during the photo shoot. Carry a small notepad and write down questions you have that you can go over at a later time.
A photographer has a great deal on their mind and many responsibilities when they are working. Respect their role and when you offer help pay close attention to if just the offer of helping is being a nuisance.
 |
| One of my good friends is Bill Bangham who likes to shoot with his Leica. He likes to be as invisible as possible when he shoots. (Nikon D3S, ISO 200, f/5.6, 1/640, 28-300mm) |
Photo Assistant
A good photo assistant anticipates the needs of the photographer. There are many people in the industry who would prefer this role over being the photographer.
The primary role of the photo assistant is to lighten the load of the photographer. Photo assistants do not shoot. They help by being a Sherpa, extra set of eyes, runner, and anything else the photographer needs during a photo shoot.
The assistant is primarily responsible for all the equipment. They need to unpack and repack the camera bags, lighting kits, cables, computers and everything needed for the photo assignment.
Photo assistants helping in getting model releases on many jobs.
Photo assistants role is to tell the photographer when something is not working. A flash can fail and the assistant must tell the photographer.
 |
| Scott Kelby waits for a good moment during the cattle drive in the Fort Worth Stockyards. I think it is cool he is using the same camera and lens I like to use and after talking with Scott he had similar reason for choosing it. It gives a good range, so less changing of lenses and it is sharp. (Nikon D3S, ISO 200, f/5.6, 1/500, 28-300mm) |
Second Shooter
A second shooter often serves as a photo assistant who shoots photos.
Second shooters generally do not own the copyright to the photos. You will see second shooters used in weddings and events primarily.
The second shooter compliments the photographer. Most of the time you are not shooting the same things, but sometimes on very critical shots the photographer may ask the second shooter to shoot the exact same shot because this will serve as an emergency backup.
Second photographers never hand out their business cards or talk to the photographers client about doing work on the side. This is not just wrong if this is discovered you are doing this you may be blackballed in the industry.
If a client asks you directly, always reply that if they need help in the future to contact the photographer and he/she can reach you.
 |
| A student gets Scott Kelby to review his work at the Southwestern Photojournalism Conference. This is another great way to learn. Show your wok and get it critiqued. (Nikon D3S, ISO 12,800, f/5.6, 1/250, 28-300mm) |
Assistant
You can also just be a general assistant. The major difference between the photo assistant is most assistants do not know photography well enough to do this role. However, a good assistant can be just as valuable to a photographer.
Like a good host you make sure the client is comfortable and the photographer is serviced as well. You may handle model releases, help get snacks or lunch for the crew. You may run errands like picking up props, picking up clients or talent.
I like to use assistants who just understand good hospitality. My favorite assistants can talk with a client to keep them from distracting me when I am trying to solve problems that arise. Great assistants are gifted in knowing when to jump in and when to stay out.
You may have gifts already that could make you valuable to a photographer. In any of these roles you will be able to observe and learn. Almost every successful photographer has done one if not all of these roles before they became a full time professional photographer.
 |
| After watching my friend Jim Veneman pull out his Nikon Coolpix P7000 and get some shots, I had to get one myself. (Nikon D3S, ISO 200, f/5.6, 1/1250, 28-300mm) |
Most all of my friends who are full time pros enjoy working with other professional photographers occassionally in one of these roles. The reason is simple, they like learning something new.
They learn how another photographer works and they learn about the other roles. I am a better photographer today because I have learned how to better work with my team. I am also sure that I could still do a better job and always like learning from other photographers.
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