Do you know how to load a roll of film?
Work a light meter?
Edit slides on a light table?
Scan film?
Color correct scans?
Track a photo inventory?
Submit photos to clients?
Work with a stock agency?
Make prints?
Pack a camera bag?
Ship equipment?
Set up lights?
Scout a location?
Drive on the left side of the road?
Order food in French?
Clean a digital sensor?
Work in Photoshop?
Create a workflow?
Edit a Portfolio?
Build a creative brief?
Create a composite image?
Shoot from a helicopter?
Work 30 days straight (with a hangover)?
Use a prototype camera?
Shoot and edit video?
Manage a huge equipment inventory?
Develop filters for a photo app?
Layout a book?
Film a TV show?
Write a magazine article?
Build a community?
Hang an art installation?
Survive in Manhattan?
Film a Live broadcast?
Write a blog post?
I didn’t. When I started working in photography as Chase’s assistant, I was a blank slate. I like to think I still am. Many of these skills have become obsolete. Others did not even exist when I started. Knowing how to do everything is not the goal. Knowing that you can learn is everything.
great example of humility…thanks!
One thing left off the list… did you know how to photograph! Remember, no one should strive to be the “best” assistant, and no photographer should strive to have the “best” assistant. That means you have forgot about what you are actually learning, to be a photographer. Too many assistants get caught in the world of assisting, and loose their aspiration of being the one behind the camera.
Yep I agree. I have been an assistant in different trades and industries and I FINALLY got out of that trap. I can say though that being an assistant can teach you how to interact with clients, how to set up your own accounting books, how to select the people you want to work with, how to set your rates, what kinds of legal advice is actually needed from a lawyer, how to invoice, how NOT to manage your business, how NOT to treat your assistant, etc. Not to mention the the mentoring alone, which sometimes makes the rate at which you get paid less or more depending on your boss.
But uh, there comes a time when you notice you are starting to pissing your life away– always assisting others’ in their dreams and never your own. They probably have some kind of mythical Greek story for that.
I guess everyone is different. I am not saying this applies to Scott. I am saying that I agree with Jesse — some people get caught up in this whole assisting thing for whatever reason.
Always remember your own dreams.
it’s so,,,”me”, always believed that i can learn….
the question is… how the heck did you get this job and what can I do to do something similar:-)) I can do many of the stuff you lested there;)