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.
Absolutely true!
The dude I assisted for when I was in college was not kind. I was forced to have cocktails nightly and the hungover days were a necessary sedative. I cried to my mom once about how tough it was – she said, “just pretend he’s Annie L & soak it all up & when your ready, blaze your own trail”. Best momma advice ever. Soak it in regardless of the job title you hold today because there’s new stuff that’s happening tomorrow.
“Work 30 days straight (with a hangover)?”
LOL, was that a 1 day hangover, or a hangover every day for 30 days? If the latter, I want a job with you guys!
Just kidding 🙂
I’m guessing he meant 30 hours straight.
As to whether that suspected typo was contributed to by said hangover or not, I refuse to speculate…
🙂
Great piece. Attitude (the right kind) is so important. As is keeping confidence as you try and convince people who are looking for those with skills in hand that you can learn!
Can I have a job then