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 post!
Everyone starts out at this point, but the ones who get ahead take the initiative to start learning before they are asked.
Thank you guys for the constant encouragement.
Chase must have been a blank slate too, because I don’t know a single professional photographer that would hire a fulltime assistant with absolutely no experience.
Minotaur,
I was not initially hired as a full time assistant. I started as a glorified sherpa on a single day shoot. My development and Chase’s investment in it was an organic process that only resulted in full time employment once I had made very clear that I was qualified with skills I had gained and the work ethic to continue to advance my contribution.
Very simple and inspirational words for a current photo-art-school student.
Learn learn learn learn.