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.
A likeable and mesh-able personality, coupled to a fearless addiction to near lethal, self administered doses of education-under-fire is a tough combination to beat in any game.
Are there any books or websites you can recommend to begin learning some of the stuff you listed?
Yes done most of it’s called running my own business there is a few others you’ve missed as well LOL
Seriously though anyone who does not know AT LEAST half of that list needs to get there $!** together. Nice post Scott
I really enjoy your posts. Always learn something or walk away with inspiration. Really put your ‘photo editing’ approach to use. Quick q if you can : I’m a a photog newbie using the equipment I have (pentax kx w/a 35mm ) to do interior lifestyle shots for designers, working out fine. But have a new gig for a landscape desginer (outdoors) – since you guys do only outdoor stuff – you have any tips? and I mean ANY? Little nervous about shooting outdoor nature for my first professional time. Thanks and look forward to learning more from you.
Naomi,
Happy to help. Maybe you can help me by refining your question a bit. The tricks to shooting outside vary immensely depending on the job and the environment in which you’re working. What type of shots are you trying to make, and in what sort of place and conditions will you be working?
Thanks for following up. Super appreciate it. I’ll be shooting the grounds she landscaped for Quicksilver, Inc Headquarters (huntingbeach, CA) – stuff she can use on her website and promo material. Hope this doesn’t sound cheezy, but shots that look: martha stewart-ey + travel leisure-ey with a bit of urban outfitters thrown in for edge. Hope that made you laugh. Thanks again!
oops… sorry i forgot my info in the anonymous reply.. that was me
Naomi,
The biggest trick about shooting outdoor locations is that they change drastically with the changing of the natural light. To put it in an equation: composition + good light = a nice location shot. Your biggest ally is often a thorough scouting of the location. You don’t need the light to determine the best composition. Go there in the middle of the day in any old weather and line up some angles that you like. Far, medium, close. Then take those compositions and combine them with what you know about the natural elements. For instance, some angles will look way better in twilight with the lights from the building making a nice glow. Others will be best with a soft backlight at sunrise or sunset. From these combined pieces of information, make a plan to come back and shoot the great light early, late and perhaps after sunset. You’ll then know where to put your camera at each of these times and you’re all set up to make great pictures. Good luck!
Scott, Gotcha! Going to do just that. You rock. Thank you….
Nice Scott. We’re looking for a new studio assistant right now, and that pretty much sums up our search. We don’t care if they already have the skills, as long as they have the aptitude. Congrats on your success, it sounds like working with CJ and the crew has been a gratifying experience.