Assisting

If you have never assisted a

wedding photographer before
or you have and you were never
given any guidelines, or you
need to hire an assistant and
do not know where to start,
here is something you MUST
read. If you are a pro and would
like to add something please
make a comment. Every shooter
is different so these are MY
guidelines for my assistants.
Be the best assistant you can
be so you can turn into the best
wedding photographer you can be!

What to Wear

• Look professional
• All black (no faded black)
• Best outfit: Black button up tailored shirt with black slacks
• Black rubber soled shoes, think comfy and quiet (NO SANDALS OR OPEN TOED SHOES)
• No nickers or sleeveless tops
• No jewelry
• Hair tied back if it is long (think wind and hair flying in the frame)
• No perfume or cologne (definitely wear deodorant AND antiperspirant)

What to Bring

• Camera with extra battery (make sure your sensor is cleaned and batteries are charged)
• Flash unit with at least 12 AA batteries (it is a good idea to buy rechargeable batteries and bring the charger with you.)
• 2-4 CF cards (4 gig is best at this point unless the lead shooter tells you otherwise.)
• Cooler in car with two water bottles.
• Black sweater or coat.

Your Responsibilities

• Check that your camera’s date and time stamp are correct.
• Format all CF cards
• Preform basic camera settings check (ISO, Exposure, Shoot Mode, etc.)
• Shoot in RAW Mode
• Never delete ANY image while shooting. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. It helps the lead shooter know that all images were downloaded correctly by doing a quick frist/last number check and comparing it to the total number of images you gave them.
  

Wedding Day Etiquette

• Always introduce yourself as the assistant.
• Never eat hors d'oeuvres, even when asked if you would like one.
• Never take an alcoholic drink from a server, even when asked if you would like one.
• When you need to take a break or get a drink, let the lead shooter know and do so out of the sight of guests.
• Eat dinner when & where the lead tells you (let them know prior to the event if you are a vegetarian, vegan, or have any unusual dietary needs.)
• Client/guest interaction is okay in VERY small and short amounts.
• Never have a lengthy conversation with anyone.
• Take the shot and move on. Try not to chimp. If you are having issues, remove yourself from the sight of guests and figure out the problem. DO NOT stand in the middle of the dance floor staring at your LCD screen.
• When shooting guest couple shots, always take two in case of blinking.
• Never show your expression if you are unhappy with the shot.
• If it is wrong say “Oh, you guys look GREAT! Let me take another one!”

Shooting Tip: Camera Mode for Night Time Reception Shots in Dim Conditions (MUST USE FLASH UNIT)

• ISO 100
• Mode set to Manual
• f/8 at 1/8 sec. to 1/30 sec.
• Flash set to ETTL +2/3
• Omni Bounce on and flash head cocked to 45 degree angle
• Be at a distance of 3 to 6 feet from guests. This means you must get in the action.

NOTE: All shots are owned by the company you are working for. Check with the owner to see what usage rights, if any, you have.


IMPORTANT: ALWAYS STAY OUT OF THE LEAD SHOOTER’S FRAME WHEN SHOOTING. DO NOT STAND DIRECTLY OPPOSING THEM. ALWAYS STAND TO THE SIDE AND SHOOT SO YOU DO NOT GET IN THEIR FRAME. IF YOU SEE THEM IN YOUR FRAME THEN THEY CAN SEE YOU IN THEIRS. MOVE AWAY WITHOUT CAUSING ATTENTION TO YOURSELF. IN OTHER WORDS, DON’T DUCK, JUST MOVE AT A NORMAL PACE.

Click Here to Learn More Photography Tips and Tricks
To see more of Jen's wedding work go to http://www.jenosullivan.com