Getting a Landscape/Portrait Photography job

[SunderlandPhotography]

Where can I find photographers who are looking for assistants?

I have joined photoassist.co.uk and 'vivastreet' but I've had no replies.

I would love to work alongside a professional photographer so that I can learn all aspects of landscape photography and pick up some tips on how to shoot in Manual all the time and not go back to semi-manual.

I have also mentioned that I wouldn't mind starting to learn portrait photography.

Are there any websites where I could join?

[JonnyM]

I don't know of any websites other than the ones you mention; oh there is this: http://www.photographers.co.uk.

13 years ago I wanted to assist television cameramen in the region I lived. I found out where they were based (this was through the 'Eastern Screen Handbook' at the time, now on-line) and wrote them a letter. Out of about 20 cameramen most of them responded favourably and I got assisting work from 2 which eventually became paid. Contact individual photographers and ask them to do work experience or 'shadowing' for a few days. You may find that there aren't any landscape photographers in your area so be prepared to travel and give up some free time.

How about contacting the local paper, their photographers could be freelance and do other work as well as photojournalism? There are a few photographers and studios near where I live which I didn't know existed till I did some research.

Good luck.

[GeoffWessex]

Maybe I'm totally wrong here but I don't think there's enough money in Landscape Photography to make it worth a photographer taking on an assistant....... and what would the assistant do anyway? Clear all the litter? Brush the cows and sheep? Trim a hedge?

Portrait photography - in most cases - doesn't make a lot of money either, so not many photographers will shell out for an assistant unless they're already in the top bracket - and then they'd probably be looking for people with some formal photographic training - plus the make-up and hair stylists. Unless it's celebrity portraits, not many pro photographers can afford to have 'staff' - except maybe a spouse or relative.

[JonnyM]

I'm sure you're right Geoff that's why people do unpaid work experience, right or wrong. A good pro photographer will use and teach their assistants in the best way they can and give them a valuable learning experience. Forget about the money at this stage it's the experience you are earning.

[SunderlandPhotography]

I'm actually thinking that an assistant-type of job won't do me any favours. I need to be taking photos, whatever subject it is, and concentrate on getting better.

I'm actually thinking about going on a photography course, near where I live. I emailed him to ask what he suggests the best course would be, I have to get back to him tonight.

[JonnyM]

Originally Posted by SunderlandPhotography

I'm actually thinking that an assistant-type of job won't do me any favours. I need to be taking photos, whatever subject it is, and concentrate on getting better.

I'm actually thinking about going on a photography course, near where I live. I emailed him to ask what he suggests the best course would be, I have to get back to him tonight.

You need to decide if it's a career in photography you want to pursue or a hobby. If it's the former then assisting will be invaluable in addition to attending courses and, of course, taking and evaluating photographs.

[SunderlandPhotography]

I knew what I wanted to do whilst I was on holiday in Scotland last week. I want to pursue a career in Photography, both in Portraits and Landscapes.

I'm going on a course in July for landscapes, but there's a little about taking photos of people (which I haven't asked about yet)

[joolselliott]

As someone who is doing this on a full-time basis I can tell you now that it is very hard work doing this job.

Since the beginning of April my feet have hardly been at home. Now, that might sound great but it is very tiring indeed and there is also me being away from my family, which is not great but part of the job.

I was just reading the 33 things about pros o the front page of the site. The one response that hits the nail on the head is: Pros are out all the time taking photos. Then comes the response to it about what comes afterwards and this is the part people miss:

1) Processing those photos/ videos. I am currently around 750 or so photos behind in my processing. I also have about 50 or so videos that need working on.
2) Deciding where to put those photos. Placement in particular library is key. You have to know who will sell your photos and get you the best return for what it is you've shot.
3) One your library has been decided you then have to keyword and describe your images. Metadata is key to people finding your photo once in a library.
4) The admin work. I wanted to get away from this style of work but unfortunately you still have to do it. Paperwork, tax returns, chasing bills etc.
5) You soon get used to saying "weekend, what weekend?"
6) Nearly forgot. Deadlines! You get the call/ email to say can we have this yesterday. I do my utmost to meet, beat and nail any deadline given to me.

HOWEVER!

I wouldn't swap it for going back to some darkened, air-conditioned, clique office

You still want to do the job???

Jools

PS I recently took someone out as part of a magazine feature. The day started at 0430AM and finished at around 930PM. Breakfast was scarce, lunch fared better and forget about dinner!

[SunderlandPhotography]

After reading this I STILL want the job.

I hate having to drive 12 miles to the same boring town every week day. Its driving my crazy seeing the same old boring 'scenery' (if you can call it that) and the same boring people.

I NEED A CHANGE!!!

I need to do this for me as I love taking photos and I want to make something out of it.




I have a question about a lens. Is my 18-55mm kit lens ok for taking portraits or should I buy a different lens and start off fresh?

I'm wanting a lens so that I can take portraits as well as landscapes without having to swap the lens. THIS is my thread about this question

[joolselliott]

If I said to you that from 8th May to the 15th May I drove 2000 or so miles with a maximum of 5 hours sleep a day, are you still interested?

I do know what you mean about the day to day job. As I said though, you will find out that there are some aspects of a "boring" job that you can not escape.

With regards to your question about the 18-55mm. If you are deadly serious then I would suggest a good all rounder is the 24-70L lens. It has f2.8 for those portraits and goes wide enough at 24mm. This is ideally on a full frame camera to get the best benefit from it.

And speaking of full frame cameras, there are a few libraries out there that won't take you seriously unless you are using a full frame camera. Their clients demand quality and rightly so!

Keep asking and if I have time I'll happily post more