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Position:Home>Visual Arts> Shadowing a professional wedding photographer?Question: Shadowing a professional wedding photographer!? Do I need a degree first or can I just walk in and say "Hey, I wanna help you!" LOL
I'm interested in starting a wedding photography business (in a few years of course) and everyone keeps telling me the first step is to assist a professional!. How do I do that!? And do I need a 4 year degree to even walk in the door!? Thanks!Www@QuestionHome@Com Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: You don't need the degree!. Your portfolio will speak for you!. They're going to want to see what you can do!. Not every photographer will be open to the idea of an assistant but there are some that are!. You may want to call around and let them know that you're interested in assistant or being a second shooter to learn the trade!. Let them know that you won't be in the way and will be there to observe!. If they choose you and like you then you might get more chances to work with them!. Over time you will learn how things work and what certain techniques are and how to operate when you go out on your own!. You can also start by shooting someone's birthday party or a friend's wedding or something like that to get some experience!.Www@QuestionHome@Com I don't think you really need formal training to apply for a job as an assistant to a professional photographer!. As long as you know how to handle a camera (SLR or DSLR preferably) and utilize most of the functions on a camera that would be helpful!. But as an assistant, you probably wouldn't be taking pictures right away!.!.!.you'll be carrying his/her bags, setting up the photoshoot backgrounds, carrying the external light sources, holding the reflective shield, etc!.!.!. The whole purpose of training under a pro is so you can ask questions and pick up techniques to get the desired photo effects!. You can take some classes to get more familiar with shooting in different conditions and to familiarize yourself with all the photography jargon so you won't look like a total newbie when you apply for the job!. The photo shop where I live gives lessons on different topics every week!. When I graduate to a DSLR, I'll probably take some courses or just experiment on my own!.Www@QuestionHome@Com You do not need a degree to do that!. I would call a photographer and ask him if he would mind having you "shadow" him for a couple shoots to see what it is like!. If he says no, find another photographer!. Once you find the one who will allow you to do this, make sure you are on time if not early and while shadowing, try to help him/her with carrying equipment, setting up, and breaking down!. It will really show your dedication and he/she may want to see your work and hire you to help on big weddings/events!. You can learn the business and get paid for doing something that you enjoy (I hope that is correct!?)!. It is a great idea to learn about the business, good luck!.Www@QuestionHome@Com Of course you don't need a degree!. A strong portfolio is what will get you the jobs anyhow!. Some formal training in photography is needed though because you can't expect to be a professional by just picking up a camera one day!. I starting my photography business while I was still in high school and gained a lot of experience by going shoots with my mentor!.Www@QuestionHome@Com No degree needed, just a high level of interest and willingness to work!. You have chosen the perfect way to start in the profession! The experience you will get will go a long way in telling you what type of education and further training you will need to succeed!Www@QuestionHome@Com You don't need a college degree to be a wedding photographer!. Just call some studios, and ask if there are any opportunities to assist!. Offer to do it for free!.Www@QuestionHome@Com Hey Sappy I shoot professional models and have my own magazine!. YOu don't need degrees and whatever to be called a Pro!. If that would be so, all the singers that are making millions have no degree and some have diapers!. What you need is a good eye, creativity, able to manipulate software for editing; you need a good eye for composition but , like I siad, you can always re-edit and crop them professionally before printing them!. Forget assisting photographers!. you might have better ideas than the pro himself or herself!. Go for it and open your business!. I started photo shooting even without experience but loved the art!. NObody has to know and you don't have to walk with a sticker on your forehead stating that you are a newbie!. Get it!.Www@QuestionHome@Com |