Photographers expectations of an assistant will vary somewhat based on the scale of the shoot. I think the basic expectations from a technical standpoint at the scale you’ve mentioned would be
• digitech (managing files on a computer if shooting tethered. Marking good shots etc. capture one is the industry standard software)
• facilitating lens changes/battery swaps (so worth understanding some basics about camera gear like lens focal lengths. The photographer will most likely say “can you grab me the fifty?” And you need to know how to identify the 50mm lens quickly.
• moving lighting based on direction from photographer (look up how to safely set up a C stand and add sand bags, and how to safely reposition them)
Beyond the technical bits each photographer is different, I personally love creative input and suggestions from my assistants to a degree, but some photographers may not like that. Thats where you figure out how that photographer likes to work. If in doubt, ask!
There’s also a chance this photographer may need more help in the admin side of their businesses and may be expecting you to help with some bookkeeping, organising shoots, client emails and file delivery etc.
Key thing for assistants on set: NEVER guess. If you’re unsure, then ask. Especially when it comes to lights on stands near the public and newborns!
Photographers expectations of an assistant will vary somewhat based on the scale of the shoot. I think the basic expectations from a technical standpoint at the scale you’ve mentioned would be
• digitech (managing files on a computer if shooting tethered. Marking good shots etc. capture one is the industry standard software) • facilitating lens changes/battery swaps (so worth understanding some basics about camera gear like lens focal lengths. The photographer will most likely say “can you grab me the fifty?” And you need to know how to identify the 50mm lens quickly. • moving lighting based on direction from photographer (look up how to safely set up a C stand and add sand bags, and how to safely reposition them)
Beyond the technical bits each photographer is different, I personally love creative input and suggestions from my assistants to a degree, but some photographers may not like that. Thats where you figure out how that photographer likes to work. If in doubt, ask!
There’s also a chance this photographer may need more help in the admin side of their businesses and may be expecting you to help with some bookkeeping, organising shoots, client emails and file delivery etc.
Key thing for assistants on set: NEVER guess. If you’re unsure, then ask. Especially when it comes to lights on stands near the public and newborns!