A Great Assistant ...

I have been spurred to write this post by 2 things ... the first was a list I got sent on the requirements of a good wedding photography assistant, the second was a photo that landed in my inbox this morning, but more on that later ...

As many of my current clients know, I usually have an assistant with me on the day ... these may be people who want to go out and learn something to improve their "hobby" skills, or it may be someone out of my area who is looking to start their own photography business and wants to shadow me to see how it is done. I have 2 regular assistants who you have either seen or read about on here, Paul and Delphine, both of whom I trust on the day to help me get the job done smoothly and professionally. Thanks guys :)

So, here are a few requirements for a great assistant ...

- they know where I am at all times and don't get in my way or in the way of the shot

- they don't panic when the going gets stressful

- they don't mind being my cart horse or servant for the day (meant in the nicest possible way !)

- they know my kit bag as well as I do and can pre-empt what lens and camera body I might need next

- they let me know how many shots are left in my camera when they hand me it and know when to swap the cards out, filing the filled cards correctly and safely

- they are fabulouos people-herders when it comes to the formal shots and work well with the bridal party to get it all together

- they know how to hold a video light or flashgun off-camera - they are my human lightstands :)

In a nutshell, this is a very close-knit relationship on the day, we work well together and, because we have similar personalities, we all get along with my clients, something that is extremely important to me as this goes a long way to helping me produce great images on the day !

OK, the photo, then ... I have to admit that since I started my own business I have loved being the photographer, being the person who records the story unfolding on the day ... I used to assist and second shoot, years ago now, but have not done it for a while ... until, that is, Peter Prior (remember the Eastbourne blog post?) asked if I wanted to tagalong to a wedding he was shooting at one of my favourite, local venues, Sandon Hall. I was free (it was a Friday) and so I said yes !

I think I will stick to shooting from now on ... I was pretty bored (sorry, Peter) and I think this photo Peter sent me says it all ... I would have been stuffed without that iPhone :)