Tips for Being a Wedding Photographer’s Assistant

Today on the blog, my amazing assistant, Cherise, is sharing some tips! She is my lifeline behind-the-scenes when I’m out photographing weddings. I asked her to help me with this post to share a little bit about how to assist a professional photographer on the day of a wedding. She has the most experience with me and these tips are helpful for anyone interested in learning what it takes. Thanks for sharing your tips with us, Cherise!

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Hi, I’m Cherise Solomon and I’m Sam’s assistant for weddings, engagements shoots, and much more. Diving head first into assisting a professional wedding photographer, made me realize how much I needed to learn how to juggle, literally.

I capture the behind-the-scenes of Sam shooting, for her Instagram story, while holding a light stand, and making sure she gets the shot at the same time!

When it comes to being a photographer’s assistant, knowing key elements to do great on the job are essential. So here are 6 tips that I came up with to help you get started in the field of wedding photography as an assistant.

1. Know what’s expected of you on the job

Ask who/what you’ll be shooting, the locations, specific shots will help in the process of the shoot getting done smoothly. This also adds to better communication with the lead photographer, so you’re both on the same page for the shoot.

2. Be early on the job

Be professional, and the let the photographer know if you are running behind. The perks of being early are scoping out the location finding best places to shoot, not feeling rushed to help start or assist at the shoot and showing punctuality builds trust on your part.

3. Keep and eye on all the equipment

The lead photographer is busy, so an assistant should help by making sure everything is accounted for. Help out by carrying equipment to and from locations, taking good care of the equipment and making sure all gear is in the right bags.

At the wedding reception, find out from the wedding planner where the vendor table is or if there is a separate room to keep the equipment.

Having camera bags under a table is the best choice if the lead photographer needs to switch lenses quickly.

4. Suggest ideas when appropriate

If you see a light stand that could probably be better placed don’t feel afraid to speak up. Don’t hassle the photographer but be the person that the photographer can bounce ideas off of. You’re not the lead photographer, so make suggestions when you feel the time is right.

5. Be one step ahead

Be ready at all times. Pay attention to what might be needed next. Keep track of time, have the necessary equipment prepped and ready to go and pay attention to lighting changes.

Have a print out of the wedding day schedule to make sure the lead photographer is on time and to know when the ceremony starts and ends, how much time the lead photographer has for family and couple photos and what times are critical moments during the reception.

6. Bring a fanny pack and some snacks

Having a fanny pack makes running around and quickly storing car keys, lens caps and a print out of your wedding timeline much more accessible. Packing some snacks is also key to having energy throughout the day. You may find yourself eating as you go from location to location.