Trading up to wedding assistant...

So I've been working with a company out of Northboro, MA called Captive Images

since April now, with whom I will continue to stay. It's youth sports field

photography, as I have an affinity for working with children (and their parents).

 

It's an ideal entry-level job if you'll ask me. It's a moonlight gig, I trained

as a graphic designer but have switched to carpentry, favoring the tangible.

Photography is a skill on which I'm banking as I'm in apprentice mode for the

coming years. At this point I'd like to get a feel for ass't weddings. I'm

getting in touch with some old photo professors and co-workers, but I want to

hear from you guys the stories of how much prior experience you had, how you

found yourself climbing that ladder, et c. I've already read the various levels

of pay for assistants, it seems to vary, and the figures sound reasonable for a

young guy like me with a day job.

 

I have a car, I'm strong, and I clean up pretty well, but I don't have my own

pro equipment. Does the lack of gear really hinder my search at this level?

 

THX

 

MRP

Matthew,

 

I would like to know what equipment you do have before I chime in. Shooting weddings differ from shooting sports.

 

George

Most photographers will require you to have your own professional gear set. At least 2 SLR bodies, 2-3 lenses, 2 flashes, etc. It's a very worthwhile investment, though.

 

:o)

So yeah George, no gear whatsoever. My other company provides. And rachel, Given that I've never been anywhere near a camera at a wedding, should I really be taking that plunge? I'm an apprentice carpenter by day, I'm not about to buy a truck.

 

THX,

 

MRP

Matthew,

I would like to be a carpenter, but I don't have so much as a pencil. Can I apprentice with a major contractor and bring zilch to the job? Won't he just snatch me up before the next guy who's got, I don't know, at least a toolbox worth of gear??? Awww, why not?

"no gear whatsoever"

 

I think that hurts you in a couple of ways.

 

While I have provided gear to 2nd shooters before, I would expect someone who cares about photography to have some sort of SLR or DSLR of their own. It wouldn't have to be 'pro', though it would help. That would also tell me that they can work the gear I have or what I might need to teach them.

 

What sort of portfolio can you have if you don't have your own gear? And how would you plan on keeping future shots taken with somebody else's gear?

I agree with Grant. If this is really something you want to pursue, you need to "take the plunge" and at least rent some equipment until you figure it out.