Ok, on with our list of what every photography student should have! As with most creative careers, sometimes you have to assist or intern in the field you want to be in. There’s so much competition that it’s really hard to make money right off the ground.

Don’t let that discourage you though. Most internships or assistant positions can later turn into job offers. Best of all, if it’s a good internship, you will learn a TON of great techniques and information on how to conduct yourself as a professional.

There are so many ways to start assisting or interning. You could start at Craigslist to see what’s available. I wouldn’t underestimate how great of a tool Craigslist can be. I’ve found a lot of great things on there, it’s a great resource.

One website I particularly like is Workbook. You can search for professional photographers, see what type of work they do, and even contact them via e-mail or phone.

Most people have busy schedules, but don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and call a list of photographers you’d like to work with.

They may not be able to speak to you on the first call, but the more you make yourself familiar with them via e-mail or phone, they will surely remember you and may have you assist on a shoot or two.

Also, don’t let any rude photographers discourage you. Some are very busy, and you may have simply called at the wrong time. Make sure to stay professional, and call another time, or move on to the rest of your list of photographers to call.

Once you are offered an assistant position, it’s time to be on your p’s and q’s. Make sure to listen to everything the photographer tells you, and keep your eyes open to absorb as much as you can. Remember, you’re helping them as much as they’re helping you.

Be alert and ask questions. The worst thing would be putting some type of equipment together the wrong way, and having it fall over and break. Or even worse, fall on someone and hurt them.

Just be sure to help the photographer with whatever they may need. They’ll be very thankful for it, and you will have a better chance of assisting on future shoots.

One of the very first internships I got was sort of random. I was on a set of a music video, and as I did a few more music videos not long after, I kept seeing still photographers on set. So I became more curious about how production companies go about hiring photographers.

I started introducing myself to the directors and producers and inquired about getting hired. I gave them my business card and it sparked a new avenue of photography that I never really knew existed.

After doing film work, music videos, TV shows, etc etc, I became more familiar with the different departments and how they all worked together to produce something amazing. Much like a photo shoot, where you have the photographer, assistants, makeup artists, etc.

I eventually started contacting producers and directors directly, and in due time, got my first internship! I was shooting stills for a reality show. When it goes on air, I’ll put the link in this post, I believe their website is being put together right now.

It was a great experience and I met a lot of great people. This is where your networking skills come back into play. You have to reach out to people for them to know you’re there!:) Don’t be afraid to take that risk, because you never know what could happen.

After that one internship, I was able to add it to my resume and qualify for paid work, because producers would see that I had some experience. So pro bono work is not always a bad thing, it can help you more than you expect!

Below is a link to the last production set I was on. I did the stills for an Indie Film. The crew was an incredible pleasure to work with, and after doing great work for them, they’ve invited me to work with them on future projects!

Check out the stills from the movie here: Moon Lake Casino Shoot

So go and get that internship and start assisting. You’ll see a big difference in your work, just from watching and learning from someone who may know a little more about the industry. Trust me, it will pay off!! Leave a comment and tell me about your results! I’m looking forward to your growth!

P.S. The last shoot I had an opportunity to work on, was with a very talented Young Photopreneur named Kevin Michael Schmitz. Thought you might enjoy some of the video footage I took, it may inspire you!

It inspired me!

It was for a fashion line called Cleobella.

We shot at the Long Beach Airpot and it was and it was a thrilling experience!

Check it out here! Or just watch it below! Enjoy:)

Now let’s talk about how easy it is to gain new prospective clients and people happy to refer business your way, within the small window of riding in an elevator.