It’s been about 9 months since I began my first assistant program, and as this summer arrives, they’ve become trusted friends, amazing photographers, but many are also leaving Boston or moving on to bigger and better things on their own! Before the program ends in August, I want to acknowledge each and everyone of them: Christina, Emily, Joyce, Karman, Mandy, Maria, and Nithya. You guys rock, and thank you for being along for the ride.
Why make it formal?
Most photographers in Boston, should they be in need of assistants or second shooters, can easily post an ad online and find someone. However, I know just how hard it can be to get any gigs and be heard when people ask for help, especially if you don’t come from a formal photography school background or haven’t made that personal connection with a photographer. I started this program to identify hidden gems and elevate them to their fullest potential. In addition, these people get first dibs on much of the overflow work I receive. Also, it’s just who I am! I formalize things because I think people will benefit from it. However, you’re really going to become my friend, not some lackey, I provide a lot in return. I don’t think there are many industry secrets, and I’m a believer in providing open information to those who would take it and do something really positive with it.
Who is the assistant program for?
If you are an aspiring photographer who might consider entering wedding photography part- or full-time in the next two years, and you already have some experience in lifestyle photography and want to take the often-scary step to get into weddings, I’m looking for you! You cannot have shot more than two weddings where you were considered the primary photographer. Unfortunately this coming year the program will be much more limited, but, for the lucky few who will get to work with me, I think it will be worthwhile as we will be starting in summer of 2010 and having frequent interaction online!
What is expected?
The second year of the assistant program will be much more formalized than the first, but the time commitment is expected to be less as I’m only around for the summer. As an assistant, you will start out assisting on some of the weekday lifestyle sessions I have this summer. You will often be allowed to take photos to add to your portfolio when it’s unobtrusive, but they cannot be sold or published outside of your own domain, and you must always make it clear when a shoot was directed by me. In addition, you’re expected to actively support the missions and goals of Shang Chen Photography. Starting in the 2011 season (~May – October), you will be expected to be able to function as a paid second shooter. You will get regular tips from me that address both the business and art side of wedding photography, and critiques, things you otherwise would have to pay someone in a workshop to teach you or go to school for. You will receive exposure on my blog and referrals for overflow work. You will likely be able to assist on anywhere between 3 – 5 weddings depending on my bookings. By the end of the 2011 season you will have completed the program and should be able to launch your own business! You’re also expected to start investing real money – this is not for an “amateur hobbyist”, this is really for someone who wants this on a professional level (part-time or full-time). The only thing you will not be able to receive from me are my post-processing techniques. Otherwise, I’m pretty open with what I have and I will often direct you to the same resources I’ve used myself.
What kind of an assistant are you looking for?
It is highly preferred that you have a similar work ethic and approach to photography as I do, I’m known to be rather intense, I expect the utmost professionalism. You are involved in social media, you blog or plan to be blogging regularly, you are present and active on Facebook and Twitter. You should know how to change the look of a photograph by controlling aperture, shutter speed, or ISO, and you should have done at minimal some portrait work. Understanding of how to use on-camera flash is a plus, but not required. Your style is modern and personal and should have elements that are either similar or complement mine – your portfolio matters. You may hold a full-time job but it is expected that you can make Saturday commitments months in advance and not back out at the last minute – I do not tolerate flakiness and a cancellation on a wedding with very little notice and a poor excuse will result in immediate dismissal from the program. You are very responsible and you love email and you normally reply to emails in a timely (<48 hr) manner.
How many assistants are you looking for?
Two in Boston and possibly one in Chicago (pending how bookings work out). You will have a soft start with me in July / August 2010, I will expect you to be available between May and October 2011. The Chicago assistant you will be spending time with me from September 2010 to June of 2011.
Application Qualifications
- Post-college women and men who desire to enter the wedding photography business. No college students, with the one exception being photography majors
- Has not photographed more than two weddings as the primary photographer (exceptions may be considered)
- Has had portrait experience and intermediate understanding of digital photography
- Must own a DSLR and at least one prime lens (or plan on getting one)
- Involved in social media (blog, Facebook, and Twitter)
- Must plan on residing within Boston metropolitan area until October 2011 (for the Boston position)
- Must have a valid driver’s license and am comfortable driving various cars
Submission Guidelines
- Please send an email to shang[at]shangchenphoto.com with your full name, background on your experience with photography, and link to an online portfolio with 10 – 15 of your best images (or if it’s not online, I’ll provide instructions for sending it to me), how you found out about this opportunity, by noon eastern time on Sunday, June 20th, 2010. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and I may close this early if I have fulfilled what I’m looking for
- You may be asked to provide answers to a more detailed questionnaire or meet me for an interview. Not all people will be interviewed
by Shang
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