For the past 7-8 years I have been assisting a handful of photographers relatively consistently. This is where I have gotten the majority of my on set experience (minus the 4 years of schooling assisting friends and profs). And if you have no idea where to start, what to do, or are feeling lost in your journey and struggling to figure out what direction you want to go in, assisting is what I would recommend!
My typical jobs during assisting are as follows; holding reflectors, controlling lighting (meaning moving it around and knowing where it needs to be for the photographer to get their desired outcome) assisting in picking outfits, background changes, BTS, small fixes to clients clothing and hair while posing, moving furniture and so much more. It is also so helpful to be familiar with all of the gear that the photographer uses as well as their preferred settings. If they always shoot with a 50mm lens at 1.2 aperture, what are their ISO and shutter speeds like and what power does the light need to be at to get the final image.
It sounds like a lot to memorize (and it is) but there will come a time where you don't even know how you have all of that information in your head. If any of you know me you know I am a very forgetful person, but when working a switch flips and suddenly I'm an encyclopaedia of information. It just happens. It takes a lot of focus and a lot of care but in the end you are going to be the assistant that everyone wants. The assistant that is dedicated, and loyal, and caring, and attentive. Sometimes you'll sit around and not do much, the light is set, the photographer is set, the clients are set and you aren't needed for a while. In that time PAY ATTENTION. To the client, the photographer, the lighting, posing, settings etc. It will help you. You will learn so much from just being there. Be a sponge and absorb everything around you.
See you soon!
xoxo Abi
