Assistant at weddings

[weekendwarrior]

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone uses an assistant when shooting weddings, I am thinking of hiring a student for a few hours at the ceremony and formals as I am thinking it would be helpful to hold reflectors and arrange bridal party.

Regards,
John

[mbrown]

I use assistants sometimes on my medium to high level weddings. However they are factored in for a decent wage, as they are all experienced assistants & second shooters, so they shoot as well.

[Photogenic]

Hi John

I think that hiring a student for a few hours would be a great idea. I am thinking of doing this for my location portrait sessions. So much easier to have an extra pair of hands to hold reflectors, gather required people for photos, fix veils / dresses, and not to mention carry equipment so you are not overloaded with everything.

I have done a few weddings but don't think I will continue with the wedding side of things (prefer portraits so will specialise in those) and really wished I had an extra set of hands while doing them.

I think for any location shoot it would be beneficial to have an assistant. And if it is just someone to do basics as you have suggested I don't think you need someone with a lot of experience so a student would be ideal.

Linda

[Charismatic]

I've been using an assistant for the last few months for my Weddings and Engagement shoots - Definitely worth it. I can't imagine doing a Wedding without one now. Just the little things help the day run so much smoother, even carrying the equipment - Holding reflectors, off-camera flash, the works... Hell, even running to get me a drink when I'm dying of heat (lol).

They don't really need experience - Although, having someone who is interested in the field seems to help. I have two assistants I use - One who does it for money, one who is fascinated by photography... The one who is interested in it is ALOT more on the ball, always watching what is going on, what settings, what angle to point the reflectors and umbrellas... Just more passionate and friendly, it seems.

The other assistant is good, but, you can tell is just doing it for the money.

[weekendwarrior]

Thanks for your advice on this everyone.

I am thinking you are right in saying it is worthwhile to have someone preferably interested in photography and am going to trial a young lady at my next wedding.

I have been feeling that I would like to put more effort into the upcoming shot rather than running around trying to find uncle bob for the next group.:)

Regards,
JB