What To Know When Assisting a Lead Photo Stylist

Are you an Assistant Photo Stylist or Junior Photo Stylist looking to learn best ways to work with and learn from a Lead Photo Stylist? Let's talk about what a Lead Photo Stylist looks for in an Assistant Stylist BUT, lets also talk about what YOU should look for in the Photo Stylist you want to (& can) learn from.   These are some thoughts on photo styling mentorships and internships. I have been on my share of photo shoots where the below has not happened.  As always, our mission is to organize, prepare and protect you and your photo styling and prop styling business.

 
What Photo Styling Assistants and Junior Photo Stylists Should Look For When Assisting:

▪ Stylist that teaches you and is generous with their experience, resources and knowledge.
▪ Stylist that explains what & why they are doing something
▪ Sends you Call Sheet so you, too, can have all available assignment information.
▪ Rundown of photo shoot, photo studio or location etiquette and or procedures
▪ Rundown of photo shoot, photo studio or location etiquette and or procedures
▪ Rundown of photo shoot, photo studio or location etiquette and or procedures.
▪ Rundown of what to expect in terms of assignment, payment procedures, parking, etc.
▪ Sends you Call Sheet so you, too, can have all available assignment information.
▪ Introductions to the Team you are working with on Shoot.
▪ Includes you in discussions and experiences on set.
▪ Shares photos of the assignment with you and timelines as to when they will be expected
▪ Courtesy “Wrap” conversation:  What was helpful or what could be done differently or more efficiently
▪ Courtesy ~ Please &Thank you.

(*Stylist may not be able to explain immediately to you on set. They should have a discussion with you when he/she can.)


While there is not a lot of time to dedicate to teaching on the photo shoot assignment, (You will have to pick up on what the Stylist is doing) a thoughtful Stylist will spend some time before assignment with you and after to answer any questions you have.  (Keep a small notebook handy to quickly note any questions you have.)

Some Stylists treat hiring an Assistant as just that (hiring help for the day) and others treat it as a mentorship.  My hope for you is you find and work for Stylists who are generous with their time, talent, education and resources with you.

Now, on to what Stylist’s look for.  If you are assisting a Fashion, Food, Prop or Interior Stylist, they will all have different needs, but here are some general guidelines to keep in mind.

What Photo Stylists Look for in Assistant Photo Stylist or Junior Photo Stylist:

▪ Reliable
▪ Positive and willingness to learn
▪ Strong work ethic
▪ Foresee and have solutions to problems (Ability to troubleshoot)
▪ Be able to work under possible pressure
▪ Very organized
▪ Keeps set/work area clean
▪ Ability to carry heavy bags, boxes and equipment
▪ Positive personality with no complaining
▪ When shopping/sourcing, be available in a timely manner via phone/text

Thoughts on Life as a Stylist (Assistant)

▪ Be at least 15 minutes early.
▪ Have an understanding of job hours, payment terms, what is expected of you. (job scope)
▪ Oftentimes, jobs can go overtime, be available to stay late if need be.
▪ Speak to Photographer discretely about problems, issues, etc. (oftentimes, their client is on shoot)
▪ Don’t ever ask for more work or pitch your work to others on set or at assignment ~ ever.
▪ Dress professional, but comfortable.
▪ Safety is always a concern around equipment, so wear appropriate shoes. (no sandals or heels)
▪ Stay on set at all times. (If you have to leave, tell Stylist)
▪ Mistakes can happen. If you make one, just be honest, apologize and correct it.  Don’t place blame on others.
▪ Keep workspace organized and clean. (and completely clean after assignment wraps)
▪ No phones, computers of beverages or food on set.
▪ No taking photos of set or behind the scenes photos. (or posting photos unless approved)
▪ Send Invoice within a day of assignment with all receipts (if applicable) for reimbursement

You are there to learn, so remember to pick up tips on everything ~ process, “industry language”, equipment, resources ~ everything.  We have a Photo Stylists Guide to Industry Roles and Terms that can help in our FREE Business of Photo Styling Resources. Do not be afraid to ask if you are unsure of something. Sometimes, Stylists can’t answer your questions while they are working on the photo set. (so, again, keep a small notebook and ask questions later)

Remember, whether you are an Assistant or a Lead Stylist ~ we can all learn from each other. 


Bonnie ~



Image Credit ｜ Jamie Bannon