Do you work with an assistant?

Most of the time, I work with no assistance. Being a wedding photographer means catching action at the moment. So, I need to be reactive, act quickly, and adapt myself quickly to the situation. An assistant would be very useful for your couple’s photo session. He can carry a reflector or flashes and make the light better. Better light means better pictures. Similarly, in a very dark place with no sound light system, he can be useful. An assistant is an option you can consider depending on your situation.

All the things that a Wedding assistant can help during the day

Let’s dive into a list of all the things that a wedding photographer assistant can help with on a wedding day.

Carrying the gear

The first thing that comes to people’s mind is seeing the “poor ” assistant carrying the big heavy photography luggage. That’s true, and that helps the main photographer a lot and saves precious time that can be turned into more photos.

Setting up Flashs

A good assistant should know what kind of light the photographer likes and how to set it up. Therefore, when the location is already decided and the details are already locked, the assistant can set up all the flash before the couple and or the wedding party arrives for a picture. Again, that would save a lot of time.
During the shooting, the assistant will adjust the setting (position, direction, accessory, and power of flashes).

Helping with lenses and Cameras

A good assistant should know what the photographer will do next. In other words, they should know which lens will be needed and have it cleaned and ready to use.
When working with several cameras, he can also clean the sensors of those cameras and attach the lens to those second cameras.

Helping with the reflector

In photography, the first tool used is the light. A reflector can help a lot, creating a better / softer natural light. Having someone to carry it is essential. It’s a night and day difference.

 

Helping with the photo-booth

During the reception, while the photographer captures candid shots of guests on the dancefloor or guests’ discussions together, it happens that the photo booth needs maintenance. And it can take several minutes before a guest reaches the main photographer to notice him. Here, the assistant can keep an eye on the photo booth and help when it’s needed.

How the Human aspect of the assistant can help during a wedding

Let’s not forget the human aspect that can bring a lot, especially in the atmosphere.

Helping create a Funny atmosphere

Indeed, from my own experience as a photographer working with an assistant (and my own experience being a fashion photographer), one of the best advantages of having an assistant is the shooting atmosphere. Indeed, with complicity, the photographer and the videographer can make a lot of jokes, creating a much warmer and more relaxed environment. That’s primordial to help the clients (the models) and their guests to relax. During the wedding, fun is one necessity to have amazing images.

Making jokes during the couple’s photos.

Some photographers will rely a lot on the assistant and their relationship with them to make jokes during the bride and groom photos. And having good jokes is important to have natural reaction. Sometimes, the bigger the audience we have, the better.
Also, during the couple’s photos, the assistant can politely ask people in the background to move (if needed).

Helping set up people during the groups

With a large group picture, it could take time to set up everybody perfectly. Often, the easier technique is to show a pose to each person until they understand it well and manage to reproduce it.

They can also help bring more chairs, moving a coach, or other accessories that we need for the group.

Having an extra pair of hands can help.

Being in charge of the group list

If you have a list of people you want to group pictures with, the assistant can help with that. Note that the assistant doesn’t know your family members, and it’s important to have another family member to help.

Communication with other vendors

As we know, communication is key but can be chalaging when the photographer is constantly running.  The assistant can help in that task to synchronize with other vendors.

Keeping the wedding party on the timeline.

When shooting an image, the main photographer might not watch his watch all the time. Another advantage of having an assistant is that he/she can remind people about the timeline. That’s important to finish the day without rushing!

Helping with various tasks during the day

During the day, there are multiple little tasks that the assistant can help with, such as bringing a bottle of water to the bride and groom and quickly finding a chair, taking something forgotten in the bridal suite. Etc.