[by Luke Copping]
I can show you how to set up lights.
I can show you how to tether a camera.
I can teach you a million things about working with a subject and managing a crew.
What I can’t teach you however, is how to not have a shitty attitude when you come on set.
Remember rule # 1 – No one wants to work with an asshole.
Leave your drama at home. A job site is not the place to be complaining about your relationships. If something outside of work is affecting your performance or you need someone to talk to, let me know when clients aren’t around.
Don’t get huffy if I ask you to do something twice or if I change my mind mid-shoot, this is a fluid event and there is always the chance that improvisation and spontaneity will take precedence over a plan if they lead to better images.
Be dedicated to the project. It may not be your client or your shoot, but being as dedicated to the end result as the rest of the team will lead to better results for all involved as well as better and friendlier working relationships. If you can’t dedicate yourself to the team and the project? Well, you know the whole expression about the weakest link….
Don’t be so prideful as to not accept and learn from your mistakes.
Stay off your phone and keep your head in the game.
Over competitiveness with other assistants, undermining the photographer, over-sharing with clients, trash talking, complaining, and even dirty looks or aggressive body language can completely change the energy and attitude on set for the worse. A bad attitude from even one team member can turn an otherwise successful shoot into a stress inducing nightmare for the team, the photographer, and the clients. People can pick up on the undercurrent of discomfort that one team member not giving their all can generate.
Be present, positive, and ready to contribute.
Luke Copping is an editorial and commercial photographer from Buffalo, NY Who has worked with a few bad apples, but eventually put an amazing team together.