Guest Lecture: Jo Burrows

Who, what, where, why? Life in the photographic world today.

Jo gave us an early career perspective that addressed the post graduating stages in a photographic career. She has experience as a photographer, videographer, assistant, digi tech, studio videographer and editor. 

Jo introduced us to some of her successful photographic friends such as Dave Imms, Rita Platts, Tim Evan-Cook who all have their own unique style varying from kids to lifestyle photography. Some of their work was very interesting and even had their own niche. 

She encouraged us to assist. Without assisting it becomes much harder to get ourselves known in the photographic industry. She started off assisting and admitted that not all jobs were fun due to the people she had to work with however it's the experience and networks that become valuable to you. She went through the assisting jobs from their roles to the good and bad that come with it. One of those jobs I have explained underneath. The following notes are copied from her powerpoint.

Studio Assistant

Studio assisting can be full time, on average people stay for a year and then move on. There is also the option of freelance hours. The role of a studio assistant is the following:

• Keep working/shoot areas clean
• Help clients with shoot requests
• Paint the studio coves
• Basic DIY
• Answering the phone
• Set up breakfast and lunch
• and Problem solving

As a studio assistant there comes advantages, such as:

• Meeting new people and networking
• Different ways of lighting 
• Gaining an understanding on how the industry works
• Becoming familiar with all types of kit
• Free studio time

With studio assisting comes long hours, repetitive routine, cleaning/prepping and possibly losing motivation to create your own work. The average pay is between £8.50-£10.00 an hour and overtime to consider. The best way to contact is by email or even better by dropping a CV into their office personally. That way they can put a name to a face.
With any assisting job, or in fact any job at all, most importantly they will be looking for someone who is hard working and also pleasant to work with.

When dealing with photographers there are certain things to consider. Especially when emailing them about assisting them... they're not interested in what you do or like their interested in what you can offer as an assistant. If you end up working for free at first then definitely take it as you will still gain experience. However it is important to make sure you get paid at some time along the way otherwise they will expect it for free every time.