Here are some useful tips on how to train both a Studio Assistant and a Production Assistant.
TRAIN an Assistant (Studio)
1. For Studio Assistants, give small repeatable tasks at first to get them warmed up. You will learn a lot about HOW they learn right in the beginning. Get them into a routine. This will help build their confidence.
2. Set them up with their own space. Don’t hover over them all the time.
3. Tell them how you would like the phone answered and how you expect them to talk to people. You will be surprised at how little people really know about phone etiquette.
4. It is important to make yourself available for them for the first few weeks in case they have any questions.
5. After a couple of weeks start giving them more responsibility. Consider training them in something a bit more advanced by giving them a “lesson” in how something is done.
6. Have tasks ready for them before they come in. Think of ways to show them your business while they help you.
7. Create time cards or have a place they can keep track of their time.
8. Be kind and thank them. Tell them they are doing a good job every once in a while.
9. Correct them when they make an error. Some of you hate the idea of conflict. Sorry, but it is part of being a business owner. You need to get over this and remember they need your correction if they want to learn. Just do it in love.
10. After they work for you for a while (30-60 days) do an evaluation with them. Ask them how they are doing, questions they might have, if they feel this is something they are enjoying. At this point determine if you need to move into phase 4: FIRING an Assistant.
TRAIN an Assistant (Production)
Click HERE for my Assistant Guidelines.
Everyone is different so you will need to figure out what you want and need from a production assistant. Do you want a bag carrier, lighting assistant, second or third shooter? My assistants come in 4 forms: principal assistant (the person who shoots the groom and other things I cannot get to), second assistant (the person who shows up at the start of the ceremony to capture extra shots and then to capture the cocktail hour, portrait studio assistant (sometimes is also the principal, however this person is strictly in charge of shooting the portraits in the reception studio), third assistant (an intern working for free in hopes of gaining experience or working up to a paid position.)
Click HERE to learn more about FINDING AN ASSISTANT
Click HERE to learn more about HIRING AN ASSISTANT
Click HERE to learn more about TRAINING AN ASSISTANT (You’re on this page!)
Click HERE to learn more about FIRING AN ASSISTANT
Click HERE to go back to the beginning of this discussion.
Copyright © 2010 by Jen O’Sullivan http://www.jenosullivan.com
Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism.
Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547
