Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer Jen OSullivan » Finding

Photo Studio Practice: Finding, Hiring, Training, and yes, Firing Assistants

Jen — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:27:14 +0000

There are two roles an assistant can take: studio assistant or production assistant. They sometimes cross over each other, but most times do not. Studio people tend to be the ones really good with the left brain stuff like organizing, tracking, billing, paper work, filing, etc., while production assistants are the more creative types. They want to be in the action. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of people who are good, if not great at both, they are just harder to find. So, how do you FIND an assistant? How do you interview and HIRE an assistant? How do you TRAIN your assistant? And how do you FIRE them if they are a bad apple. Sorry folks, some people will just not work out and you HAVE to fire them. It is part of being a business owner. Here are some helpful tips within each stage of the employment process.

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
Click HERE to learn more about FIRING AN ASSISTANT

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

Photo Studio Practice: Finding an Assistant

Jen — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:26:01 +0000

Here are ten tips on how to find just the right assistant:

1. Write out a list of things you will need them to do on a weekly basis.

2. Determine the number of hours per week you will need them.

3. Decide what the best days would be for you to have them in your studio (home office or brick and mortar.)

4. Decide if you want to pay an assistant or hire them as an intern for work experience as their pay.

5. If you decide to pay them, you will need to set up a W2 or 1099 for them. 1099s are easier and you can just get their Social Security number and have your tax person send them a 1099 at the end of the year.

6. If you decide to have a work for trade internship, clearly define the agreement. For instance “For every 25 hours of work you give me, I will give you an hour of private lessons.” What I do is “pay” my assistants who work for trade $15 per hour to go as credits towards whatever they want: photography lessons, Photoshop or Lightroom lessons, or actual portrait sessions.

7. Ask around first. Remember there is “strength in weak ties.” You never know who is looking to assist in your area of expertise so put the word out EVERYWHERE.

8. Go to the local community colleges in your area. Connect with the department chair of your field of expertise and give them a physical job description for them to post up and email out to the students. They are more than happy to do this and you will most likely find some really eager people.

9. Connect with your local High School Career Resources person. They are the ones who work closely with the Juniors and Seniors to help them figure out what Colleges and career paths to take. They really know the students and can usually hook you up with someone who is incredible. Just tell them the type of person you are looking for and they will pass your info on to the students.

10. If you are involved in a Church or Synagogue, these can be great resources too. Let a few people know you are looking for an assistant and the news will travel like wildfire (especially if you or your spouse is involved in any women’s groups.)

Click HERE to learn more about FINDING AN ASSISTANT (You’re on this Page!)
Click HERE to learn more about HIRING AN ASSISTANT
Click HERE to learn more about TRAINING AN ASSISTANT
Click HERE to learn more about FIRING AN ASSISTANT

Click HERE to go back to the beginning of this discussion.

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

Photo Studio Practice: Hiring an Assistant

Jen — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:24:24 +0000

Here are ten tips on how to successfully HIRE an assistant:

1. Write up a list of thoughtful questions to ask. Click HERE for a list I use.

2. Create a simple form for them to fill out. Go to any local store and ask for an application, then copy it for yourself. You may want to email this to them and have them email it back BEFORE you meet.

3. Meet with them at the place they will be working if for a studio position.

4. Meet with them at a neutral place such as a coffee shop if for a production position.

5. If you are meeting in a coffee shop, or the like, YOU pay for their coffee or drink.

6. Dress professionally. It will show them what you expect of them. If you show up in ratty old jeans and tennis shoes they will start out with a “friend” impression of you rather than a “boss” impression.

7. Bring a note pad, and actually take notes. If you are interviewing more than one person, believe me, you will confuse them. You will need to make the most informed decision. After all, this is YOUR baby!

8. Do not let the interview take longer than 30 minutes. This is not a time to get chatty. Keep it professional.

9. Have a list of work responsibilities for them as well as the agreement in plain terms. Go over it with them so they fully understand what you are looking for and what they will get in return.

10. Look for these key things when conducting the interview: body language, are they giving you eye contact?, are they slouched back or perched forward on their chair?, what are they wearing (note their shoes,) are they well groomed (look at their finger nails,) do their answers seem rehearsed?, are THEY taking notes? It is not that all these things are super important, however they will tell you a little bit more about them. People put their best foot forward (or at least they should) with interviews, so look at the details.

Click HERE to learn more about FINDING AN ASSISTANT
Click HERE to learn more about HIRING AN ASSISTANT (You’re on this page!)
Click HERE to learn more about TRAINING AN ASSISTANT
Click HERE to learn more about FIRING AN ASSISTANT

Click HERE to go back to the beginning of this discussion.

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

Photo Studio Practice: Training an Assistant

Jen — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:23:55 +0000

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.

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

Photo Studio Practice: Firing an Assistant

Jen — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:22:59 +0000

Here are 5 tips on firing your assistant:

1. For Production assistants it is easy: don’t ask them back for your next job.

2. For Studio assistants you will have to sit down with them and actually tell them they are no longer needed. Be honest. Do not tell them a lie or give them an excuse. It will make you look like (and actually BE) a weak business owner. It is kind of like breaking up with someone. You may wish to give them constructive criticism on why you are letting them go and how they can improve, however I think it is best to just let them go by telling them it is not working out and move on. Don’t drag it out.

3. End things on a positive note. Remember, every connection you make is still a connection and you do not want ANYONE having a bad taste in their mouth about you or your business. It is bad for business.

4. Sometimes you have to let them go because you do not have enough work. This is fine but only if it is true. You would look like a louse if you let them go and then they found out you were looking for someone again.

5. Finalize your work agreement within 2 weeks. If you owe them money, pay them right away. If you owe them trade time, get it done within 2 weeks. If for some reason you cannot complete the trade within 2 weeks, give them an end date that it must be completed by.

Click HERE to go back to the beginning of this discussion.

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

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

Picking your PHOTOGRAPHER

Jen — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:53:11 +0000

My top three things I always tell potential clients are:

1. Make sure you like the personality of your photographer. They will be the one service provider that will be with you the entire day!
2. Really LOOK at their work. Can you see yourself in their shots? Scrutinize their photography. If you don’t LOVE it, then keep looking. You want your heart to melt when you see their work. And look at an entire days worth of shots, not just the best ones. You would be surprised at how easy it is to get a few good shots and the rest are terrible.
3. Price is important, but remember, these photographs will be your heirloom! If you need to take small amounts from other categories to beef up your photo budget, do so. It will be the only thing you have left after everything is said and done.

Here is something to consider with price:
For coverage only, no albums. This is based on my experience in Los Angeles only, so please no backlash from other states.

$1,500-$2,000
The majority of photographers fall into this budget range. The photographer will be okay and if they are really talented and good, they may not have a bunch of experience: 1-3 years. If they have a bunch of experience, they may be doing 50-100 weddings per year which means you will not get the best personal service before and after the wedding. You can also find very experienced photographers at this rate but they are only charging you for their time and you will have to pay for prints later. These are the more traditional photographers. These are just facts.

$2,500-$3,000
The photographer will be a good solid investment however they may only have 3-5 years of experience. You can find some artists at the $3,000 range. Mostly photojournalists who will shoot and give you the files and that is it.

$4,000-$5,000
More experience and camera understanding and more artists and portrait journalists than traditional photographers. You will get better service as these shooters tend to stay in the under 40 weddings a year range.

$6,000-$8,500
These photographers are a more full service breed. You start to get into artwork that you will want to blow up on huge canvases in your home. These are the word of mouth, better photographers who average 25-35 weddings per year.

$10,000 +
These photographers do only a select number of weddings per year and have a solid following. You will get impeccable service and photography at this rate (at least you SHOULD!)

$25,000-$50,000
These photographers are celebrity wedding shooters. Strictly word of mouth.

There is my 2 cents.
I fall in the $5,000-$7,000 range and the one thing I consistently hear over and over from my clients and their family is “I cannot believe how beautiful everything came out, you and your staff were so great at the wedding, and I am floored at how your attention to detail, even after the wedding, is so high.”
My biggest concern outside of killing myself to get “the shot” is to make sure my clients are enjoying their day. I am known to cry at the ceremony and laugh out loud during the reception all while shooting away trying to capture every definitive moment throughout the time I am there. My clients become my friends and I love every one of them. It is as important that I want to work with you as much as you want to work with me.
If you are looking for someone that will truly take care of you and give you phenomenal wedding photography, make sure your budget is in the $5,000+ range. You will be thankful when all is said and done.

Jen O’Sullivan
Jen O’Sullivan Boutique Wedding Photography
357 South Robertson Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
310-494-6547
http://www.jenosullivan.com
jen@jenosullivan.com

Beverly Hills Wedding Photographer, Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer who specializes in portrait journalism. She is known for her beautifully captured emotion filled moments, stunning details, and imagery that has a storybook feel.

Jen O’Sullivan, LLC | 357 South Robertson Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, 90211 | 310-494-6547