Oragne County Wedding Photographer Jen OSullivan » Studio

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

Photo Studio Practice: Ten Questions to ask when interviewing an intern or assistant

Jen — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:14:20 +0000

Why do you want to be involved in my industry?
What interests you the most about it?
How long have you been studying photography?
Can I see some samples of your work?
What type of personality would you describe yourself as?
What would you consider your assets are as an employee to your past employers?
What are some strengths you can bring to my company?
What are some of your weaknesses?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
How clean or dirty is your car right now?

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

Kids Portrait Day

Jen — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 06:45:09 +0000

Studio sessions of kids are always fun. Even though they are a bit more tricky because you are dealing with equipment and safety issues they always tend to have a very different feel then location work. Here are a few studio tips to remember: watch your equipment for the safety of the kids, have props to keep them engaged, have toys to give them a break, and m&m’s to bribe them with. Here are a few of my out takes (even though I was not technically shooting I always take a few pick up shots to help my students understand certain situations.)

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

Portrait Studio

Jen — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:24:31 +0000

Jen O’Sullivan is a boutique wedding photographer based out of Beverly Hills, California.
She specializes in alternative, photojournalistic wedding photography and is known for capturing the unique definitive moments during your event.

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

Studio Practice: Keeping a Calendar

Jen — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 22:11:29 +0000

Keeping track of your daily happenings can be overwhelming especially if you own your own business. Many entrepreneurs who are in the creative fields don’t always do just one thing. While my main and most beloved part of my business is actually shooting weddings, I also do a few other things: I teach bookbinding, book design, and photography, and am a business coach and mentor, along with holding a few choice corporate clients that I shoot for during the week once or twice a month. For me, I have 4 different business areas to keep track of. Weddings, Corporate, Teaching, and Business Meetings. Because I am a visual person, I have everything color coded with my trusty highlighter pens in my day planner (yes, you read that correctly, I still use paper and ink for my calendar.) I have everything on my computer as well, so my iPhone is always up to date, but I mainly go off my hard copy. What is really great about using highlighters is that I know exactly what hat I will be playing that week and on what day. Here is a break down of how things look:

Yellow = Shoot Wedding Orange = Shoot Non-Wedding Blue = Business Meeting Pink = Teaching
Anything not a color is purely social or family related.
The above photo is a typical month for me.

Jen is a boutique wedding photographer based out of Beverly Hills, California.
She specializes in alternative, photojournalistic wedding photography and is known for capturing the unique definitive moments during your event.

Studio Practice: Email, Facebook, Text, IM, Voicemail

Jen — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 22:31:54 +0000

Such an odd world we live in. So many ways to communicate… things are getting a bit confusing! I was speaking with a friend of mine, Peter Garr about the issue of communication confusion: when a client sends you some important information and you cannot locate which avenue it was sent by. Was it a Facebook message or an email? Did they text me or IM me? Is the message on my land line or cell phone? It can be tricky keeping track of them all! Here is an idea that may help you track things. Along with your hard copy contract or agreement, keep another paper (or write on the back of the main contract) any important things discussed through any avenue. If you are not a paper trail person, then have a word file in the project folder of that client. Whenever something is discussed open that file right away and copy and paste the conversation into that file (or export emails directly to that file.) With Facebook, you should be getting notifications through your email with the message embedded. With any email account when you click on the message you can save it under File — Save and have it as a text file directly in your project folder. Keeping records of emails, and other conversations is important for many reasons, one of which is legal. You must, as a business owner keep track of dates and who said what. I like to have things in writing from my client’s via email, so if I have a phone conversation, the moment I get off the phone, I write an email recapping everything we talked about and then ask for a confirmation email back with their agreement. If your business is your livelihood, then you should make this a habit or you will trip up someday and that would not be good! This all goes back to my “Touch it Once” motto. The moment some form of communication that is important happens between you and a client, get it documented.