Five Ways to Support Junior and Assistant Photo Stylists

Throughout my photo styling career, I worked with photo and prop stylists in all niches and in all situations (freelance, studio staff stylists and those represented by Agencies) who have told me  . . . "Don't share your knowledge, don't share your tools and products, don't share any resources or contacts.  don't, don't don't. What?!?  (In fairness, I have worked with those who don't think like that too.)  It has always struck me as odd ~ & I have always done the complete opposite.  As you can see with how we "go all in" with the styling and creative biz info round' here! ;)  So, thought I would share some of the ways I work with junior and assistant photo stylists.  (& that's another key 🔑 ~ BE the Stylist who says "work with" and not "work for".)  I consider Junior and Assistant as "working with "~ we are a team.

Here are the 5 ways you can support, help and mentor your fellow stylists in their business and career.

1.  PRE SHOOT TALK.

Take some time before photo shoot to talk with them. Yes, there is a "Call Sheet".  But nothing beats having a conversation.  Talk about the concept / creative direction of shoot, expectations, (for both of you.  Don’t just make it about what  YOU expect of them.) approximate length of the photo shoot. (& and the prep and post time after the photo shoot.) Don’t leave them completely "in the dark”. Communicate with them.  Together you are a Team.

2.  SHARE YOUR INSIGHT.

Tell them about a few of your favorite styling tools and why you like/need them.  Or share with them some business advice that has been helpful in your career OR advice that maybe is “industry standard” that you don’t find helpful or adhere to. Assistants are looking to learn everything about the business.  They are looking for insight on such things as reasons they will (or will not) get callbacks from a client,  how to set  measurable goals for their styling business or advice and what to do (and say) when they can't find props for styling assignments.

3.  POST SHOOT WRAP UP TALK.

After photo shoot, do a “wrap up” convo.  What worked and what could be better or more helpful either preparing for the shoot, during the shoot and wrapping up (returns, etc!) the photo shoot. When I have wrap up convos I share thoughts on the best ways to get items for photo shoot assignments so they do not have to do as many returns.

4.  ADVOCATE FOR TEARSHEETS.

I always say . . . "share your tears"!  Advocate for your Assistants to get them tearsheets. Every stylist and assistant wants (& needs) tearsheets.  Advocate for your Assistants.  If possible, get them tearsheets for their portfolio.  Ask yourself:  Did they Shop for you?  Did they research & help select? Did they press/steam for you?  Then the tearsheet is there's too.  (They don't take credit for the shoot you were assigned to style, but they can say they assisted ~ and that is valuable when you are building your business and portfolio as an Assistant.  Assistants are looking for both tearsheets as well as photos for their portfolio.  Share with them your views, advice and experience on testing with photographers, if you have tested.  We share our best tips in fifteen things photographers look for when testing stylists .

5.  KEEP IN TOUCH.

Stay in contact with assistants.  You can learn and help each other.

Be a Styling Mentor & Advocate.

AND, if you are reading this and you ARE an assisting ~ advocate for yourself and find wonderful Lead and Principal Stylists who believe and practice the 5 tips here who respective, helpful and share their knowledge with you.

 
Bonnie ~