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danphotodan
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Joined: 30 May 2010
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   Topic: Assisting Up North
Posted: 25 July 2010 at 2:08pm |
Hi there.
I often travel to london to undertake 2nd assistant jobs, TFP shoots and the rest.
But I'm starting to wonder if Manchester may be a good target.
Really this is just to make it easier and means I eventually don't have to totally relocate from Leeds if I get a full time assisting contract with someone.
Thanks if you have any advice,
Dan
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Duncan
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Posted: 26 July 2010 at 9:12am |
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Hi Dan
A quick back-of-an-envelope calculation here...
I would say definitely have a go at targeting Manchester. To give you an idea of how saturated the London scene is, there are approximately 3,100 people registered on Photoassist as being willing to work in London, and only around 225 in Greater Manchester. That's a ratio of over 10 to 1. From a statistical point of view, there are roughly 4 times as many people living in Greater London as Greater Manchester (after a quick look on Wikipedia) - so let's say to be generous there are 5 times as many photographers in London as Manchester. That means for every photographer in London there's at least one extra assistant vying for work.
So you've got a 100% better chance of finding assisting work in Manchester than London, in theory at least!
Seriously though, I'd definitely give it a shot. I'm sure there are some great photographers in Manchester - the trick is to try to get to know some of them, and their assistants - and persevere... Should be very possible.
Duncan
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danphotodan
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Posted: 27 July 2010 at 7:13pm |
Wow - impressive numbers haha.
I am however finding it extremely hard to even get a conversation out of many photographers, even with references and whatnot.
I have a meet set up for a chat/coffee with a Leeds based photographer this friday, but apart from that buggar all.
Any advice on how to approach photographers in this current climate, as I've kept the same approach for over a year or so now.
Tah,
Dan
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Duncan
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Posted: 29 July 2010 at 11:03am |
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Hi Dan
It's always a tough one. Sounds like you're doing the right thing by meeting up with someone for a coffee. I think the key is to take a personal approach - choose a few guys whose stuff you like and really try to let them know you want to work with them in particular. Meet up with them if you can, and (dare I say it) ask if you can shadow them for free for a couple of days and help out with stuff. Bang on studio doors and introduce yourself. Also, go to the big hire studios and make sure they've got your details. Talk to any of the full time studio assistants working there and give them your card (which should say 'assistant' on it by the way, not 'photographer' - that can be for another card*) and let them know you're available for work if anyone's looking for an assistant.
I'm probably preaching to the converted here, but just make sure you're doing the basics right and keep persisting...
Duncan
*I'm sure you don't do this, but there's no surer way for an assistant to shoot themself in the foot trying to get assisting work than having a card that says 'Jo Bloggs - assistant/photographer' - it shows they don't understand the nature of assisting.
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danphotodan
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Posted: 30 July 2010 at 11:41pm |
dunc.
The meet went well today, and yeh, I did today make clear I'm happy to come help for a couple of shoots for free when appropriate and it seems like he was interested in offering me an open door.
So that's that sorted. I also have been in touch with an MUA who referred me to photolink in manchesternad theyve taken my details and said i shoule be contacted within the month..... If not, they said ring back. Meaning they should be being serious and not just 'putting me on the list' to fob me off, like 50% who say that do...
As for knocking on doors, that's a step i'll start september. Day trips to manchester and a map....
Cheers for the advice, and if you have any links, let me know!
D
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danphotodan
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Posted: 17 August 2010 at 1:08am |
Update.
Managed to secure work on a large shoot in Leeds/Sheffield area. Working for free for 2/3 shoots then going onboard as a second assistant.
Meeting face to face is definatly what this climate needs - people are looking more for friends/personal faces, than employees......
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Duncan
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Posted: 19 August 2010 at 10:54am |
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Hey Dan - that's great news! Getting the foot in the door is the hardest thing - hopefully this should now lead to more contacts and more assisting work...
Keep us updated how it goes...
Duncan
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danphotodan
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Posted: 29 August 2010 at 5:25pm |
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Duncan!
Managed to secure a daily rate with a photographer in Leeds for 80, which I think in this climate is ok!
My London contacts naturally are paying me a bit more! But with travelling evens out. So all in the all money issues are beginning to even themselves out.
I also have meetings with two more photographers - taking my numbers for work up again, opening more doors.
Just keep pushing on!
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Duncan
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Posted: 03 September 2010 at 10:27am |
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Great stuff Dan - That sounds perfectly fine as a day rate and as you say, good for you to get work locally rather than having to travel down to London every time... Good to hear you're proving the point that not all photography work has to centre around London!
Duncan
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