How to approach a well known photographer to become a coach?

How would you approach a well known photographer to be your coach?  Would you offer them pay at first or....? 

When I was starting out, I offered a local wedding photographer to carry his equipment for free. I did this for a few weddings and then he started letting me shoot some of the candids at the reception.

Then after a bit he let me shoot some of the pictures in the church. Then he let me shoot the entire wedding while he was with me and eventually letting me shoot weddings on my own. It took a year and a half but it was the best training I have ever received.

I've found that one opportunity can lead to another, or it's a matter of looking into various opportunities til you find the right one. Taking classes, one online and one in person, I was able to ask for the instructor to take a look at my work beyond class assignments and get some input. I've done sports and had a chance once to talk briefly with a major league team photographer. You could maybe contact the photographer and ask if you can observe a session or shadow them and see if you can develop that into a chance to work with them.

If you don't already I'd have a portfolio or your own website ready for someone to take a look at as they may want to see what you can do.

Just ask them, be upfront and be respectful of their time.  

icepics wrote: I've found that one opportunity can lead to another, or it's a matter of looking into various opportunities til you find the right one. Taking classes, one online and one in person, I was able to ask for the instructor to take a look at my work beyond class assignments and get some input. I've done sports and had a chance once to talk briefly with a major league team photographer. You could maybe contact the photographer and ask if you can observe a session or shadow them and see if you can develop that into a chance to work with them.

If you don't already I'd have a portfolio or your own website ready for someone to take a look at as they may want to see what you can do.

I don't get asked much about photography, but I do get asked by many people about video work. It seems there's a lot of people out there who want to "try" doing video stuff for "a bit of fun". Honestly speaking, people don't have time for people with zero experience who they have to train. I usually tell people like this "I'll let you know" or just be honest and say "Sorry, I really don't have need for someone with no experience or skills who I have to train." However, if I sense that the person asking has some skills, I will of course be interested in at least seeing if they can be an asset to me or even better if we can partner in some ways. SO make sure you actually have something to offer before approaching this person. The LAST thing they want is some wannabe-photographer with their first DSLR wanting free experience.

"I have a new DSLR can I shoot with you?" is a terrible approach.

So my first advice is prove you have some skills. Talk to the dude about photography, show them some of your work, if they seem interested (don't force it on them). Then you can go from there.

You can do what ubookoo did and offer your services. Doesn't have to be for free, but that's up to you. There is a perceived value aspect and working for free can make you seem "cheap" but again, that's up to you.

My best advice is to take it slow and don't force yourself on that person. They may have no need for you, or not think you're good enough... heck you might find you don't even like them (I assisted a National Geographic photographer once, I really didn't like him much, though he did ask me back to help the next day...). Take it slow, get to know them a little first. If you hit it off and seem to get along, then go from there.

 Super post by Stealthy!

"Coach" is a strong word.  Start softly with "watch" or "hang around" or "help out".

shyguy

I like the idea of playing the slow card.  Might I add, provide value to them, help them and you'll have a greater chance of getting  your foot in their door.  

ubookoo wrote: When I was starting out, I offered a local wedding photographer to carry his equipment for free. I did this for a few weddings and then he started letting me shoot some of the candids at the reception.

Then after a bit he let me shoot some of the pictures in the church. Then he let me shoot the entire wedding while he was with me and eventually letting me shoot weddings on my own. It took a year and a half but it was the best training I have ever received.

How did you approach this photographer originally?