How much do you pay a photography assistant?

2 years 5 months ago #727464 by Photo Junky
I'm sure there are a ton of moving parts to this, but I'm going to ask regardless.  How much are you paying this person?  How much work are you having them do?  


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2 years 5 months ago #727483 by Nikon Shooter
There are two kinds of assistants: the shooters and the non shooters,
and I pay them equally. Both are critically important in their respective
roles and MUST be reliable.

If you want a precise price, then it will be the same as I pay myself. Of
course, as the producer and the leader, I have an extra cut but basically
all are important to the success of a session.

Light is free… capturing it is not!
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2 years 5 months ago #727524 by Photo Junky
This is for a non shooter, I should have clarified that.  But you'll pay this person the same as someone you hired to shoot?  


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2 years 5 months ago #727532 by Nikon Shooter
Would you consider hiring a bony, weak fellow to carry you gear
and possibly damage something?

I hire two guys alternatively. Both are strong, fast, tall, and sharp
minded… I learned to trust them. They are worth every penny of it.

Light is free… capturing it is not!
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2 years 5 months ago #727554 by Ozzie_Traveller
G'day PJ

Look around at others ... ie-
what does the washing machine repair fella charge per hour? ...
how much do -you- like to be paid per hour for whatever you do?

Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/

Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/

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2 years 5 months ago #727558 by icepics
Try ASMP or PPA for ideas/guidelines on contracts and determining pricing, etc. You might want to try to connect with other photographers in your area to share resources. ASMP used to have a Find an Assistant feature, not sure if it's still on their site.

Sharon
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2 years 5 months ago #727559 by Nikon Shooter
When I need someone, it is now and I don't want to lose time negotiating.

I will need a driver for image hunting and a reliable guy to do what my legs
do not permit anymore. Sometimes, I'll ask for a younger sister to patient-
ly hold a reflector, a diffusor and what not.

Assistants should be happy to work with you and have fun as well.

Light is free… capturing it is not!
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2 years 5 months ago #727626 by No Show
For basic work, $15 per hour 

D300| Nikkor 24-70mm 2.8 | Nikkor 70-200mm VR 2.8 | Nikkor 50mm 1.8 | Nikon 2x Teleconverter | Sigma 105mm 2.8 | Tokina 12-24
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2 years 5 months ago #727692 by Photo Amigo
I'm still a beginner, so don't have an assistant.  But I can share with you that last year, I was hired to be another photographers assistant, where I was paid $20 per hour cash.  No taking photos, just holding lights and props and such.  


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2 years 5 months ago #727926 by Garbo
$17.50 per hour, but all they do is carry stuff and hold props for me.  No photos.  

Nikon D300: 24-70 2.8 | 70-200 2.8 VR |Sigma 150 2.8 | 50 1.4 | SB-800
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2 years 5 months ago #728144 by James L
Free, it's my wife!  


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2 years 5 months ago #728173 by Photo Junky

Nikon Shooter wrote: Would you consider hiring a bony, weak fellow to carry you gear
and possibly damage something?

I hire two guys alternatively. Both are strong, fast, tall, and sharp
minded… I learned to trust them. They are worth every penny of it.



Course not, so what are you paying?


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2 years 5 months ago #728174 by Photo Junky
*Thank you!


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2 years 5 months ago #728176 by Nikon Shooter

Garbo wrote: $17.50 per hour, but all they do is carry stuff and hold props for me.  No photos.  



:thumbsup:

Light is free… capturing it is not!
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