How To Become A Photographer Assistant: What It Is and Career Path

What is a photographer assistant and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Susan McSpadden

A photographer assistant provides support to a photographer. The job may involve administrative or technical support or a combination of the two. They may also assist in day-to-day activities. In a studio setting, a photographer assistant helps position the models and objects being photographed, set up the lights and other props necessary for the shoot. After the session, the assistant may help process the pictures.

Photographer assistants are often hired by publishing companies and assigned to company photographers. In these roles, they may help hold lighting in external shots, load the cameras with film, or make travel arrangements to and from the locations. The industry also determines how much work an assistant will have to do.

Photography assistants don't need formal education. But taking photography courses can help to improve skills like photography, creativity, and communication.

What general advice would you give to a photographer assistant?

Susan McSpadden

Marketing Photographer, Johnson County Community College

I think the job market for photographers is tough right now, in the same way it is for many other professions. Companies are either holding steady with their current workforce or making cuts to stay afloat until the pandemic is under control and the economy starts to consistently improve. We've had quite a few members of our organization, the University Photographers' of America Association, lose their jobs, take a pay cut, or be furloughed for an extended period. It's challenging for seasoned photographers with a solid resume to find work. For recent graduates in the field, who don't have experience on their side, it has to be exponentially more difficult. The good news is that companies, organizations and publications have an easier time hiring a freelancer than a full time employee, so if you're self-motivated, with your own gear, there are good freelance opportunities out there.

ScorePhotographer AssistantUS Average

Salary

2.9

Avg. Salary $36,555

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.5

Growth rate 9%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.4

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.23%

Asian 7.06%

Black or African American 6.37%

Hispanic or Latino 15.34%

Unknown 5.71%

White 65.28%

Gender

female 64.90%

male 35.10%

Age - 38

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38

Stress level

4.5

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.5

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

1.9

Work life balance is very poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a photographer assistant

Explore photographer assistant education requirements

Most common photographer assistant degrees

Bachelor's

58.4 %

Associate

20.9 %

High School Diploma

13.5 %

Start to develop specific photographer assistant skills

Skills	Percentages
Adobe Photoshop	37.98%
Photographic Equipment	15.00%
Photo Shoots	12.88%
Customer Service	10.73%
Adobe Lightroom	3.29%

Complete relevant photographer assistant training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New photographer assistants learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a photographer assistant based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real photographer assistant resumes.

Research photographer assistant duties and responsibilities

Achieve working knowledge of professional DSLR cameras and equipment.
Manage creative projects from concept to completion; including signs, posters, specialize logos and video documentaries for clients.
Assist head photographer in outdoor shoots -Operate equipment such as flashes, tripods, reflectors, etc.
Work closely with merchandising managers and organize all lifestyle studio and outdoor shoots.

Prepare your photographer assistant resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your photographer assistant resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a photographer assistant resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable photographer assistant resume templates

Build a professional photographer assistant resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your photographer assistant resume.