As referenced in my ‘From Brief to Brochure’ post, gaining the experience of assisting in a commercial studio for a year and a half was an exciting and insightful experience. It offered a firsthand look at the precision, creativity, and teamwork that go into creating professional imagery for brands and campaigns. In this post, I will share a glimpse into the key insights I learnt during this time. 

Being a studio assistant in a commercial studio for the first time, I was initially struck by the organised chaos of the studio, the amount of lighting equipment and products dotted around. However, as time went on, I came to quickly understand how to be a successful assistant.

As the studio assistant, it was my job to support the team in anything they did, including making drinks, answering the door, prepping items for shooting and setting up equipment.  I quickly learnt in this job that being two steps ahead of what the photographer was thinking was highly important to ensure a well-organised studio.  Assisting highlighted to me the importance of communication and teamwork, especially when clients are in the studio or on a location shoot, communicating with both the client and photographer. Commercial shoots are fast-paced and involve many moving parts; the photographer doesn’t need to focus on whether all the items are steamed or need to make a lunch order, they only need to focus on getting the shot. As an assistant, I learned to ask the right questions, stay aware of what’s going on, and offer help before being asked. Being present and observant made it easier to anticipate the needs of the team. A lot of communication was non-verbal too, reading the room and being tuned into the flow of the shoot was just as important as what was said out loud. 

Commercial photography requires a variety of cameras, lenses, and lighting setups, and as an assistant, I had the chance to work with studio flashes, softboxes, reflectors, and more. I quickly learned how critical lighting is in creating the desired look. Understanding whether, soft and even light is needed for a product shots or dramatic for adding depth, lighting played a crucial role in achieving the right image.

However, as I was assisting, I came to understand that not everything always goes as planned. I learnt that being flexible and thinking on my feet was crucial. Whether it was a technical issue or a sudden change in direction, as an assistant, I needed to anticipate problems and help find quick solutions. These moments helped me grow my problem-solving skills and reminded me that in the fast-paced world of commercial photography, adaptability is key.

As I spent more time in the studio, I gained a deeper understanding of the commercial photography industry. It’s not just about taking beautiful photos but about producing images that sell a product, tell a story, and engage with an audience. The level of detail required for commercial work is something I hadn’t fully appreciated before.

Assisting in a commercial photography studio has been a rewarding experience. It’s taught me practical skills and gave me a deeper insight into the industry. As I continue to develop my own practice, I’ll take the lessons I’ve learned and apply them to my work, knowing that every shoot is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Key Takeaways