Photo-Day Assistants

• LOVES to work with people and specifically preschool age children.
• Is outgoing and has a bubbly personality.
• Has a beautiful heart and the patience to work extended hours with children.
• Is physically fit and able to bend, squat, and be on their feet for about 5 hours.
• Has reliable transportation and a manageable commute.
• Is reliable and shows up to work on time.
• Can give their full attention to the children we are photographing (read: is a hard worker and dedicated to their job, not texting or checking facebook or doing other things not in this job description).

Job Info:

• This position is part-time. 
• Hours may vary. Typically 2-4 days a week, usually from 7am to noon.
• Job is SEASONAL. We typically work when school is in session.  

Photographer's Assistant - Duties and Responsibilities

The photographer relies on the assistant to make the clients and children feel at ease and comfortable from the moment they enter the building or space. The photo assistant is the one who will primarily interact with the children, teachers and possibly parents as they are the ones “prepping” them for their special time in front of the camera. Photo assistants talk, play and draw the children's eyes to the camera for the photographer. Therefore, it is essential they always be cheerful, friendly, playful and patient. The Photographer's assistant is responsible for managing our barcode system, helping load and unload the set, and helping set-up and break down the set. They also support the photographer in whatever manner needed. 

• Arrive at school or location usually at 7 or 8 am.
• Check in with the photographer and school director.
• Get any ID required for security, if needed.
• Meet the school Helper/Runner.
• Assist in carrying all set items from vehicle to assigned location.
• Take a reference photo of the room with your phone in order to put room back the way you found it.
• Set up seasonal set per set design instructions.
• Set up lights per lighting instructions.
• Tape down all cords and flooring to minimize tripping hazards.
• Arrange any set accessories (pillows, books, toys, etc.) for easy access.
• Read session notes about each subject, take note of special instructions, notes about children, and special requests.
• Place stickers, information sheet, and blank notebook/paper for sticker placement all together in preparation for check-in and sessions.

• Greet child as the helper brings them in.
• Interact and play with child to get desired expressions and poses.
• Get child’s barcode sticker and attach to folder or notebook. 
• Make sure photographer takes a photo of the barcode before photographing the child.
• Lead child to the set and position them where photographer would like them 
• Adjust clothing and hair as needed
• Check clothes for wrinkles or bunching. Adjust appropriately.
• Wipe nose and face to remove any crumbs or crustiness.
• Children mimic your behavior - so smile, laugh, and pay attention to your own body language.

Set Break Down and Pack Up

• Pack all accessories into bags
• Turn off lights, unplug, disassemble and pack them into their bags.
• Pack light stands. 
• Remove any tape holding floor and backdrop in place. Discard.
• Unclip and lower backdrop. Pack clips in large duffel bag.
• Disassemble backdrop stands and pack them away.
• Fold or roll backdrop per instructions.
• Fold or roll flooring per instructions.
• Pack all trick bag toys. Place any used combs in “Dirty Comb” bag. Pack up any wipe cases, bobby pins, hairdryer, hairspray, etc. back into Emergency Kit bag. Discard any used tissues, wipes or trash.
• Return any moved furniture to its original position. 
• Leave the room cleaner than when you started! Use the reference photo to put room back the way you found it.
• Recheck room for any other items.
• Turn off lights. Close door. Say “Goodbye" and "Thank you" to school director and staff. 

Dress Code

The photographer and photo stylist should wear comfortable clothing that will allow them to jump, lie down, and move without hindrance or difficulty. 

Tops: Spoiled Rotten t-shirt or logo wear is preferred. If assistant does not have logo-ed wear or SRP t-shirt, a purple shirt is appropriate. Shirts (or undershirts) must be tucked in or long enough to cover! (There is a lot of squatting going on, so this will ensure no one’s bottom shows!) Shirts should be modest and no cleavage should ever show, even while bending over.

• Bottoms: Long pants or long shorts (Bermuda length) in jean, khaki, or black. Tight jeans or yoga pants are not appropriate. All clothing must be neat and clean. No clothing should be soiled or show signs of wear.