Consider that one the biggest and oldest alcoholic drink makers commission a STILL photographer for their television campaigns, even the big multimillion $ super bowl ads. He shoots the Jack Daniels slideshows. He's also the advertising photographer whose style is most attributed to popularizing the extreme short depth of field, distress-textured look. Huge influence on my own stuff. He's the man.
Great post. I honestly wish I could find someone established in Phoenix who was willing to hire me on part time. I just want to learn and I'm willing to take the time to do it, I have no interest in running out tomorrow and starting my own studio. Are you out there mentor?
Yet Chris Buck himself trashed the whole idea of assisting, advising not to do it, but then throws in the hypocritical quote:
"APE: You have assistants, so as soon as you get a new assistant do you tell them about this?
No, of course not, if they’re great assistants I don’t want to lose them."
What a POS selfish attitude to have. He doesn't reveal his disdain for assisting because he wants assistants to be good at it and to stay assisting. Talk about self-serving!!
I agree that assisting gets you lots of experience, but there is always more than one way to skin a cat. A lot of places don't have photographers who are willing to hire - even for upaid work.
Nonetheless, reading, practicing, and experiencing the business first hand gives you a plethora of knowledge. The one thing that really stands out is that, whether one assists or not, patience is still key. Growing takes time, work hard and wait for your day.
