Brand Ambassador Definition

Photography assistants help photographers plan, set up, and complete photo sessions in their studios or at other worksites. This entry-level role involves helping customers, preparing photos for distribution, configuring and operating photo equipment, and offering creative and technical advice to the photographer. Many photography assistants contract with photography studios or individual photographers for short-term work that can involve irregular hours and downtime, while some work regular full-time positions with standard shifts. Rather than requiring a formal education, employers usually look for people who have a passion for taking pictures, customer service experience, and a desire to learn.

A company chooses a brand ambassador to be the "face" of the brand. Ideally, the candidate is a tastemaker in their communities, and should plan to use already established networks and relationships to market the brand via word-of-mouth marketing tactics (i.e. referring friends, posting about the brand online, etc.). On top of that, a brand ambassador will also represent her company at specific events, where she may perform product demonstrations or give away sample products.

Brand Ambassador Job Description

A candidate for the position of brand ambassador should be an enthusiastic, outgoing individual with a considerable social media presence and a medium to large sized network. She or he presumably is already familiar with and endorses the brand being represented. The candidate will most likely need to transport materials to and from events, and thus should have his own form of transportation, as well as be able to lift up to 50 pounds. As a photographer assistant, you are responsible for ensuring that every shoot runs smoothly. Talk to the professional photographer in advance to make sure that you understand the purpose of the shoot, the format for the day and what equipment he will need. You may need to rent equipment or scout locations in advance. Then your job is to prepare and check the set or location and make sure that all equipment is available, clean and working.

While a photography assistant’s day-to-day duties and responsibilities are determined by where they work, there are many core tasks associated with the role. Based on our analysis of job listings, these include:

Prepare Equipment and Set

Photography assistants unload and set up the cameras, tripods, lights, and other equipment the photographer will use for the session. They also prepare the set according to the customer’s requests and the photographer’s needs, including placing props, determining where customers should sit or stand, and adjusting light sources.

Assist During Photo Shoots

During the photo session, photography assistants follow the photographer’s instructions and offer advice on how customers should pose and position themselves on the set. This can require directing customers to move, adding or removing props from the set, or changing settings on the camera. Assistants may also take some shots themselves. During the shoot, you are there to assist the photographer, and your duties will vary from shoot to shoot. You will almost certainly be required to carry and set up equipment. You could be asked to stand in for the subject while the photographer sets up lighting. If reflectors are used during the shoot, you'll be the one holding them; you'll also be the one changing lenses or making small lighting adjustments while the model is holding a pose. If you are lucky, the professional may ask you do take some test shots or even take shots of him at work for use in his publicity material.

Provide Customer Service

They book customers’ appointments, keep track of scheduling to deal with any conflicts, and answer customers’ questions about services. They also act as cashiers and process payments in some establishments. If you are working in a photographer's studio, you are responsible for most of the studio administration. This includes answering the telephone, digital filing of photographs, dealing with invoices, licenses and hiring agreements. If clients visit the studio, it's your job to welcome them warmly, take their coats and offer to get the coffee

Professional Image

As a photographer assistant, particularly if you are freelance, you must behave professionally at all times. Be punctual, polite, and ready to help. If you can anticipate the needs of the photographer or clients, so much the better. Finally, make sure you dress appropriately, particularly for an external shoot. If the photographer is recording a wedding or a fundraising dinner, the client is not going to want you to be hanging around in jeans. Ask the photographer what the dress code is and make sure you adhere to it.