Photo Assistant Basic Training Workshop 2026

OVERVIEW

Join us for APA Chicago's photo assistant basic training workshop on Saturday, November 14. Launch a career in the photo industry with this tried and tested program developed years ago by APA. With panel discussions, equipment demonstrations from industry professionals, and hands-on training, attendees will gain the essential knowledge and confidence to build their own Pro Assistant reputation. Acquire a comprehensive understanding of professional assisting behavioral guidelines, including contemporary set etiquette, and discover how this valuable training will get you more callbacks – more repeat clients, more work.

Master assisting professionalism and get booked solid.

Special Guest: Eli Tykeson

Eli Tykeson is a freelance photographer, photo assistant, and production assistant whose own work has a moody, signature style. Since attending APA Photo Assistant Training last year, they’ve built connections across Chicago’s photo community and spent their summer break working on a range of productions.

SCHEDULE

• 10:15 AM: Doors open / Check-in
• 10:30 AM: Panel Discussion & Q&A
• 12:00 PM: Lunch (provided)
• 01:00 PM: Gear demonstration / Hands-on training
• 04:00 PM: Workshop ends

TICKET PRICING

• $25: APA members
• $40: General Public

MORNING SESSION: PANEL DISCUSSIONS

Questions and topics the panel will cover:

• How an aspiring assistant should approach a photographer.
• How to get your first assistant job.
• How do I find photographers to work for?
• What rate should an assistant charge
• What is the difference between a tech and an assistant?
• How long should I wait to get paid?
• Who besides a photographer who should I contact to get assisting work?
• What do you look for in a photographer you work for?
• What should an assistant bring to a shoot?
• What questions should an assistant ask when called for a job?
• What do you say if asked if you are a photographer too?
• What do you do if you have to make a call? Cell phones on set?
• Networking and social media?
• What non-photo skills should I have? Social Media, blogging, self-promotion, etc?
• How should you dress/appear?
• What about mixing male/female assistants?
• Travel, Overtime, Cancellations?
• Assistants as employees/freelancers?
• How should an assistant be picking up gear and equipment before & after shoot?
• Interns? Are they paid?
• How much of your own work do you shoot while being a busy assistant?

AFTERNOON SESSION: GEAR DEMONSTRATION/HAND-ON TRAINING

The afternoon session begins with a hands-on workshop with much of the gear an assistant will most likely encounter on the majority of professional photo shoots. Many aspects of assisting will be explained in great detail, i.e. strobes, hot lights, flags, scrims, set etiquette, and the assistant kit.

LEARN FROM PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ASSISTANTS

This is a great opportunity to learn from (and network with) professional photographers and first-call assistants.