THE VALUE OF WORKING AS AN ASSISTANT AND FREELANCING
— Aaron Grimes
Intermediate
English
English
About This Course
In the ever-evolving world of photography, the journey from novice to professional requires more than just a sound technical understanding of your craft. This is where Mike Kubeisy’s course, “The Value of Working as an Assistant and Freelancing”, comes in, offering vital insights into industry norms and practical experience that can truly set the foundation for a successful career.
With over three decades of experience in the photography industry, working on some of Hollywood’s most notable sets, Mike Kubeisy brings a wealth of knowledge and first-hand experience to the course. The course is designed around his belief that the role of an assistant photographer and freelancing assignments are crucial stepping stones in the development of a professional photographer.
As an assistant, you not only learn from observing a seasoned professional at work, but you also get a chance to navigate various challenges that arise in a professional photography setting. This kind of experience is invaluable and difficult to replicate in a traditional learning environment. Mike explores the various tasks, responsibilities, and skills required of an assistant, from managing equipment and aiding in set-ups, to communicating effectively with clients and team members.
One of the key areas Mike stresses is the importance of nurturing professional relationships. Working as an assistant provides an opportunity to network with industry professionals, a crucial aspect in carving out your own niche as a freelance photographer. He imparts the nuances of building rapport and trust with mentors and peers, all of which can contribute to securing future job opportunities.
When it comes to freelancing, the course delves into the dynamics of managing one's own photography business. Mike emphasizes the dual role of a freelance photographer as both an artist and a business person. He discusses how to develop a diverse portfolio, pricing strategies, marketing oneself, and maintaining strong client relationships. Importantly, he addresses the need for perseverance and adaptability in the face of fluctuating workloads and changing market trends.
The course also guides you on how to balance creativity with commercial viability, a crucial aspect of sustaining a freelancing career. Mike shares tips on how to continually upskill, stay relevant in the industry, and remain creatively fulfilled while ensuring financial stability.
Furthermore, Mike shares his personal experiences and anecdotes, adding a layer of authenticity and relatability to the course. His openness about his own career path—both his successes and challenges—adds immense value to the course, offering learners a realistic view of the photography industry.
Another major highlight of the course is the emphasis on ethical considerations and maintaining professionalism. As Mike states, reputation goes a long way in the freelancing world, so it's important to maintain a strong work ethic and integrity.
Overall, Mike Kubeisy’s “The Value of Working as an Assistant and Freelancing” is an engaging and informative course, offering learners a valuable perspective on the professional photography industry. It goes beyond the craft of photography, providing guidance on how to navigate the industry and build a successful career. It offers a unique blend of practical advice, industry insights, and professional wisdom that can benefit anyone aiming to make a mark in the field of photography.
Author
English