As a photographer of some years I have found many things in this industry that confuse me, most of them political. One of the topics that confuses me most is this: Why won't a seasonsed photographer take on someone with promise as an apprentice? This is the first forum I've seen that even poses the questions that help make young photographers better. But still, in the working world outside the muraled walls of this haven for artists, why is it that so few photographers will take a second look at the younger in their trade? Are we so scared that they'll our work or that in helping them learn we are training our replacements that we shun them totally? Or are the great days of apprenticeships gone?

Good question. I think it has to do more with the nature of the beast than fear or not wanting to pass things on. Most of us are intraverted, eclectic artists. I mean intraverted in an artistic form. I know that many of the other photographers I am aquainted with prefer to shoot alone or are in our own little worlds when we shoot. Shooters understand shooters. We don't have to explain why we something in a particular way, we just do. My wife is a good amatuer photographer but she wants me to explain why I see something a particular way. hell I don't know why I see it the way I do, I just do! On this forum I don't have to explain it, everyone here just accepts that i see it that way and that I try to capture it. They may see another way of doing the same shot and we try to tell each other that when we see it. Sometimes we just see that something isn't right but we weren't there at the time so we say that it is off this way or that. Basically we understand each other, due to that we don't have to explain anything. We jsut accept things as they are and we move forward. A pro doesn't want to have to explain every reason he does something, they jsut want to do it and move on to the next shot. Magick Michael zhounder.com

I thought apprenticeships went under the guise of photography assistant...? No? I'm not a professional but I've had two professional photographers who were willing to take me under their wing and teach me things...I didn't work for them, but they showed, taught, and encouraged so that hasn't been my experience at all at least not yet. I'm sure a lot of it has to do with fear of being outdone...photographers in general tend to be a bit egoistical and protective of their secrets and techniques....why? I'm not sure...I like to think that I'm always helpful and forthcoming with advice...but I'll admit to sometimes not wanting to give away how I did something....hmmm.... This is a very good question Akire.......

it's because they're afraid of us.... and they damn well should be!

I am not a professional, just a rank amateur. But, I am never at a loss for opinions. I would speculate a few reasons and zhounder gave you a very good. Another is competition; Once an assistant learns your client base and how you make your profits, then they are a danger for competition. Probably not a good reason but a reason. Another is the talent .vs. skill issue. A young kid with talent and imagination can be a threat to any photographer. It ain't that hard to take A good picture, but it can be darn hard to take THE good picture. That skill does not come easy and a Pro will be reluctant to hand it over to just anyone. Can you blame them, that gives them, "the edge." I'd say keep trying, there are plenty of photographers out there and at least some of them should be willing to give a kid a chance as long as they promise to not be too big of a pain in the ass and are willing to do the grunt work in exchange for minimal pay and valuable education. Good luck to you and remember this question when you are asked it 20 years from now.

I'm not a professional photographer. But I have seen the assistants work with the pros. As far as I can tell photography like most other fields have assistants/apprentices which mature then "strike off on their own." Most of the good apprentices already know what the master wants and is trying to attempt anyway. Basically apprentices are "go fors". So to me the answer is a combination of all the above with the addition that a pro may not feel he/she needs a "go for". AND they want things to be dificult for someone else. Much like they way it was for them when they learned. It seems silly but I've seen it many times and I suppose I've done it a little. I believe human's feel that life is a struggle and that people shoul struggle in order to learn. Consider it "payin ones dues". Bsteph

hmmmm.... I'm not sure either, but I'm probably gonna have a shot at putting it to the test..... I despreately need experience in shooting models, but don't wanna make a total ass of myself by getting someone to agree to it then not knowing where to start..... to this end I'm gonna try to get a local photograper or two to let me 'sit in' on a modelling session..... when I get the chance (work, PhotoShop and damned motorbike permitting) I'll keep you updated. btw Michael, know what you mean about the 'seeing' thing - our lass can't understand when I 'see' something that isn't there either, but thankfully our eldest is starting to catch on and do exactly that now too!!! yay - my own apprentice for the future?!? he he he (",)

Some of it has to do with your location. In the larger metro areas where there is more work available, you would have better success finding work as an assistant. Take New York for instance, it is a breeding ground for new talent but very hard to become established in the trade. Those that are established are not afraid of new talent, because they know you will have to work your butt off once you strike out on your own, and the clients are fairly loyal once they find a photographer they enjoy working with.