One of my favorite parts of putting together a photo or video shoot is getting to call someone I’ve worked with before and ask, “Are you free for another one?” They speak up early, bring ideas when plans change, and notice when someone could use a hand. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you want to get hired on repeat.
Speak up before the shoot
If you see a hole in the plan or the budget won’t cover what’s been asked of you, say so while there’s still time to make a change. Be specific about what you need. “I’ve already ordered these dresses, but I feel like we should have a couple more options on set. Can we put another $300 toward wardrobe?”
That gives the team a decision they can make before the shoot, while there’s still time to get those dresses in.
Bring a way forward
There will always be problems on set. When you spot one, take a minute to see what you can do about it. If you find a way forward, lead with that.
Say you think a particular prop would make a shot better, but we don’t have it on set. Before you bring it up, see if you can get it delivered. Then walk over with the delivery option pulled up on your phone and say, “I think this would work really well in the shot. I found one that can be here by lunch. What do you think?”
Now we can make a decision right there. I love working with people whose first instinct is, “Okay, let’s figure it out.” That’s the kind of energy I want on set.
Keep your eyes on set
Put your phone away when you don’t need it for work and stay close enough to see and hear what’s happening. If you’re on props and you know the charcuterie board is coming up, have it in your hands so you can step in as soon as they’re ready for it.
Even when you don’t know what the director will ask for next, being close to set means you can hear the request and go grab what they need. The more you watch the shoot unfold, the more you’ll catch those moments when you can jump in before anyone has to call your name.
Lend a hand
If someone’s hauling cases and you have a free hand, offer it. If another department is in the middle of a reset, ask what would help before jumping in. Sometimes the most useful thing you can do is clear a path so someone can get through.
At wrap, I remember the people who kept paying attention when everyone was tired. They caught the small things, helped where they could, and made it easier for the rest of us to do our jobs. Those are the people I want on the next one.
Emily Thorsen