When I help out with the with MVP Photography Workshops, it’s a lot of hard work.  Myself and the rest of the “assistant” team get to the shoot a couple of hours before the photographers, lug about five trucks worth of gear out of Chris’s car, setup anywhere from 2-5 separate photography stations.  Lighting gear, modifiers, a literal table of triggers, batteries, extension cords, stands studio lights, strobes, backgrounds, more backgrounds, plus all the other random little bits and pieces that will be needed during the shoot.

Generally we finish the setup just before (or just after) the photographers show up.  Oh, and did I mention that a lot of times the models and makeup artists are there before we get there (not being a girl, and not having any sisters, I had no idea just what an involved process makeup was… seriously, it’s crazy the time and skill the makeup artists have)!

Then, when the photographers get started shooting, we don’t get to, or when we do it’s sneaking a quick shot or two in while the photographers are switching around, or a model is in between outfit changes or makeup touchup.

For example, the above shots of Rugelyn Casumpang were done in about three minutes with some window light when I stole her after an outfit change at the last creative shoot at the Ironworks Studio in downtown Vancouver.

In the end though, it’s worth it.

Actually, in the end it’s the reverse, the photographers leave, and Chris, myself and the rest of the assistants pack the five truckloads of gear back into one truck, clean everything up, and then head out.  It is fun though, and we get to goof off a bit, and I’ve gotten to know a lot of the photographers that are the regulars and made some good friends, and helping out makes it a good time for everyone.

This weekend there’s another shoot, “Studio Lingerie”, which should be fun.  Looking forward to hanging out with the other folks, Xel, Jeff, Skye, and of course our fearless leader, Chris.