Commercial photography creates many lucrative and unusual careers. What professional photographers expect from an assistant and what an assistant can anticipate from a career in photography is the focus of this course. The responsibilities of a photographer's assistant can be tremendous. Photographic systems for studio and location will be demonstrated within a busy New York City studio. Topics will include: tools and techniques; things to do before, during and after the shoot; how to organize and keep track of funds, products and personnel. Promotion, marketing, bookkeeping and other business aspects will be stressed. Students will learn set craft and travel tips, as well as how to save the world with a roll of gaffer's tape and a Swiss Army knife. Assisting professional photographers is one of the best ways to enter this highly competitive field. Open to beginning through advanced assistants (and even civilians), this course will be structured to benefit all levels of experience. Note: This course will meet at the instructor's studio, 873 Broadway, room 605 (near 18th Street). Suggested reading: The Photographer's Assistant by John Kieffer.