When your assistant bails before a photoshoot: 1. Assess: Identify critical tasks, your capabilities, and available resources. 2. Communicate: Inform your client and adjust the schedule as needed. 3. Improvise: Delegate, utilize technology, and simplify if necessary. 4. Solve: Be resourceful, stay calm, and document everything. 5. Review: Debrief with the team and learn from the experience.

This should never be an issue. My delivery to a client is never circumstantial on an assistant. An assistant is just that, an assistant. They are there to assist, support, provide ease, and streamline the process. While an assistant is helpful to have you should never be dependent on them to achieve your results. If there were shots that it were ideal to have the support I pivot and adapt utilizing more light stands, etc. An assistants job is usually coachable. Use any available friend or, if necessary, grab a stranger off the street to help for a minute to achieve the shot. Create excitement about participation and make people feel achievement for being involved. Unprofessional? No. I get the job done AND give my client a great story.

If my assistant bails before a critical shoot, I’d focus on staying calm and prioritizing. First, I’d quickly reassess the setup and decide what I can handle solo or delegate to other crew members on-site. Streamlining the workflow becomes key—focusing on the must-have shots and simplifying the process where possible. Communication is crucial, so I’d also let the client know about the situation (if needed) while assuring them the shoot is under control. Challenges like this remind me to always prepare for the unexpected and trust my ability to adapt.

If my assistant bails before a critical shoot, I quickly prioritize tasks to stay on track. I streamline my setup, focusing only on essential gear and lighting. I might enlist help from available crew, like stylists or clients, for minor tasks like holding reflectors. To save time, I pre-plan adjustments and keep communication with the subject clear and efficient. If needed, I simplify the shoot’s scope without compromising quality. Staying calm and organized ensures I maintain control and deliver the results expected, even under unexpected pressure.

If your assistant bails before a big shoot, don’t panic, just adapt and keep things moving. Focus on the essentials, simplify where you can, and stick to your plan with a clear shot list and ready-to-go gear. If someone on-site can help with small tasks like holding a reflector, don’t hesitate to ask. Be upfront with the client, letting them know there’s been a hiccup but you’ve got it under control. Take your time, stay positive, and focus on delivering great results.