Assistant App

Golden Gate School Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

The GGS Assistants are an integral part of how smoothly and successfully the school operates. We need dependable, positive and energetic people on our team! In exchange for your service, Golden Gate School offers you free tuition and the opportunity to work closely with some of the top photographers in the profession today.

Preference is given to individuals who have demonstrated a personal commitment to photography and have a record of service to their fellow professionals. Because Golden Gate School is a committee of the Professional Photographers of the Greater Bay Area (PPGBA), preference is also given to PPGBA members.

In order to qualify for this position, applicants agree to:

  • Work at the direction of the Chairman, Director, Assistants Chairman and class managers (Trustees). Any problems, conflicts, etc., are to be referred first to the class trustee who is initially responsible for dealing with the issue. If the issue is not resolved, it should then be referred to the Director and/or Chairman.
  • Be flexible and display a positive, professional attitude and a spirit of cooperation with all students, instructors, and fellow staff members.
  • Help out wherever assistance is required – which may at times mean missing parts of an instructor's presentation or meal functions.
  • Acknowledge that work hours during the week of the school may extend from 7 a.m. until as late as 11 p.m.
  • Understand that failure to abide by the job requirements will result in immediate dismissal from the campus.

    Assistants who are accepted will receive a packet of information to read before the school that details specific information and tasks for the week.

Assistant duties include but are not limited to:

  • Stay on campus and pay for room and board.
  • Most assistants will be assigned to a specific trustee/instructor, although your help is also needed during after-hours/special events.
  • Be on campus for the entire session of the school from Sunday morning through Wednesday afternoon until everything is cleaned up, packed and loaded, and the Director and/or Chairman release you.
  • Dress comfortably and in appropriate footwear, and be prepared to WORK, including moving and assembling equipment and props for classes.
  • Arrive on time for every assignment and be at class at least 10 minutes early.
  • Ensure the safety and security of the equipment checked out for your class. You will help to transport, set up, operate, inventory, pack, and return equipment.
  • Be constantly aware of safety and health hazards and actively avoid them.
  • Be continually aware of what your instructor is doing so that you can assist him/her as needed. 
  • Attend daily assistant meetings during the school week and at least one meeting prior to the school if you are from the Bay Area. (Assistants are also encouraged to attend the "wrap up" meeting after the school to critique the past session.)
  • May be asked to loan tools, props, and/or equipment for use in their class. (All personal items should be labeled with your name and phone number!)
  • May be called upon to model during the school week.

Application for Golden Gate School Assistant

Please print out this form, complete and send to:

SEND TO:  PO Box F   San Mateo, CA 94402-0018  Or FAX: 650/347-3141

APPLICATIONS DUE BY MARCH 31

___ I would like to serve as a full-time assistant and am available for the entire session of school –. Cost for assistant scholarships are: $300 for PPGBA members, $400 for non-members - which covers the required 4 nights room and board, checking in on Saturday and departing on Wednesday.

___ I certify that I am in good physical condition and able to lift, carry, and set up equipment and be able to do all tasks as required. (Work excuses for health reasons are not acceptable.

First Name                           Last Name                        

Mailing Address                                                       

City                            State            Zip Code              

Daytime Phone                         Evening Phone                   

E-mail address                                                        

Cell Phone #                         Years in Professional Photography     

What photo association/s do you belong to?                                 

What type/s of photography do you do?                                    

Have you been an assistant before? (when/where)                            

What brand/s of studio lights have you worked with?                           

Which 35mm or digital cameras are you familiar with? (list brand/s & model #s)

                                                                   

Which medium format cameras are you familiar with? (list brands & model #s)

                                                                   

Association experience (service to photographic/professional associations)

                                                                   

Describe your experience with Photoshop (check as appropriate):
__ no experience or pretty new

__ intermediate 

__ advanced

Professional Training/Education                                          

Tell us about your business/position and your career goals                     

                                                                   

Why do you feel you should be considered for this position?                     

                                                                   

 I am interested in studying (instructor or subject)_____________________________

(the director, chairman, and chairman of assistants will make class assignments.)

Applicant Signature                                                    

Date