I have no Photography, Photography assistant, lighting or Photo Editing experience and I do not own a camera. Can I still apply?

Absolutely. We encourage and welcome all to apply. We are not focused on who you are or the skills you have today. We are focused on who you can become tomorrow if given the opportunity to thrive. If you can meet the job requirements, this position is a fantastic opportunity for an aspiring photographer.

Are there any special requirements?

The requirements for the gig are minimal, however they are vital to the position. Candidates must be:

 

  • 18 or older
  • Able to be on your feet for long periods
  • Able to handle the demanding travel rigors & erratic shooting schedule top quality photography demands
  • Able to work calmly in high risk environments
  • Able to work outdoors in all seasons including overnights and early mornings


Additionally, the following qualities are considered a plus:

 

  • Photography experience
  • Ability to dress in business style clothing and display a professional appearance & demeanor
  • Knowledge of or ability to learn basic business practices & philosophies
  • Fearless of politicized Coronavirus media hype
  • Able to follow direction well
  • Committed to learning & mastering your craft
What will I be doing?

Full training will be provided. The job is simple to learn, but difficult to master. Candidates will assist our award winning photographer and photojournalist Dominic Micheal(view his short-port here) in shooting numerous subjects and styles of photography. Our bread and butter is in news/photojournalism and documentary photography which will be sold to news outlets, various photography brokers and offered for sale directly to our clients. Candidates will be responsible for various tasks and crucial duties including lighting assistance, spotting for the photographer, gear management, ect..Candidates will travel in teams of two-three throughout Chicagoland and portions of the surrounding Midwest via bus, train or car and operate by light backpacking while on location. Candidates will have the opportunity to capture history and multiple important news events. Other revenue generating styles of photography that candidates will be assisting with include Landscape, Street, Wildlife, Still Life, Night, Product, Macro, Packshots, Abstract, Food, Event, Fashion, Political, Architectural, ect...Candidates will be trained in basic survival tactics, disaster preparedness and hazard & risk assessment training. In most circumstances except when the need to hire a specialist or independent contractor arises, we operate in teams of three: a Photographer, a Key Assistant and Administrative Support. Each individual contributes their talents to the projects at hand. Work produced is then sold to various media outlets and other clients. Our staff works in collaborative teams of three with each individual receiving an equal share of profits. Individuals have a mix of both collaborative responsibilities and also specific tasks. The team consists of one Photographer, one Lead Photography Assistant and one Marketing & Promotion specialist who is of tremendous value, essentially fulfilling the duties of "selling" our product to clients.

What kind of compensation is included in the apprenticeship?
We offer the very best independent artist compensation package in the photography industry, hands down. Our pay structure allows you the opportunity to earn what you are truly worth rather than a menial hourly wage.   
We include: 
  • $250 cash signing bonus
  • Candidates will earn an unheard of 33% equal share of all net revenues!
  • Paid Travel to and from location included
  • Cash food stipend when on location
  • Starbuck's gift card for use while on location
  • As we are an employee owned company, opportunity for tremendous growth with this company exists including joining our team as an owner operator and becoming a full-time photographer

For example, if one of our photos gets picked up nationally and ends up earning revenue into the thousands, you are paid a large percentage of that total rather than $240 @ $15 per hour for two days work. We pay the best because we want individuals who try their best. We certainly do not expect perfection. We do however expect that our team members give their best effort.
It sounds like a great opportunity, but no job is perfect. What's the catch?

The catch is you will have to work hard to succeed. Yes, traveling around to different places and events researching, planning & photographing subjects can be extremely fun and interesting work. Being early on the scene of a major news event or disaster & recovery effort is exciting and full of adventure. However, anything worth doing is not always easy. This is a serious business with a serious business model. Photography in general has many difficult aspects, more so when charging headlong into the action. It will take a significant amount of time to produce and build a body of work, promote it, build a following and turn it into profit. It will not happen over night. At first, as a Lead Assistant of a professional photography crew you will swing and miss more than you will hit. However, If you are able to stay committed to a long term goal and set yourself apart from the crowd, the end result can be both very rewarding and truly fulfilling.

The position seems dangerous?

That is likely because it is dangerous. Simply put, often times for those in the photography industry who practice photojournalism, safety cannot be guaranteed. If you cannot come to terms with that fact, this is not the job for you.

When a newsworthy incident happens, the pictures we take have a vital impact on the world we live in. Our photos document the facts of the matter for entire generations to come. They show the truth and help to prevent instances of media malpractice, false narratives and the egregious politicization of tragic events. If you are not comfortable with, for instance, heading into a declared emergency disaster area in which we will have to haul in our own food & water and there are no bathrooms, perhaps you should reconsider applying. Or if you will struggle to deal with the fast paced atmosphere that our team will face when covering protests and civil unrest, then you may not be an ideal fit for this position. If you are the type of person whom is easily distracted by peers or cannot stay off of their phone for hours at a time, then you are likely a detriment to the safety of your team and should not apply. If however, you are tough enough to handle these extreme circumstances, you will have the opportunity to provide a once in a lifetime contribution to the annuls of history.

How do I become an employee owner?

The process to becoming a part owner of this Limited Liability Corporation is simple. Candidates need only to work for Faith 21 Photography for one calendar year. This includes a 90 probationary period and 9 months of stable employment. Upon reaching this milestone, candidates will become fully vested legal owners of this company with nearly 50% stake(49.999% to be exact) at absolutely zero cost. In addition, owner operators are provided with a High quality DSLR camera at no expense.

I have had legal/disciplinary issues or I have said some things or have videos about me online that stigmatize me. Will that prevent me from qualification?
No, not at all. You are a human. Humans make mistakes. We believe in second chances and in most cases, third or fourth ones too. It's O.K. to have said or done things that you regret, that have been misconstrued or are unpopular. We're really not concerned about the silly anti-Obama or anti-Bush tweet you made, the embarrassing whatever video or any other speech or action deemed offensive by some. Just be honest and tell us. Disclosure is key. We will address any concerns we may have with you and evaluate your situation fairly, on an individual basis. To error is a human quality, but to forgive and accept does not seem to be.
I have political or religious views that are polarizing or offensive to some? Does that exclude me from qualification?
No. Of course not. Frankly we don't care what you believe in your personal life. What truly matters is how committed you are to doing your job well. In fact, you will be working with and around individuals from across the political spectrum. If you are Liberal but cannot get along with Conservatives or vice versa, this may not be the ideal position for you.

APPLICATION

I understand that I bear the sole responsibility for the accuracy of all statements made. I have answered all questions truthfully and to the best of my ability.