PHOTOGRAPHY
ASSISTANT
Positions Open:
• First Assistant – New York City (Lead Role)
• Secondary Assistants – Los Angeles, Atlanta, Cairo, Cape Town, Paris
All assistants must be 21 or older, possess a valid passport and driver's license, know how to drive, and be willing to sign a binding Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). These roles are for individuals committed to excellence, discretion, and creative synergy.
OVERVIEW
SHAMAYIM Studios is seeking qualified, focused, and highly capable photography assistants to support the production of fashion editorials, campaigns, luxury publications, international expeditions, and studio work. These roles require technical aptitude, creative sensitivity, and the ability to contribute to the seamless execution of high-level productions.
Our assistants are not simply support staff. They are valued collaborators who help uphold the vision, pace, and standard of SHAMAYIM’s world-class photographic work.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS (ALL LOCATIONS)
Must be 21 years or older
Must have a valid passport and be able to travel internationally
Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to drive automatic transmission
Must be willing to sign and adhere to an NDA
Must be punctual, focused, and professional
Must be able to carry and manage gear (cases, lighting, stands, sandbags, etc.)
Must be comfortable working in studio and on-location environments
Must be proficient in or willing to quickly learn lighting equipment and photography workflows
Must understand the importance of discretion, respect, and energetic awareness on set
CONTENT CREATION REQUIREMENT
A critical component of all assistant positions is BTS (Behind-the-Scenes) content creation. Assistants must:
Be able to document SHAMAYIM at work during shoots with clarity, artistry, and discretion
Know how to capture behind-the-scenes photos and video using DSLR, mirrorless, or mobile devices
Understand composition, framing, and lighting for both photo and video
Be familiar with editing apps or platforms for quick turnaround when needed
Organize and deliver BTS content post-shoot in an efficient, labeled format
BTS content supports both SHAMAYIM Studios’ branding and social presence. It is a professional requirement, not a side task.
FIRST ASSISTANT – NEW YORK CITY
This is the lead photography assistant position and requires advanced technical skills, proactive thinking, and a leadership presence on set. You will work directly with SHAMAYIM on high-level productions in and out of studio.
Responsibilities
Full pre-production and on-set technical support
Setup and breakdown of lighting equipment, modifiers, grip gear, tethers, and monitors
Manage digital workflow (Capture One proficiency preferred)
Maintain battery charge, cable safety, and shoot logistics
Coordinate with stylists, models, HMUA, producers, and talent
Drive and transport crew or gear when necessary
Capture high-quality BTS content during every production
Maintain gear organization and studio cleanliness
Anticipate needs without instruction and problem-solve on the fly
Requirements
Minimum 3 years experience assisting on professional fashion sets
Deep knowledge of lighting setups, both strobe and continuous (Profoto and Broncolor preferred)
Highly organized with the ability to manage tight timelines
Comfortable in both indoor studio and outdoor location environments
Available to travel on national and international assignments
No ego, no gossip, no distractions—only precision and support
SECONDARY ASSISTANTS – LOS ANGELES, ATLANTA, CAIRO, CAPE TOWN, PARIS
These are location-based assistants who are brought in when SHAMAYIM is producing in your city. You are expected to uphold the same standards as the NYC team and represent SHAMAYIM Studios professionally.
Responsibilities
Assist in setting up and breaking down lighting and equipment
Help facilitate smooth shoot days by anticipating needs
Support with wardrobe steaming, equipment transport, and coordination
Capture BTS content that reflects the elegance and energy of the shoot
Provide logistical knowledge or location scouting when applicable
Help maintain a focused, clean, and respectful work environment
Requirements
Minimum 1–2 years experience assisting on editorial, commercial, or fashion sets
Based in one of the cities listed and available on short notice
Familiarity with basic lighting, grip, and camera systems
Strong eye for detail and respectful presence on set
Comfortable capturing BTS photo/video with artistic sensitivity
Must know how to move discreetly and observe energy cues while still documenting effectively
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES THAT MATTER
Discipline and presence — You treat each shoot with focus and reverence
Creative intuition — You are aware of visual composition and artistic mood
Loyalty and discretion — You do not share or discuss internal matters outside the team
Initiative — You act before being asked and handle challenges quietly
Energetic awareness — You are sensitive to the atmosphere on set and help protect it
Style fluency — You appreciate high fashion, editorial aesthetics, and luxury storytelling
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
Assistants who perform consistently with excellence may be considered for:
Elevated assistant roles with increased creative responsibilities
Travel-based assignments and international expeditions
Roles within SHAMAYIM Productions or SHADDAI Luxurybook projects
Future creative collaborations and mentorship opportunities
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Send the following to the SHAMAYIM Studios team:
Resume or CV (including past assistant work and professional references)
Statement of Intent — Why you want to work with SHAMAYIM and what you bring
Link to Portfolio or IG (optional)
Confirmation that you meet all core requirements (age, passport, license, NDA)
You MUST be registered with the Photographer Portal below