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Join us for APA Chicago's photo assistant basic training workshop on Saturday, November 8. Launch a career in the photo industry with this tried and tested program developed years ago by APA. With panel discussions, equipment demonstrations from industry professionals, and hands-on training, attendees will gain the essential knowledge and confidence to build their own Pro Assistant reputation. Acquire a comprehensive understanding of professional assisting behavioral guidelines, including contemporary set etiquette, and discover how this valuable training will get you more callbacks – more repeat clients, more work.
All attendees will receive the official Photo Assistant Handbook produced by PhotoShelter and APA. This handbook details crucial assisting principles with photographer and first-call assistant interviews. Includes written job description for assisting, 12 problems that photo assistants are expected to solve, building relationships, managing your finances, and much more.
Master assisting professionalism and get booked solid.
Questions and topics the panel will cover:
The afternoon session begins with a hands-on workshop with much of the gear an assistant will most likely encounter on the majority of professional photo shoots. Many aspects of assisting will be explained in great detail, i.e. strobes, hot lights, flags, scrims, set etiquette, and the assistant kit.
This is a great opportunity to learn from (and network with) professional photographers and first-call assistants.
Christy Schmid, Producer (Moderator)
Christy Schmid is a Chicago-based producer and founder of Christy Schmid Productions. After starting her career on set as a photo assistant, PA, and production coordinator, she began producing in 2014 and has since led photography and motion projects of all sizes across the commercial and corporate worlds.
Known for her calm, organized approach and ability to anticipate challenges before they happen, Christy builds efficient, solutions-driven teams that keep production running smoothly from prep to wrap. Her experience spans everything from casting and location logistics to creative collaboration and client management, ensuring each project delivers both creatively and operationally.
Christy is also the photo editor at Ripple of Change magazine, where she helps craft visual storytelling with purpose and impact.
Saverio Truglia, Photographer
Saverio is a purpose-driven photographer and director creating soulful still and motion content for brands rooted in well-being, creativity, and self-expression. He collaborates closely with clients and crew to tell authentic stories with curiosity, flexibility, and heart. Outside of work, you’ll find him around a backyard fire, on a bike, or inventing with my two boys—usually surrounded by cardboard, coffee, and way too much duct tape.
Kelly Allison, Photographer
Driven by a fearless belief in what’s possible Director / Photographer Kelly Allison partners with the top technicians and artists in the field to create visuals that go well beyond drool worthy. As a community they collectively seek to flip the script on traditional advertising and challenge what’s possible, promoting visionary concepts that center on the truth + power of our collective human experience. Kelly possesses a boundless energy to excite and inspire, and is constantly looking out for the unique lighting opportunity, the subtle difference in composition, the one element that elevates every frame to the next level.
Ryan Bringas, Photographer
Ryan likes to say that he grew up in the kitchen. As a father and a chef, he was always in the kitchen cooking. These key memories help him create beautiful personal work that plays with mood and feeling. Light becomes the tool that supports his stories and creates a sense of familiarity. He wants to transport you to the hacienda in Mexico, where the smell and sound of the grill make your mouth water. Or a picnic in the park as you lie back and take in the sun's warmth. Bringing both his passion for food and the human element together allows him to tell visual stories that are reminiscent of his childhood. These shared moments allow him to foster a connection with his audience.
Gadi Solis, Assistant
Gadi is a first-generation Central American photographer based in Chicago. His work blends documentary honesty with a love of storytelling, focusing on lifestyle, food, and drink. He started in-house at Whirlpool before going freelance, now balancing photography with gaffing and assisting. Whether on set or behind the camera, his aim is to capture authentic, human moments that feel real and inviting. Outside of work, he loves cooking, traveling, and exploring new places and people.
