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Join us for APA Chicago's photo assistant basic training workshop on Saturday, November 14. 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.
Master assisting professionalism and get booked solid.
Special Guest: Eli Tykeson
A graduate of last year’s workshop, Eli returns to give a firsthand recap of her past year in the business and what it really looks like to get started.
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, e.g. 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 for commercial and corporate clients. Known for her calm, organized approach and knack for anticipating challenges, she builds efficient, solutions-driven teams that keep production running smoothly from prep to wrap. Christy is also the photo editor at Ripple of Change magazine, where she helps craft visual storytelling with purpose and impact.
Tyllie Barbosa, Photographer
Still life photographer and tabletop director, Tyllie Barbosa, creates food and product images that capture the best of a brand’s personality. Whether creating for Kellogg’s, Kerrygold, McDonald’s, Google, Oscar Mayer, Quaker, Ziploc or Ulta Cosmetics, she’s been infusing clients' imagery with vitality and character since 2005.
Meagan Shuptar, Photographer
Meagan Shuptar is a commercial photographer with 20 years of experience bringing people, product, and interiors together in authentic portrait, lifestyle, product, and editorial images. Working in studio and on location, she has photographed national brands, celebrities, small startups, and brand launches for clients including Walgreens, McDonald’s, Barbie, Google, Marriott Bonvoy, Louis Vuitton, and Budweiser. Her work has appeared in Essence, People, Harper’s Bazaar, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal. She believes collaboration is key, and her approachable but professional manner on set helps the whole crew do its best work.
Tom Michas, Photographer
Tom Michas is a Queer, Chicago-based fashion and beauty photographer who creates contemporary imagery with a focus on minimalism and luxury. He thrives on high production value and collaboration with strong personalities, and his discerning eye for detail drives photographs that are sharp and evocative. His experience as both a commercial photographer and retoucher lets him carry a client’s vision from layout to finish. Off set, he enjoys time with his love-bug of a cat, Daphne, and marching to the beat of his own drum.
Will Hartman, Assistant
Biography coming soon.
