Everyone sees the name of the Director of a film. The photographer’s name is credited on iconic photos. Although the recognition for those who make films and photographers across the genres is on different levels, there are A-Lister photographers who are known throughout the industry.

Photographers and movie makers are different yet similar. A movie is not made by one person;there are hundreds of unsung heroes involved in making a film. Behind every photograph, thereare the forgotten heroes of photography — assistants, retouchers, and grips all have a role in producing the final product.

A Crew of Many

People know that when the credits of a film role, a crew of many is responsible for the completed work. Outside of the industry, photography is romanticized as a solitary art. That is true in many forms of photography, but on a professional set, the art of photography is a collaborative affair. It takes a crew of many to complete a photography session.

The Photography Assistant moves quietly through the set, calibrating light, adjusting reflectors, moving cables out of the view of the lens, and keeping the feet of photographers and models involved in a shot. Taking on the role of part tech, part artist, and logistical coordinator, the Photography Assistant is essential on professional shoots.

Without the Photography Assistant, the photographer would be distracted from the view in their lens. Focus, speed, light, shadow, foreground, and background, all must be front and center in professional photography. The Photography Assistant takes on the burdens of the set details on the photographer, allowing them to concentrate on the view in the lens.

Retouchers and Grips

Retouchers play a vital role in photography. In digital imaging, capturing the image is the first step. Transforming the raw image into a polished final print or published image with retouching is an art that has advanced the editorial art of Retouchers.

Basic retouching backstage at a photoshoot

In the foreground of a professional shot is the photographer and the subject, whether a person, a scene, or an object. Grips handle the hardware that supports and stabilizes the set. C-stands. Flags, rigging, and elaborate lighting arrangements are all the responsibility of the Grip. Without skilled Grips, the smooth execution of the shoot could go astray or be interrupted by misplaced or falling equipment.

Little things matter in completing a professional photography session, on time, on budget, and flawlessly. Photography Assistants, Grips, and Retouchers are the forgotten heroes of Photography.

Michael Grecco Photography

Michael Grecco photography began with a 35 mm camera and a roll of black and white film. Through long hours behind the lens, in the classroom and studio, Grecco has learned the nuances of creating the photograph. Through trial and error, experimentation, and innovation, Grecco has maintained his career as an award-winning photographer who understands the essentials of the craft across multiple genres. He also understands that his solitary vision as an artist relies on a crew of many that includes studied professionals in the behind-the-scenes roles.

Grecco understands and appreciates Assistants, Retouchers, and Grips, all the roles he performed for himself at the beginning of his career.