Where do you go if you’re fresh out of school and looking for a start in the commercial photo world? You could pound the pavement looking for an assistant’s position, but as Miguel Goodbar learned the hard way, that’s not going to happen quickly. And given today’s economic climate, any advantage you can glean now will help pave the way tomorrow. Which is precisely what Goodbar, a graduate of the International Center of Photography, had in mind when he and several other assistants initiated AfterSunset, a cooperative of sorts and a haven to photo assistants looking for that competitive edge.

	© AfterSunset

What are some of the advantages of membership? Goodbar notes that many photographers today are weakest in digital, and don’t necessarily want to take the time to learn. That’s where AfterSunset steps in, providing the needed education and experience, with several workstations, and regularly scheduled workshops. Sessions are limited to ten per class “so we can all shoot and have hands-on experience.” Periodic, sponsored gallery openings help members showcase their work. Other benefits include portfolio reviews by photo editors. Members also get substantial discounts on equipment and studio rentals.

One other very important benefit is the online database, still in its fledgling stages. Members are free to update their resume as often as needed, spelling out their individual strengths. Coincident with that, photographers have access to this database and can search for assistants that fill their needs for any particular assignment.

The name AfterSunset has no mystical meaning attached. It’s simply a way to establish that it originated out of 5th & Sunset, a production house offering a wide range of services, and specifically the New York City store, where Goodbar also happens to be equipment rentals manager. There’s talk of extending this one-year old initiative to LA, maybe next year.

Membership in AfterSunset runs $200 per year, currently embodying 116 assistants. There are some associated costs, such as $5 for an 8 x 10 Fujix print. “We charge the cost, to replace consumables. On the Epson printers, they bring their own paper, and pay $1.50 for ink usage.”

Of course, many might wonder what’s in it for 5th & Sunset and Goodbar? “For 5th & Sunset, it’s supporting the photographers of tomorrow who will be using our services,” says Goodbar. “For me, it’s trying to create a sense of belonging to a community. The idea is for them to help each other, to network, and to get jobs. I wish this were around when I came out of school.”

—Jack Neubart