Celebrating The Guy Behind The Guy At The Original Smashbox Photo Assistants Show

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For every great professional in this town, there's usually at least one great assistant backing them up. And chances are you probably know many of these right-hand men and women as they make up a large contingent of L.A.'s employed population. Although they spend their days supporting their superiors, Friday night was all about celebrating the guy behind the guy at the annual Original Smashbox Photo Assistants Show opening night reception.

The eagerly-awaited yearly event which has showcased the works of assistants to the world's leading photographers since 1995 was held at Smashbox Studios in Culver City Friday night. There, guests were invited out for a first look at of this year's Original Smashbox Photo Assistants collection of 50 works at its unveiling and reception.

These unsung heroes of photography had their night in the sun as the show gave the up-and-coming photographers the opportunity to share their own perspective and unique points of view with the world. The assistants to such highly esteemed and accomplished photographers as Patrick Demarchelier, Bryan Adams and Tom Munro were among the many whose works comprised this year's show. In addition to the debut viewing of the collection, guests at the opening night event enjoyed free drinks, music, dancing and photo booths.

For the many underlings of various industries paying their dues in this town, the night served as a rare and very well-deserved formal recognition and appreciation for their hard work and skill. And hopefully, it gave them just enough validation to keep on trucking until they have their own assistants to boss around someday. Patience is a virtue, young grasshoppers.

*Original Smashbox Photo Assistants Show collection is on display at Smashbox Studios Mon-Fri, from 9am-5pm and runs through July 12.