How to approach and talk to a pro photographer to ask for mentoring/assistant jobs?

[Sean Setters]

Flattery works wonders. Honestly, that's how Maher ended up as my assistant. He sent me a flickrmail or email saying how much he enjoyed my work and offered to help out if I ever needed some assistance, and I took him up on it. He helped me on numerous photo shoots (and he learned how to light), and I helped him make various camera gear buying decisions as well. It was a symbiotic relationship.

Now that he's gone back home to the Middle East, I have two people lined up to help me out whenever I need it. They approached me in much the same way, both via personal contacts.

Then again, Amber used to assist me all the time, so you could just try sleeping with the photographer first...