  The covariant spectator quark model is applied to the $\gamma^\ast N \to
N^\ast(1520)$ reaction. The valence quark contributions to the electromagnetic
form factors and helicity transition amplitudes are estimated from the
covariant structure of the $N^\ast(1520)$ wave function calibrated by the
experimental data for large squared momentum transfer $Q^2$. The difference
between the model results and the experimental data is then used to
parameterize the low $Q^2$ behavior, where meson cloud effects are assumed to
dominate. This parametrization can be very useful for future studies of the
reaction, as well as for the extension of the transition form factors to the
timelike region.
