Photographer Interview Questions

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What equipment is a must-have for you no matter where you are going to be working? See answer
What professional photographers have influenced your work, and how do you incorporate their techniques into your photographs? See answer
Do you have formal training as a photographer, and have you worked in a professional studio before? See answer
What type of editing software do you like to use for your completed photographs, and what do you like about it? See answer
What details do you believe make the best photographs? How do you go about focusing on them in your work? See answer
How would you respond if a client was completely unhappy with their photos and wanted a refund in addition to a free replacement photoshoot? See answer
What would you do if a client requested a rush turnaround time for editing their photos and sending proofs?
Do you have experience directing a photography assistant or tech staff?
What would you do if a client approached you asking you to make significant edits to another photographer’s work?
Tell me about the breadth of your experience as a photographer by describing two different styles of photoshoots and your strategy for approaching each one.
Photographers have to adapt to changing conditions and schedules. What would you do if the weather turned bad during an outdoor photoshoot?
Explain all the steps of post-production and how you stay organized when completing multiple photography projects at once.
What strategies do you use to prevent excessive blurring when taking photos?
Do you have experience taking action shots and candid photos? Is your strategy different than when you work in the studio?
Are you comfortable directing subjects in front of the camera and describing the adjustments they need to make so that you can get the shot you want?

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6 Photographer Interview Questions and Answers

Q:

What equipment is a must-have for you no matter where you are going to be working?

A:

Though different scenarios may require different equipment, there is a baseline for the type of gear that the photographer should bring with them. Make sure that they mention tripods and light meters, especially if you work in a studio that focuses on establishing outdoors photographs. You want to make sure that the potential candidate can also adapt to different equipment needs based on specific projects they will be working on.

What to look for in an answer:

Clear reasoning behind their choices
Adaptability when it comes to using new gear
A definite understanding of basic equipment requirements

Example:

“I never go shooting without my tripod and my light meter. I also love working with my Canon EOS 5D Mark IV on all occasions.”

Q:

What professional photographers have influenced your work, and how do you incorporate their techniques into your photographs?

A:

This question allows you to learn a little bit more about your candidate’s background. While there are many influential photographers that could have an impact on the applicant’s work, it is a good idea to map those influences to see if there is overlap in technique. You can learn a lot about the type of work that the candidate is interested in doing just by looking at their influences.

What to look for in an answer:

A clear map of professional influences
Professionally traceable techniques in their portfolio
Versatility when it comes to implementing those techniques

Example:

“Ansel Adams has to be my biggest influence. I love his method of working with a dropped horizon to focus on the foreground below.”

Q:

Do you have formal training as a photographer, and have you worked in a professional studio before?

A:

The more experience and training the potential candidate has, the better it is for your needs. You want to work with someone who has had some type of formal schooling so that you have an assurance of their quality of work. Many colleges and vocational centers offer photography degrees, so make sure that the candidate you are interviewing has some degree of training that you can count on.

What to look for in an answer:

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in photography
An internship in the field
Active experience in a studio

Example:

“I have a master’s degree in photography, and I have worked extensively with a photography studio over the past few years developing and editing photographs.”

Q:

What type of editing software do you like to use for your completed photographs, and what do you like about it?

A:

All kinds of editing software options can be desirable. They answers you want to look for are ones that showcase the photographer’s proficiency and comfort with general photo editing terms, such as gradient adjustments and filters. If you use a specific variety, you want to make sure that you match up with your photographer or that they are otherwise willing to learn how to use the new software.

What to look for in an answer:

Experience with photo editing software
Knowledgeable about differences between programs
The ability to adapt to a different program as necessary

Example:

“Adobe Lightroom is my go-to software option. I love the interface and how easy it is to implement brush and gradient adjustments and professional filters.”

Q:

What details do you believe make the best photographs? How do you go about focusing on them in your work?

A:

Different photographers may have different answers here depending on the specifics of the task itself, but an eye for detail is absolutely necessary for any capable candidate to have. Things such as lighting and positioning are all vital, but be on the lookout for answers that may surprise you. A good photographer will be able to begin paying attention to different details as necessary as well.

What to look for in an answer:

A strong focus on lighting and arrangement
Willingness to collaborate with the client on details
Ability to incorporate negative space

Example:

“I like to work with the lighting and surrounding negative space in order to keep the subject in focus as efficiently as possible.”

Q:

How would you respond if a client was completely unhappy with their photos and wanted a refund in addition to a free replacement photoshoot?

A:

Photographers directly interact with clients and may have to receive criticism regularly. They should have a balance between being respectful of the client's wishes and artistic vision and understanding the value of their professional perspective. Good photographers are able to communicate with clients. This answer helps the interviewer assess a candidate's customer service skills and their ability to compromise in a challenging situation.

Successful answers to this question should feature:

Setting realistic expectations
Offering a solution
Justifying their creative choices

Example:

"First I would have a discussion about why they didn't like the photos I took. If it was an issue of photo quality such as blurry pictures or poor lighting, I would be happy to schedule a re-shoot and consider giving them a discount for their trouble. If it was a matter of creative differences, I would explain my creative process and give them referrals to other photographers, since a re-shoot may not satisfy their needs."

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