Photographer Mock Interview

List of 30 Photographer Interview Questions & Answers

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1. 1.

   How do you deal with a client when the project's scope begins to creep?

   Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

   The interviewer asks this question to understand your problem-solving skills when a client is involved. The interviewer wants to gauge your comfort level with client communication and your ability to manage a project. This question also indicates that part of your role will be working directly with clients.

   The Goal

   The best way to answer this question is with an example that explains a situation, your actions, and the outcome. Show that you are confident working with clients and adaptable when things change. You want to demonstrate your level of tact and business acumen.

   What You Need to Know

   Scope creep is common in most creative fields. In the case of photography, you are often dealing with changes in real-time, especially when it is event photography, photojournalism, or environmental portraits. Beyond that, there are often environmental factors that come into play, such as weather or daylight. This question also gives you an opportunity to show your ability to adapt deliverables when variables change.

    Answer Example

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Gentry Edwards wrote: When I'm working on a project that has scope creep, I think it's important to have a conversation about it with the client. Scope creep can create risk for a project in multiple ways. It can lead to missing deadlines, rushed work close to the deadline that could be of lower quality, and cost increases. If a client wants more work than what we originally agreed on, they need to understand that the project's deadline may need to be pushed back or that the cost will increase. Sometimes, the scope creeps due to outside variables, like weather or running out of sunlight. If something outside of our control happens, we will need to work together to find a solution that fits their needs.

2. 2.

   What do you think makes a photographer good at their job?

   Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

   The interviewer asks this question because you will likely answer it by sharing your traits as a photographer. It is an indirect way of asking you about your approach to photography. The interviewer can compare your perspective with theirs, and it can ultimately speak to your fit in their agency.

   Focus Your Answer On

   Focus on the behavioral traits of being a photographer rather than your skillset. Good photography isn't about being an expert with gear, settings, and Photoshop. Good photography is ultimately about capturing images that fulfill the goal of a project.

   What You Need to Know

   This is another question that speaks to the importance of researching the agency. Understanding the kind of work they create will give you insight into what they consider "good photography," which you can use to tailor your answer. Many interviewees will want to talk about how knowledgeable they are of gear and software because they think that is what makes a good photographer. However, it isn't always about being incredibly creative; it is about delivering images that fulfill the goals outlined by the client.

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Gentry Edwards wrote: A good photographer asks questions and focuses on the goals of their client. Photography should be purposeful and thoughtful. A strong skillset and creative ideas are important, but it is ultimately about delivering images that speak to a client's needs.

3. 3.

   On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your skills in Photoshop or Lightroom?

   Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

   The interviewer wants to find out which Adobe CC apps you are comfortable with and your level of expertise. This will help the interviewer determine if you are a fit for the role and if you have knowledge of apps that their existing team lacks.

   The Goal

   The goal of your answer is to communicate your working knowledge of photography software applications. If you work in software other than the industry standard Adobe apps, include that in your answer.

   Pro Tip

   Avoid rating yourself a 10 unless you are an expert on a particular application and can speak to that expertise. Rating yourself at 10 on multiple apps can come across as cocky. It is also unlikely that someone will be a 10 on multiple applications.

    Answer Example

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Gentry Edwards wrote: I work in Photoshop and Lightroom on a daily basis. I would rate myself as an 8 in Photoshop and a 9 in Lightroom. I wouldn't rate myself a 10 in either of them because there is always more to learn. I use Photoshop for deep edits or when I need total control over an image for a complex composite. Lightroom is a powerful tool in its own right, but it is not as in-depth as Photoshop. I think Lightroom's tool interface is easier and faster, and I use it when I need to make image adjustments on projects with a tighter turn-around.

4. 4.

   How would you fix a soft image in Photoshop?

   Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

   The interviewer is testing your knowledge of Photoshop and how you use it as a photographer. The interviewer will use this question to gauge your strength in the application.

   The Goal

   The goal of your answer is to showcase an in-depth knowledge of Photoshop and how you use it as an extension of shooting images in the field. Your interviewer will expect you to understand how to use the tools you will use on the job.

   How to Answer

   Focus on the tools you would use in Photoshop to deal with a soft image. Tie it back to photography and explain the reasons you might need to sharpen an image.

    Answer Example

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Sue Oberliesen wrote: Despite everything you do, sometimes you end up with an image that is just a bit soft. I find this can happen when you are shooting with a long lens or in low light. Photoshop is a great tool to fix it and, there are several approaches to adding sharpness. My go-to tool for this situation is the smart sharpness tool. Increasing the sharpness will essentially add contrast around the edges of an object. A more subtle approach is to duplicate and overlay the duplicate as another layer and blend the two layers, depending on what you want to achieve.

5. 5.

   Tell me about yourself.

   What You Need to Know

   This is often the first question in an interview. It is a deceptively simple question. The interviewer wants to know more about who you are and your career trajectory. Your answer is the interviewer's first impression of you. If it is too personal or non-professional (i.e. "my name is Josh, and I like cats and Anime"), it can start the interview off on the wrong foot.

   Focus Your Answer On

   Focus primarily on your career so far and where you hope to go with your career. It isn't necessary, but you can add something personal about yourself. That said, the best approach is to talk about something memorable and unique that might set you apart from others and adds to your identity as a photographer.

   The Goal

   Establish yourself as a strong, confident, and worthy candidate. This is your chance to make a great first impression on the interviewer. This is your "elevator pitch" and should be rehearsed before the interview. Be able to tell your career story in 30-45 seconds.

    Answer Example

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Gentry Edwards wrote: My name is _____, and I'm passionate about photography. I started taking photos as a kid and got my first SLR at 15. I started my career shooting high school games and working as a stringer at a small newspaper. Through that experience, I had the opportunity to work with a talented photographer who took me under her wing and gave me so many opportunities to grow as a photographer. After two years as a stringer, I was hired full-time. In addition to news-style photography, I shoot food photos for restaurants, environmental portraits, and the occasional wedding. I'm ready to continue growing, and I applied for this position based on the amazing work I've seen on your website. I want to be part of what you are doing.

6. 6.

   What interests you about working for our agency?

   Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

   This question is asked to determine how serious you are about applying for the job. If you come across as casually interested, it will likely count against you as a candidate.

   The Goal

   The goal is to show the interviewer that you are serious about working for their agency. Make it clear that you targeted their agency for specific reasons. You want the interviewer to believe that you are excited about the opportunity.

   What You Need to Know

   It is important to research the company and the interviewer. Explore their website and past work. Do some research on the interviewer if you know the person's name. This will show the interviewer that you did your homework and are genuinely interested in working at the company.

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Gentry Edwards wrote: I applied for this position based on the photography work on your website. Your work is more visually interesting and completely different than your competitors' work. Your work feels more intimate and authentic and left me wanting to learn more as a consumer.

7. 7.

   What is a polarizer filter?

   Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

   The interviewer is testing your knowledge of the basic principles of photography. The interviewer will determine your technical acuity relative to lens optics and your ability to adjust different settings to influence the overall look and feel of photographs.

   The Goal

   The goal of your answer is to showcase an in-depth knowledge of the technical aspects of photography.

   Focus Your Answer On

   Focus your answer on what a polarizer filter is and how and why to use one.

    Answer Example

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Sue Oberliesen wrote: A polarizer filter is a filter used on the front of a lens to reduce glare, reflections, and haze. It can also add vividness to the colors of an image. If you are shooting something through glass, you can dial out reflections at certain angles. If you are shooting landscapes, it can make the sky appear very blue by reducing haze and eliminate reflections on the water. The filter has a moveable ring on the front that you spin to dial in the look you are trying to achieve. If you don't spin the ring, you may not see the effects of the filter.

8. 8.

   What questions do you have for me?

   Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

   The interviewer asks this question to gauge your curiosity about the role and the company. The question will help the interviewer gauge how interested you are in the role.

   The Goal

   Come to the interview with some prepared questions and add additional questions that organically evolve from discussion during the interview. The goal is to ask thoughtful questions that relate to the role, the organization, the culture, or what a typical day involves.

   What You Need to Know

   This is a deceptively simple question. It seems straightforward, but how you approach it can leave lasting impressions on the interviewer. If you have no questions for the interviewer, it gives the impression that you aren't interested in the role or the agency. The questions you ask will give the interviewer insight into what is important to you as a candidate.

    Answer Example

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Gentry Edwards wrote: Below is a list of good questions to ask the interviewer and likely conclusions the interviewer will draw from your questions: - Tell me about your team's culture. Conclusion: Culture is likely a big driver for this candidate. They want to work for an employer that values a positive work environment and team culture. - What do you like about working for this company? Conclusion: The candidate is interested in what I find appealing about the company. They are curious about what is important to me as a leader and want more information about the team, leadership, or culture. - What is a typical day like? Conclusion: The candidate is curious about the logistics, workflow, volume of work, and the kind of routine work they will encounter. - What would success look like in this role in the first 90 days or the first year? Conclusion: The candidate is driven and wants to ensure success in the role. - Is this a new position or a replacement position? Conclusion: The candidate is evaluating possible risk in taking the job. If it is a new position, it could be vulnerable to being cut down the road. If it is a replacement position, the candidate is curious about why their predecessor left.

9. 9.

   Other than a camera and lenses, what else do you pack in your camera bag?

   Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

   The interviewer wants to know how prepared you are when heading out into the field. The interviewer wants to learn what you carry beyond standard gear. This speaks to your experience as a photographer and what you've learned along the way.

   The Goal

   The goal of your answer is to showcase your experience as a photographer and what you've learned from the situations you've encountered.

   Focus Your Answer On

   Focus your answer on specific items you've added to your camera bag over the years. If possible, include items that are memorable or novel. Frame your answer as a story about why you include a particular item in your camera bag. Share what you've learned from challenging situations and how you've leveraged these lessons to succeed in new situations.

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Gentry Edwards wrote: I always carry extras of everything I might need: cards, batteries, extra lens cloths, and cleaner. Over the years, I've found that you also have to be prepared for the unknown, so I also carry a plastic bag in case of rain, a flashlight in case I'm in a dark area and need light, a multitool in case I need quick access to a screwdriver or pliers, and some paper towels and band-aids because you never know.

10. 10.

    How do you approach the client relationship?

    Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

    If this question is asked, you can expect to interface directly with clients in this role. This means that there is an expectation in this role that you will have business acumen as a photographer. The interviewer wants to learn how comfortable you are managing a client relationship. Many in-house agencies or creative service teams expect photographers to work directly with in-house clients.

    Focus Your Answer On

    This is a broad question. Focus on successful client relationships you've had or still have. If you've done freelancing, you'll have plenty of client relationships to use as examples. Explain why they are successful relationships and talk about how you established the relationship and how you nurture it. Discuss communication, working through client issues, and how you cultivate repeat business. Note that this shouldn't be confused with the way you interface with the subjects you are photographing (unless they are the one and the same).

     Answer Example

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Gentry Edwards wrote: Establishing a solid client relationship is critical to maintaining business and producing outstanding work. I like to spend a lot of time getting to know a client and understanding their expectations. Then I can capture photos that will help them succeed in their goals. I stay in touch with updates on their project and maintain clear and open communication about what is and isn't working with my deliverables. Once I'm familiar with their goals and needs, I can offer other solutions they may not have considered.

11. 11.

    How do you approach storytelling as a photographer?

    Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

    The interviewer asks this question to gauge your focus on how storytelling plays a part in photography. This comes into play when you are doing photojournalistic work, event photography, and environmental portraits.

    The Goal

    The goal is to make the interviewer understand your thought process on the way photography informs or supports storytelling. Discuss how you use storytelling in your photography.

    Focus Your Answer On

    Focus on a good example that shows how you would approach a shoot that needs to tell a story. Discuss how telling a story factors into the angles and positions you choose, lens choice, and the number of images you capture.

     Answer Example

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Gentry Edwards wrote: We've all heard the phrase that a picture is worth a thousand words. I think that phrase speaks to how intertwined photography and storytelling are as mediums. For example, if you are shooting an event, you have to find a way to tell the story of the event. I was recently hired to shoot a corporate fun run for charity. I made sure I was in the right place at the right time throughout the event. I captured the group setting up and preparing. Then, I was at the starting line when the race kicked off and at the finish line when it ended. I got the standard coverage of people stretching, running, and crowd shot, but I also got some alternate and creative angles to make it interesting. I made sure I got a good photo of the oversized check being handed off with everyone shaking hands. When you put all of these different images together, you tell a story of the race from beginning to middle to end.

12. 12.

    When would you use a macro lens?

    Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

    The interviewer is testing your knowledge of the basic principles of photography. The interviewer will determine your technical acuity relative to lens optics and your ability to adjust different settings to influence the overall look and feel of photographs.

    The Goal

    The goal of your answer is to showcase an in-depth knowledge of the technical aspects of photography.

    Focus Your Answer On

    Focus on what a macro lens is and the situations in which using it would be ideal. Show the interviewer that you have a good command of when to use such a lens.

     Answer Example

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Sue Oberliesen wrote: I've used a macro lens to shoot food images and product shots. I would use it over a telephoto lens to get extreme close-ups because it physically brings what you are photographing closer to the image sensor of a camera. It is the ideal lens for shooting small objects to make them appear large in an image.

13. 13.

    Explain a long exposure to me.

    Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

    The interviewer is testing your knowledge of the basic principles of photography. This will let the interviewer determine your technical acuity relative to lens optics and your ability to adjust different settings to influence the look and feel of photographs.

    The Goal

    The goal of your answer is to showcase an in-depth knowledge of the technical aspects of photography.

    How to Answer

    Focus on what a long exposure is in photography. Show the interviewer that you have a good command of the factors involved with a long exposure by explaining why it is used in photos.

     Answer Example

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Sue Oberliesen wrote: A long exposure is achieved by setting a long shutter speed. It is commonly used to create a sense of motion in a photo. Some examples would be shooting a waterfall or street traffic to create a sense of movement. When using a long exposure for a waterfall, the water blurs to look more fluid. When photographing traffic, the headlights and tail lights of vehicles streak. A tripod and a bulb release are important components in successful long exposure shots.

14. 14.

    What are the three variables that affect depth of field?

    Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

    The interviewer is testing your knowledge of the basic principles of photography. This will let the interviewer determine your technical acuity relative to lens optics and your ability to adjust different settings to influence the overall look and feel of photographs.

    The Goal

    The goal of your answer is to showcase an in-depth knowledge of the technical aspects of photography.

    Focus Your Answer On

    Focus on the three variables and the effects of depth of field. Show the interviewer that you have a good command of the factors involved with the depth of field by explaining how to get different effects through the use of depth of field.

     Answer Example

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Sue Oberliesen wrote: The three variables that affect depth of field are subject-to-camera distance, aperture, and the focal length of the lens. If you want a shallow depth of field to get a good bokeh effect, a telephoto lens at a distance with a low f-stop is the best combination. If you want a wider depth of field, a wide-angle lens with a high f-stop at a distance from the subject will result in almost everything in sharp focus.

15. 15.

    What is the ideal focal length for a portrait lens?

    Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

    The interviewer is testing your knowledge of the basic principles of photography. The interviewer will determine your technical acuity relative to lens optics and your ability to adjust different settings to influence the overall look and feel of photographs.

    The Goal

    The goal of your answer is to showcase an in-depth knowledge of the technical aspects of photography.

    Focus Your Answer On

    Focus your answer on the ideal focal length for a portrait lens and explain why it is the ideal focal length. You should also speak about the ways lens choice can affect portraits.

     Answer Example

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Gentry Edwards wrote: The gold standard for a portrait lens has been the 50mm. That said, many photographers prefer 85mm. The 50mm is great for the waist up, and the 85mm is better for a headshot. It depends in part on how close you want to get to your subject. You are going to be closer to your subject with a 50mm, and that could be off-putting for some people. I also think a prime lens is better for portraits than a zoom lens. Prime lenses have less glass in them and can help you achieve sharper images.

16. 16.

    Where do you see yourself in two years?

    Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

    The interviewer asks this question to get a sense of your ambition. Most interviewers are looking for someone who wants to grow in their career. Be prepared for a follow-up question about how you plan to reach your goal.

    What You Need to Know

    Most companies want people who are ambitious and looking for ways to grow. You don't have to answer this question with a specific title or role. It is perfectly acceptable to share what kind of work you want to be doing instead of a specific role or title. Depending on the company, that may be a preferable answer because it suggests that you are focused on the work instead of on a title or position.

    The Goal

    The goal of your answer is to show that you view your career as a journey. Describe your focus on growth and evolution as a photographer. This is an area where researching the company's work can pay off. You might be able to tie your career ambitions to the work they do.

     Answer Example

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Gentry Edwards wrote: My long-term goal is to lead a photo team. Over the next two years, I plan to immerse myself in work that helps me evolve technically as a photographer and behaviorally as a leader. I'm looking for a position that will give me opportunities to grow. I want to be challenged and have a chance to create amazing images in the process. Beyond that, I want to work with team members who will inspire me.

17. 17.

    What is HDR?

    Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

    The interviewer is testing your knowledge of Photoshop and how you use it as a photographer. This will help the interviewer gauge your strength in the application.

    The Goal

    The goal of your answer is to showcase in-depth knowledge of Photoshop and explain how you use it as an extension of shooting images in the field. The interviewer expects you to be knowledgeable of the tools you will use on the job.

    Focus Your Answer On

    Focus on the tools you would use in Photoshop to deal with an image that is soft. Make sure you tie it back to photography and explain the reasons you might use HDR.

     Answer Example

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Gentry Edwards wrote: HDR stands for "high dynamic range." To create an HDR effect, you essentially stack several layers of an image. Each layer has different exposure settings. When you combine them, you get a composite image that can be rich in color and detail. Enhancing an image of a landscape is a great use of HDR. When you are in the field, you'd take multiple shots on a tripod with a variety of exposures and then stack them as layers in Photoshop or Lightroom. By doing this, you can pull more color out of an overexposed sky, lighten shadows on the ground, and enhance contrast and color. You have to be conservative in your adjustments if you want a subtle boost or pop of a landscape. If you use it heavily, an image will start to look surreal.

18. 18.

    Have you ever told a client "no"?

    Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

    Inevitably, you will have a client who wants something that cannot be delivered. The interviewer wants to find out if you can accept the reality of this issue. The interviewer also wants to hear how you will approach it when it happens.

    The Goal

    The goal of your answer is to acknowledge that, at some point, you will have a client that wants the impossible. Demonstrate your comfort level and competency in navigating the situation. You want to show that you can create solutions in challenging situations.

    How to Answer

    This isn't a trick question. You shouldn't say something like, "I would never tell a client no." Choose an example in which you found a resolution to the situation that led to a compromise.

     Answer Example

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Gentry Edwards wrote: I think it is important to tell a client "no" if they ask for something that is overly ambitious or could result in a negative outcome. The last thing I want to do is promise to deliver something I can't. However, I wouldn't tell a client "no, this can't be done." I would tell the client, "I can't accomplish that, but here is what I can do." By taking time to explore with the client, I may be able to find a solution or compromise that results in most of what they wanted to accomplish.

19. 19.

    Walk me through your portfolio.

    Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

    The interviewer wants to hear you explain and clarify your work. They've likely already viewed it, which is in large part why you landed an interview, but they want to hear you talk about your work.

    The Goal

    The goal is to show them that you are confident in your work and that you can speak to your work. This will be an important skill to showcase if the position is client-facing.

    Pro Tip

    When you build your portfolio, include information about the goal of the project, your role in it, and the outcome. Frame each portfolio piece as a story. This will make it easier to talk about your work. Spend a considerable amount of time practicing the way you present your portfolio. Be prepared to answer questions about your portfolio.

    What to Avoid

    Avoid make excuses such as "we didn't really have any budget" or "this would have been better, but I ran out of time."

     Answer Example

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Sue Oberliesen wrote: The first piece in my portfolio is my favorite kind of challenge. I was asked to shoot environmental portraits that captured the essence of each of the four executives that would be featured on the company website. My first step was to learn what each person was like and what set them apart as an individual. I chose locations and lighting that would accentuate each of their personalities. I'm proud to say that they were all thrilled with the outcome, especially the way my photos captured their styles. The best validation for a photographer is knowing you are in sync with your subject and can capture them as a unique individual in one photo.

20. 20.

    Tell me about some new gear you are learning to use.

    Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

    The interviewer asks this question to gauge your enthusiasm for learning new gear. The interviewer is also curious about how you can add value to their team with your equipment knowledge.

    The Goal

    The goal of your answer is to show your growth mindset relative to equipment. You want the interviewer to understand that you view constantly growing your skills as a professional goal. Additionally, you want the interviewer to see you as a proactive self-starter when it comes to learning.

    Focus Your Answer On

    Focus on the specific equipment you are learning, why you chose to learn more about the equipment, and how you intend to use this knowledge in the future. If possible, tie your answer back to specific imagery found in your portfolio.

     Answer Example

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Gentry Edwards wrote: Continuously working to learn and grow myself as a photographer is incredibly important to me. I'm always on the lookout for new gear and new ways to work. A good example is my recent purchase of a Lensbaby. I've always been interested in barrel distortion and in-camera focusing effects, and I came across the Lensbaby in some of my research. I was immediately drawn to the unique looks achievable by manipulating the lens bellows. I love using it as a unique way to capture routine images.

21. 21.

    How do you approach scouting a location?

    Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

    The interviewer wants to learn how prepared you are when heading out into the field. The interviewer wants to learn what variables you take into account and how thorough you are when choosing a location. This speaks to your experience as a photographer and the lessons you've learned along the way.

    The Goal

    The goal of your answer is to showcase your experience as a photographer and what you've learned from different situations you've encountered.

    Focus Your Answer On

    Focus on your ability to take multiple environmental variables into account. Then demonstrate why they are important to a successful photo shoot.

     Answer Example

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Gentry Edwards wrote: When I'm evaluating a location, I think through my approach to the shoot and consider where there might be challenges or barriers along the way. I consider what the existing light is already like. If there is mixed lighting with different color temperatures, it will play into my lighting plan and determine how much access I might need to power. If the shoot involves outfit changes, I will make sure the location has a place for someone to change in private. I also scout the location at approximately the same time of day as the shoot so I'm prepared for any additional variables.

22. 22.

    How do you learn and grow in your craft?

    Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

    The interviewer asks this question to see if you are focused on trends and shifts in photography. The interviewer is looking for specific examples of things you are doing in this space. The interviewer wants to understand whether or not you place importance on staying up to date on trends.

    The Goal

    Focus on why it is important to follow and understand trends in photography. If possible, share an example of a trend you've been tracking and explain why it is useful to do so. This is a common question, so find a way to stand out in the interviewer's mind by using an interesting and memorable example.

    Focus Your Answer On

    The goal is twofold - to show that you know it is important to stay up to speed on photography trends and are invested in doing so. This is an opportunity to showcase how proactive you are as a professional photographer. Communicating this well shows the interviewer that you are engaged in your industry and want to grow.

     Answer Example

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Gentry Edwards wrote: Staying on top of trends and finding ways to actively grow in my craft is incredibly important. If there is a look or style of photography that is trending, I expect my clients to ask me to capture that same look or feel. So, I figure out how the style is achieved and practice it on my own. That way, I'm prepared if my client asks for it. I also spend a lot of time studying new gear and how it can give me more range as a photographer. I learn a new piece of gear, like a specialty lens or camera, every few months. Focusing on that gives me new ways to tailor my approach as a photographer on a wide range of projects.

23. 23.

    What are your go-to settings when you go on a shoot?

    What You Need to Know

    While you may assume that the interviewer is talking about a specific kind of shoot based on your interview so far, this question is essentially a trick question. There truly isn't a go-to setting that applies to every shooting situation.

    The Goal

    The goal is to show the interviewer that you adjust your approach to every shoot based on who, what, and where you are photographing. This will demonstrate your experience.

    Focus Your Answer On

    Focus on the importance of being comfortable working with different settings and adjustments that are typical of and appropriate to different situations.

     Answer Example

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Gentry Edwards wrote: I don't have go-to settings that apply to every shooting scenario. The settings are driven by what and where I am shooting. That said, I have developed some basic settings that I start from for different situations. For example, if I want to capture landscape shots, my basic settings for aperture, shutter, and ISO speed start in a different place than the settings I would start with if I photograph someone's portrait.

24. 24.

    How do you approach client revisions to your work?

    Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

    The interviewer asks this question to learn how open you are to feedback on your work. It helps the interviewer understand whether or not you can adapt and incorporate feedback. It also speaks to your professionalism and your abilities to navigate the client relationship.

    The Goal

    The goal is to show that you value feedback and client input. Explain that feedback and revision are a natural part of the creative process. This is an opportunity to showcase your professionalism as a photographer.

    What You Need to Know

    In asking this question, the interviewer indicates that they have encountered employees who struggle with feedback and revisions from clients. Often, creatives get close to their work and take revisions personally. Taking feedback personally isn't professional. Revisions almost always result in a better deliverable.

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Gentry Edwards wrote: I am open to feedback and want to deliver what my client needs. At the beginning of my career, I took client revisions personally, but over time, I've grown to understand the importance of feedback on my work. As a photographer, I find this most often happens with portraits and image cleanup. The way someone's portrait looks is very personal to them, so I keep that in mind when I'm working with a client.

25. 25.

    Tell me something you struggle with as a photographer. How do you work to overcome it?

    Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

    The interviewer asks this question to get a sense of your self-awareness and ability to self-correct. The interviewer is looking for someone who understands their shortcomings and has developed tactics to overcome them. The interviewer is also looking for someone who is in touch with themself.

    How to Answer

    Answer authentically. Speak about something that you struggle with and explain how you've worked to improve in that area. Avoid trying to show that your weakness is a strength (i.e. I care too much about my work, and this can cause delays). This doesn't resonate as an authentic answer.

    What You Need to Know

    This is an alternative form of the classic strengths/weaknesses question. This question implies that everyone has weaknesses, and it is an accepted part of the company's culture. That said, if you can't demonstrate that you are self-aware and that you are working to improve on something that is a known struggle, this question can be a trap.

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Gentry Edwards wrote: I tend to jump into execution instead of taking the time to fully understand what a client needs or what they want to accomplish. I remind myself to ask a lot of questions so that I understand the big picture. This enables me to slow down and consider all facets of a project before I jump straight into taking photos.

26. 26.

    What are your superpowers?

    Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

    The interviewer wants to know where your strengths lie. By asking about superpowers, it is designed to be a fun, casual version of the classic strengths/weaknesses question.

    The Goal

    The goal is to answer the question with your personal brand promise. Think about what you are known for and where you excel compared to your peers. Share how you use those superpowers to do great work.

    What You Need to Know

    Your answer is an opportunity to stand out from the other candidates. This question gives the interviewer a short list of your strongest attributes. The interviewer will likely leave your session categorizing you based on your answer to this question and their first impressions.

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Gentry Edwards wrote: I think of myself as having two superpowers - curiosity and patience. Both of these help me to do my best work as a photographer. My curiosity prompts me to ask important questions and investigate why my client needs something and what they want to accomplish. My patience allows me to handle revisions well. Sometimes clients have a hard time communicating what they like or don't like about image selection or editing. Being patient with the process helps me do my best work and helps them get what they need from my photography work.

27. 27.

    Tell me about a time you led a team.

    Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

    The interviewer wants to learn about any experience you have leading a team. In asking the question, the interviewer wants to understand how you lead a team and your leadership style. Additionally, leading a team speaks to experience with larger projects.

    The Goal

    The goal is to show that you have leadership skills. Showcase your ability to work as part of a photography team and demonstrate that you've been a part of a larger project. Additionally, you want to give the interviewer a glimpse into your leadership style.

    How to Answer

    Choose an example that shows your ability to lead and drive a team. If you don't have an example of this situation as a photographer, you can substitute an example from your personal life. If you don't have any examples, talk about the facets of your personality that would make you a good leader.

     Answer Example

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Gentry Edwards wrote: I recently worked on a large event that required multiple photographers to get full coverage. I pulled two other photographers into the project so we could divide and conquer. I made sure everyone understood what the client needed and shared my plan to make sure we had a photographer in each position at the right time. When the event started, I routinely checked in with them to make sure they didn't have any issues. I kept the lines of communication open so that our work was cohesive and consistent. As a team, we were able to meet the client's deadline.

28. 28.

    Tell me about a time you solved a conflict with a co-worker.

    Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

    The ability to solve problems is a leadership quality. The interviewer asks this question to get a sense of your experience with conflict. The interviewer wants to understand your approach to resolving conflict. The interviewer doesn't just want to know what led to a conflict. They want to know your actions and the result of your actions.

    The Goal

    The goal of your answer is to acknowledge that conflicts will arise at work. How you resolve conflict demonstrates your professionalism and emotional intelligence. You want to leave the interviewer with confidence in your ability to solve problems.

    How to Answer

    Focus on a conflict that you experienced and resolved. It is important to tell the story succinctly. You want to share enough information to fully explain the conflict without getting so mired in detail that your answer runs long. Explain what happened, what you did to resolve the conflict, and the outcome of the situation.

     Answer Example

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Gentry Edwards wrote: Recently, I worked with a team to edit a large number of photos for our client to use for a large website rollout. I partnered with another photographer to edit all of the photos in Photoshop. We frequently loaded photos onto the client's FTP and found that the photos didn't match in terms of color temperature. It occurred to me that if we changed our workflow so that we were working from the reference photo, we could have greater consistency. We shifted the workflow, and it saved us so much time. I learned a lot from this conflict. Now, when I start a new project, I ask a lot of questions to determine the best workflow.

29. 29.

    What inspires you as a photographer?

    Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

    The interviewer asks this question to get a sense of your interests, where you draw inspiration from, and how you bring that inspiration into your work as a photographer.

    The Goal

    The goal of your answer is to connect things that interest or inspire you to the work you do for a client. Make it clear to the interviewer that you get inspired and immerse yourself in those inspirations because they directly contribute to your creativity as a photographer.

    What You Need to Know

    There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Be authentic in your answer. Describe what inspires you and explain why it inspires you.

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Gentry Edwards wrote: I get a lot of inspiration from being out in the world and paying attention to imagery. This includes photos in ads, physical environments, or images online or in a physical space like a museum. I like to focus on how different approaches make me feel and how well an image tells a story. I take all of that as inspiration and use it in my approach to photography. The well-worn phrase is that a picture is worth a thousand words. I think pictures are also full of feelings, stories, and impressions.

30. 30.

    What is your approach to large group photos?

    Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

    The interviewer likely asks this question because you will be expected to work on large group photos. Part of orchestrating a large group photo is planning, communicating with participants, and being ready for unexpected variables.

    The Goal

    The goal of your answer is to show the interviewer that you understand the logistical elements involved in a large group photo. You want them to gain a sense of your competency and comfort level with this kind of photo.

    How to Answer

    The best approach to answering this question is to share an example and explain how you approached it as a photographer. If you don't have a good example, focus on the logistical challenges of a large group photo.

     Answer Example

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Gentry Edwards wrote: Large group photos can be logistically complex to capture. It involves a lot of planning. You need to understand what kind of background your client wants and the environmental factors, and you need to communicate with several people at once. I recently captured a large group photo of workers on an assembly line. I scouted the location to find a place that would have adequate power for lighting and be safe for everyone, given it was an assembly line, and made sure I had a way for everyone to hear my instructions. To capture the photo, I needed to stand 30 yards away from the group. When I scouted, I realized how loud it was on the assembly floor, so I arranged for a couple of assistants to stand close to the group. The assistants and I were able to coordinate instructions using a walkie-talkie.