This question is very important. The time you spend in the field and off is what becomes the experience you share with an interviewer. When this question is evoked, the interviewer will be looking for you to give details, and not just share the actual length of time you've been a photographer. They also want to know who you have worked with and under what conditions. Give good examples and explain your achievements. Be confident in your answer. This is especially important if you have been in the field for a while.

"I have worked as a photographer for five years now. I started out working for a publication on my college campus. I photographed school buildings, a few students that were featured on the website. Since graduating, I have spent the past few years doing the same thing, but off-campus. Now, instead of my work being given to me, I've been much more proactive and gone searching for work."