What is your greatest strength?

"My greatest strength would be my ability to communicate. In previous jobs and even my social circles, I'm known for being big on communication. I think projects happen much more fluidly, and people cooperate better that way. The way I ensure communication happens is by asking questions. This helps me support my client's every need. When I need to tell people things, I try to give plenty of detail. My process helps both parties stay on the same page."

Self-awareness goes a long way in life and with job interviews. Before an employer can learn about you, first you have to know those traits about yourself. One important characteristic to note is your greatest strength. Employers want to know what skills you are bringing to the job so they can build their workforce. Any area you consider a strength, should be an area in which you have experience and confidence.

"One of my greatest strengths is my creativity. I have the ability to take photography gigs and turn them into something greater than how they started. Since I was a teen, when I was put behind a camera, even if I was asked to take a simple picture, I always envisioned ways to do more. I have the ability to take masterful and spontaneous shots of people and nature. I don't know when those picturesque moments will happen, but when they do, I spot them immediately. When working for clients, this has led to more than just a few happy faces. Some clients have offered me amazing tips because I helped them get more than they could have imagined for themselves."

What is your greatest weakness? What are you doing to improve it?

"One area of weakness for me is working in groups. In these scenarios, I often feel like my voice is drowned out. Everyone has an opinion and I tend to let other people speak instead of me. I've been trying to work on this by being more proactive. I don't cut anyone off, but do take my chance to speak when I can. I still don't say a ton, but I'm definitely saying more than before."

Much like asking about your strengths, employers also want to know your weaknesses before adding you to their staff. They want to know what you'll bring, but people are flawed and they want to be prepared for your shortcomings. If your weaknesses are areas you're working on, then those problems will less likely deter them from hiring you. Everyone has flaws, so be honest in answering this question. You do not want to be hired for a job where you do not qualify or where you won't find support. Keep in mind, the weaknesses an employer wants to hear about should be only things related to the work you'll perform.

"In the past, and even now sometimes, I struggle with effective communication. While I don't mind talking over the details of a project with fellow photographers, or even clients, I can be more thorough in my dialogue. Sometimes there is information I'm missing, but instead of asking questions, I make assumptions. This has definitely not always worked to my benefit and causes frustration for me. In an effort to improve, I write down what needs to be said before my meetings. Then before the meeting ends with a client or photographer, I make sure I discussed everything on my list. Regarding assumptions, I don't make them anymore. I ask questions."

Do you work well under pressure?

"I do work well under pressure. One of my old jobs required constant communication with clients. My boss had a tendency to tell me things last-minute, and this produced a high-stress environment. He gave me quick turnarounds all the time. Even so, I managed to pull through while working there, figuring out effective strategies for the stress and getting work done. The pressure was on, but I overcame."

With most jobs, deadlines are unavoidable. Those in the photography industry are not exempt from this reality. Employers want to hire people who are capable of handling deadlines without burning out. After they ask this question, be honest. If deadlines are no issue for you, that's great news, share it. If deadlines are problematic, admit this fact, but explain how you have grown in that area and what you will do to keep growing.

"At times I struggle with working under pressure. Anxiety can prove to be problematic. That being said, what has helped me do better with deadlines and such, is taking a moment to breathe and put things into perspective. By planning out the steps to finish a task, what once appeared overwhelming, suddenly appears manageable."

How do you stay patient with difficult clients?

"What has helped me work with difficult clients is recognizing their humanity. I'm not perfect. I make mistakes and bad decisions. Like me, maybe they are having a bad day, or maybe no one has addressed their behavior. If someone is being difficult, I tolerate what I can, reminding myself of this. I also recognize that I'm working with them at the moment, but not forever. If the conflict becomes too much, then I calmly talk to them and figure out how we can move forward."

Any job that requires customer relations means that inevitably you will find a difficult client. Employers know this, and hires do too, but not everyone handles this sort of client well. Sometimes in the face of conflict, workers escalate the situation rather than deescalate. This can result in arguments or physical altercations. Either way, this reflects poorly on a company. When this question is asked during an interview, the employer wants to know how you handle such situations. Providing an example in addition to an answer is best practice.

"Staying patient with clients isn't too difficult. When people are upset, generally, they just want to be heard so I listen as best as I can and wait to respond. After they speak, I do make sure I communicate well, just so that we are on the same page. This doesn't always work with clients, but when things don't work out, I accept that and move forward. Maybe the client and I just aren't a good match."

Why did you choose to become a photographer?

"I chose to become a photographer because I believe in the idea that a picture is worth a thousand words. However cliched that statement is, I find that taking pictures of life helps capture the best moments. Everyone has their memories of good and bad experiences, but over time we forget the details. We forgot how people looked, how we looked, how places looked. Taking a photo captures the moment forever. I think that's priceless."

Employers ask questions like this one to discern whether you are looking for a job you care about or just a job. Art thrives on emotion, and photography is a form of art. If you aren't passionate about what you do, then the employer will likely want someone else. Therefore, the best way to answer this question is by being open and honest. If someone triggered your interest in photography, share that. If a class assignment or situation led to your interest, be specific and share that. If you can show a clear emotional interest in the subject, you will win the employer's attention.

"At first I wanted to become a photographer because my mom said I took really good photos. She encouraged me to explore it more. When I started taking classes in college, I realized I had a gift for photography. Now, I enjoy the feeling I get after taking pictures for someone's wedding or graduation. There's a sense of satisfaction I feel when I see their smiles and realize I've helped them capture their best moments."

What kind of gear do you use?

"Recently, my camera of choice has been Leica Q-P digital camera. I've been using it to take photos of architecture and people. For the most part, this camera has worked well for me with natural lighting. When I do need extra lighting, I make use of Leica's Flash and LED light. "

A question like this one helps the employer better discern your type of work style. People have their preference with which type of photography they choose. The same applies to the equipment that they use. This question won't stop an employer from hiring you unless you aren't using any equipment at all. That scenario will create the appearance that you are not engaging yourself prior to securing a job. Ideally, you want to share what gear you use and how. This indicates that you are engaged prior to and while working a job.

"To be honest, I don't yet have a specific brand that I prefer. The type of gear that I typically carry around is a camera for long shots with the mounts included and plenty of LED lights. My preference for photography has been night shots of architecture in the city and sometimes of rural areas. There have been a few photoshoots that I've done with people. I have many bags to carry my equipment in that makes transportation much easier."

What lighting equipment do you take on a shoot?

"LED lights are my go to for any shoot. I bring the lights along with adjustable stands. This helps with unpredictable situations that come up and require lighting from different angles."

A good photographer comes prepared for every situation. If you are familiar with lighting equipment this could leave a great impression on the interviewer. Knowing good cameras is only basic knowledge for those in the photography industry. Even people who only dabble in photography recognize that a good camera is important. More seasoned photographers know that in addition to a quality camera you need such accessories as lighting props. Show off your knowledge, and move that much closer to securing your next job.

"I always bring a reflector kit during my shoots. This helps me to experiment with lighting and adjust it as needed to the environment. I like that there are so many options, too! In addition to the reflector kit, I have started using LED lights because they are larger and offer more physical light beyond what my camera can pick up."

Are you a MAC or PC user?

"I've been a MAC user most of my life, but recently started using PC. I have enough technical knowledge that I would have no trouble adjusting if that is required for the job."

Sometimes employers only work with products from specific brands, either for financial or partnership reasons. When hiring, they may give preference to people who are familiar with the brands they use. That being said, this is not a win-all or lose-all question. If you are unfamiliar with either MAC or PC, make that known and the company, if willing, can simply train you or ask you to familiarize yourself before working. They may also ask this question because of the software programs they want you to use for photos. PC and MAC do not always overlap. Again the company has the choice of training you or asking you to train yourself.

"I'm actually very familiar with both. I grew up around MAC computers at home. There was a desktop computer my father had for years. I used that until getting my own laptop for college. In grade school, there were only PC computers. The same was the case when using computers on my college campus. If I wasn't on my laptop, then I had to use a PC. Using both has put me in a great position to learn. Now, when people struggle switching from one to the other, I know how to help them."

Did you bring a portfolio?

"Yes! As requested, I brought my portfolio. Inside you will find several pictures, each featuring different people from different angles. All of them correspond with the company's wedding theme. Every time I have a photoshoot with a client, I try finding ways to experiment with lighting or poses. Sometimes I go for unusual angles. All of these experiences have helped me to grow as a photographer."

As with most jobs, employers expect you to bring a copy of your resume to the interview. Artists, on the other hand, should plan on bringing both a resume and a portfolio. While resumes give an overview of work history, portfolios offer evidence of skill. If the employer gave a specific amount of pictures to bring, honor that, and also have a few extras just in case. Make sure the pictures you include align with the company's work. The best portfolio is one that wins the employer's appreciation and garners a reaction.

"I did bring my portfolio! Included are a few portraits, two headshots, three group photos, and several landscape pictures. All of these images were taken at a wedding I worked on a few months back. To date, I think this project has offered the best reflection of my skill set. The weather was a bit unpredictable that day. I had to adapt my original plan, but everything turned out better than expected!"

What do you know about our publication?

"I know that your company has been in existence for 20 years, that you all focus on nature photography. Just last year the publication won 2 awards, one of which I recall seeing in the news. I want to extend my congratulations to you on that. I'm also aware that the company is looking to expand into other forms of photography."

Before any interview, spend at least fifteen minutes browsing a company's website, and if possible, do a preliminary scan of their magazine. Employers like to know that you are invested in what they offer the community. This will also help you prepare questions of your own for the interviewer. After this question is asked, cite specific examples of what you saw in their publication or website and share what made a good impression.

"I visited your website and saw images ranging from nature to storms and people. I saw all of the deals that you have for weddings and graduation pictures. The website is nicely designed and detailed. The information about the company's history was interesting, too. I didn't know the publication had been around for so long."

What is the most challenging part about being a photographer for you?

"The most challenging part about being a photographer is making sure the client understands their own needs. Very often, clients know that they want photos taken, but have not spent time planning what kind of shots they want. Of course, this affects pricing and time, but they haven't thought that far ahead. To compensate for this issue I have been meeting with clients in person, or over the phone to discuss all details. I quote them a price, and make sure everything is squared away before the shoot."

Every job comes with challenges, including working as a photographer. When the interviewer asks this question, they care less about what the actual problem was and more about how you solved the issue. The only time they will give more than basic care about the challenge is if you faced something very unusual. Then their ears will perk up, otherwise, they will only care about how you faced your challenge. Be prepared with an example and an explanation.

"In the two years I have been working, the hardest part of being a photographer has been managing equipment. Traveling with a bunch of items can be a hassle at times. Paying for new equipment can be expensive. While working as a solo photographer I worked to overcome this issue by applying for grants. This helped me bit by bit until I had a better handle of things."

Tell me about yourself?

"Sure. I attended college at Virginia Commonwealth University for all four years. I majored in Photography and Film. Following college, I worked jobs outside of my major for a while. Since I couldn't find a job in photography, I took photos during the weekend for fun. My hobby included taking photos of people in the city, nature, and different things. Eventually, I ran into someone who wanted to hire me, and the rest is history. I have ten years of photography experience outside of college with hundreds of happy and satisfied customers. And, I still have time to take photos for fun, either for family or myself."

In order for any workforce to be successful, there needs to be unity among the employees. One way to achieve this is through a shared culture. The more an employer knows about you personally, the more they can determine if you will fit in. Additionally, a question like this one is designed to figure out your level of experience for the job. If you sound seasoned and mature, the employer will see you as a good addition. You don't need to be too specific when answering the question, but do share details that would be relevant to the employer. Being friendly, and even a bit humorous is okay.

"I'm an eager and motivated individual. Taking pictures of life is one of my greatest passions. I have five years of professional experience. What drives me in my career, and even in my personal life is a desire to help others. Everyone has a connection to photographs, whether through their social media accounts or posters they keep in their rooms. I want to do my part to help foster that connection. I believe the saying that a picture is worth a thousand words, and I want to be the one taking the picture."

Describe your photographic style? How did you develop your style?

"My photographic style would be described as intimate. I enjoy taking pictures that are up close and personal of people, animals, and insects. I really like getting images of the eyes. The subject is looking at the camera, and when the viewer sees the subject, they get such insight. In my work, I try to convey the idea that the eye is the lamp to the body."

Every artist has an approach that they take with their work. Be sure to explain your specific approach, giving details about the why and how of your process. The more specific you can be, the better. This will demonstrate a strong awareness of your craft and thus, impress the interviewer. This question is a bit different from the one asking about your type of photography. Here you want to explain what makes your work different from someone working in the same genre.

"If I had to use two words, I would say dark and mysterious. I play with lighting often in my work, covering things in darkness to hide from the viewer, but still visible if you look close enough. I appreciate the mystery of searching to find answers. I see photography as a way of posing a question. The viewer looks at the photo, then comes up with an answer. The answer would be their interpretation of what they see."

What are your career goals?

"In two years, my goal is to have my own website detailing my services. I would do this in addition to working for a company that offers a different type of photography. That way there is no conflict of interest. Three years after that, if my website performs well, I would like to post all of my work through the years on my website. And, if possible, put that work on display in a gallery. "

During the hiring process, what appeals to employers are people who want to do more than just work. Employers search for people who set goals for themselves because these individuals are less likely to be complacent, and more likely to strive for results. They also ask this question to get a sense of how long you plan to be with the company. More training and support will go into hires who stay with the company long-term. If you have not thought about your goals, have a strong idea of what you want to do in the future before walking into the interview.

"In three years my goal is to publish a memoir featuring photos I have taken over the years. This book would highlight my successes and failures over the years, my relationship with family, other people, and serve as a great story for readers. I'm hoping to connect people who enjoy reading with a different type of visual experience."

What type of photography do you do most?

"I have the most professional experience in storm photography. I have about three years of experience now, which began just after finishing college. There's something beautiful about how the light crosses over and through the dark clouds. Getting those images on camera is tough, not to mention a bit dangerous. I think that's also why I do it. Not everyone is willing to step up to the plate."

Experience is often an indicator of skill. Employers ask this question in an attempt to find out what type of photography you have the most experience in. If your skill aligns with what they sell to consumers, then you make yourself out to be a worthy potential hire for the company. Even if your focus is different from the company, your experience could potentially add to what they offer if the company is looking to grow and expand. Answer this question honestly and confidently, even citing your years of experience.

"At this point, I have the most experience in real estate photography. I went into it five years ago doubtful that I would find enjoyment. Now, I can't think of any type of photography that appeals to me more. Real estate photos test your ability to work with lighting, perspective, and space. I've definitely become more skilled as a result."

How many sessions do you do per month?

"I don't have as many sessions as I prefer right now, just one or two. That's because my main job keeps me busy 5-6 days out of the week. If I had more time to shoot then I would, but my job makes advertising my services more difficult. That being said, when I was less busy, I worked almost every weekend. Clients reached out to me either by phone or my website."

This question will provide you with a great opportunity to talk about how active you are in photography. The word sessions can be interpreted in multiple ways: either you taking pictures as a hobby or as a job. Ask the interviewer to clarify before answering. Ideally, your answer will indicate that you keep busy with photography. This will tell the interviewer how passionate you are about the craft and that you have plenty of experience to offer. If you do not have many sessions due to working another job, that's okay, just be sure to mention that.

"Working part-time has allowed me to average between 8-10 sessions a month. The sessions themselves vary in nature, but thus far the number has been consistent. I advertise my services through social media and clients reach out to me. Work has definitely been steady, and I'm working on advertisement plans to increase that number."

What is your best photography tip?

"If I could offer a tip to anyone, I would encourage them to try different types of photography. For a while, I felt stuck taking pictures of animals. I did that for a few years and didn't feel qualified to shoot anything else. I overcame that fear and now I take pictures of people, animals, and more. My favorite is landscape photography. I want people to know that the limits they feel are self-imposed. They can grow beyond that."

If an employer asks this question, they are trying to determine if you spend time thinking about your craft. Veteran photographers have enough experience that they could, if asked, pass on advice to newer photographers. Depending on your answer, you will reveal your level of experience. Even if you feel unqualified for such a question, try your best to give a confident answer. Even a little experience is still an experience. Not giving an answer will likely be received poorly by the interviewer. They want to hire someone who is capable.

"The best tip I can give someone is to communicate well with clients. People enjoy having their photos taken at graduations and weddings, but a strong client relationship will last past such encounters. I have had clients for years because of our strong communication. Acting as a photographer is more than just taking the right pictures. You also want to treat your client well. The benefits can be endless and expand beyond money."

How many weddings do you average per year?

"Over the past two years, I photographed over 20 weddings. Most occurred during the summer. That was a lot and far more than in the past, but I'm grateful for the experience. I learned how to work with people from a variety of backgrounds. Their personalities varied along with their requests. Each experience made me grow as a photographer."

This question likely won't be asked unless the company specializes in wedding photography. If so, the more weddings you work with the better. However, even if you do not work with weddings often, if your portfolio impresses the company, they may give you a chance. Every company has a preference for people who are already familiar with their products, but some will be open to training new people.

"On average I work with three weddings per year. My focus is typically on smaller groups, and I do not advertise myself for weddings. However, I am open to doing more and expanding my experience to include larger events. Just this past week, I took photos at a festival which had many more people than were at any of my previous wedding shoots."

How long have you been a photographer?

"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."

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 been a photographer for a little over two years now. What started off as a simple hobby became a passion. Now, my passion has become my line of work. Most of my experience involves taking pictures of people, but for the past few months, I have expanded to include pictures of animals. There are photos I have taken of my pet dogs, and some of my neighbor's pets too. They are all featured on my online portfolio."

How do you best connect with your clients?

"When working with clients, especially new ones, just before a project begins, I invite them out for coffee. My goal is to have a conversation where we can outline expectations, payment, and other relevant info. This is also my chance to make a strong first and lasting impression. I want them to know that while I am grateful for the project, I value them as a person. Ensuring they are satisfied with the project is important. When clients see this, they are more eager to work with me. They are also more likely to work with me again."

Customer service is important, especially with any job that thrives on high customer satisfaction. Successful photographers have great client relations as well as repeat customers. Employers know this and want to hire workers who will help them bring in and keep clients. If you are great at attracting people and fostering relationships, you will look very appealing to an employer.

"In the past, I corresponded with clients just through email and occasional phone calls. Today, most of my conversations take place over the phone. I get to know my clients more personally this way, and they get to know me. Communication flows much faster and offers much more clarity than sending a bunch of emails. Sometimes I meet with them in person. The more they know about me, and the more I know about them, the easier the job seems to be."

Whose work has influenced you most?

"Richard Avedon has served as my greatest inspiration. I was impressed with how he traveled to different places and found people he thought were interesting and photographed them. I haven't been as lucky getting random people to model for me, but I have traveled to different places trying to find the unique beauty in those locations."

By identifying who has inspired your work, you give the interviewer an idea about your style. your answer doesn't need to be very long but should be specific. Whether the inspiration came from someone famous or someone local, make your answer known. Ideally, however, you want to mention someone who the interviewer will also recognize. That way if they also like the photographer you score bonus points.

"Most point to famous people as their inspiration, but my mother is the one who inspired me the most. She worked for three different publications in her 20-year career. She started off taking pictures of nature but ended up taking pictures of just about everything, including animals, people, and architecture. She's helped me see there is no limit to what an artist can do if they try."

What do you like most about photography?

"I would say that photography grants an emotional need for me. I get very sentimental thinking about the past. Photos help capture those moments, permanently. If there's a moment I want to recall, I can pick up a photo, look at any notes I wrote on it, and reminisce. Working in the field of photography means I get to fulfill that need for others too."

Employers ask this kind of question when they want to test your level of investment in the career field. Successful artists are passionate about their work. If you're passionate, there's something you enjoy beyond just doing the job. Answer this question successfully by highlighting what sort of spiritual, emotional, or physical need photography fulfills for you.

"What I enjoy most about photography is the element of storytelling. Writers put their words on paper, painters make their images, but photographers capture reality. I personally feel like photography is more realistic than painting because you have an image of real life. And writing tries to convey life through words, but a photo is in itself a thousand words in one image. The story a photo tells changes depending on the setting, the characters, the angles. There's so much to convey through photos that doesn't happen in other mediums."

Explain what kind of tools do you use for post-processing.

"My tool of choice has been Photoshop. This program allows me to experiment with lighting in the image, color tones, and erase certain details. I've even played around with adding certain details that were not originally in the shoot, just to see how realistic I can make an image. Typically, my process begins with an upload of the image to my computer. I make a plan of what I want the edits to look like, then begin my process. I always keep an original copy just in case experimenting goes haywire."

Nowadays, many people can claim to have photography experience because they take pictures for social media. However, making quality pictures requires more than the initial capture. Showcase your knowledge with photography by explaining to the interviewer what tools you use to make a picture spectacular. If there is a specific program that you use, share that and explain what steps you take to create your finished product.

"I am currently using Photoshop for my picture edits. Before doing so, however, I ask the client if they want their pictures edited. Occasionally, a client will want the picture as is. Next, I download the picture to my main computer, saving the original file elsewhere. I'll make all the changes necessary which usually involves changing the lighting and erasing certain blemishes. Once that is done, I'll review the picture once more before sending it to the client."

What is your favorite lens? Why?

"Leica offers a lens that I fancy called the Summilex. It's a 35mm lens. I prefer manual focus lenses like this one. It is also stylish. I've used it in just over 15 shoots thus far, and plan on using it a lot more. I like to mix in distance with close proximity with shooting. Any lens that allows for that is good."

This question gives the employer insight into your personality based on the equipment you use. Additionally, the interviewer will ask this in an effort to determine your experience level. More expensive and difficult equipment to manage typically indicates a more seasoned photographer.

"Recently, I have preferred lenses offered by Nikon. The company has been around for a while because they offer quality products. The one I have been using recently is their autofocus lens called the AF-S Nikkor. It's 500mm, which is great for long-distance shots. I had difficulty with shooting the mountains before, but now that task has become a lot easier."

What have you done recently to better yourself as a photographer?

"One thing I have done recently to grow as a photographer has been taking on larger projects. A friend of mine is also a photographer and he often works large-scale weddings and community events. My experience has been limited to animals, landscapes, and one or two people. Working with him has given me several opportunities to take photos of larger gatherings. I was nervous at first, but the more I put myself out there, the better I became."

While companies value people with a strong skill set, they also value employees who consistently strive to become better. This means avoiding complacency. Finding ways to improve your skill set will make you more proficient in your field of expertise. The other benefit is you become more valuable to a company. Thus, your chances of getting hired continue to increase until eventually you do get hired.

"What's helped me improve as a photographer has been me giving myself a mystery assignment once a month. Basically, I have a list of different things I want to photograph over the course of the year: people, animals, and places. Each month, I pick four of those things to photograph. I've never photographed anything on the list so the experience is always fresh."

What type of photography do you have the most experience in?

"The type of photography I have the most experience with is landscapes. I used to go camping with my family every summer. During our two-week stay, I took every opportunity possible to snap pictures of the nature surrounding us. I photographed trees, ravines, mountains, and animals at times. I even photographed a few birds. Nowadays, I still find myself staring out the window waiting for a nice picturesque moment. I take pictures of the landscape around my house, my college, and the local park. I just find beauty in nature."

Employers make the best use of hires by knowing their strengths. They discern this by figuring out where you have the most experience. Typically, experience indicates a greater comfort and ability to perform. Not only that, people tend to spend the most time where they are most passionate. By highlighting your areas of greatest experience, you pinpoint to the employer where you are most likely to excel.

"Initially, I had the most experience in portraits. For maybe three years, I was in charge of taking photos during family gatherings, or if someone had a birthday or graduation. Somewhere along the way, I started taking pictures of cityscapes. First, just as something new to try because I wanted to be a well-rounded photographer. Then I started taking pictures of the city all the time. Now, I have over six years of material. People are one thing, but to witness the city through photographs feels awe-inspiring."

When did you realize your love for photography?

"The first time I realized my passion for photography, I was in the fifth grade. My mom asked me to grab her cellphone so she and my aunt could take a picture. Even though I was so young, I naturally moved around them to get the best angle. No one explained to me how to do that, I just did it. From there, any time my mom or someone else wanted to take a picture, I always volunteered to be the photographer."

When hiring new employees, especially in the arts, companies want to recruit people passionate about their work. This means they are not just looking for people with experience, but people who care about what they do. If an employer has a choice between someone who is experienced but uncaring and someone who is inexperienced but very caring, employers will more often go for the latter. When sharing your story, be sure to explain not just your years of experience, but your passion for photography.

"For example: "I didn't know I had a love for photography until I was an adult. Growing up, I always enjoyed taking pictures with family. Sometimes we would use a camera or a cellphone. And sometimes I was the one asked to take the picture. While attending college, I took a photography class. Over the course of the semester, we were asked to take photos of people, nature, food. That joy I felt as a kid, had grown into something else, something like a passion. Now photography has become part of my everyday life."

How would you describe your work style?

"The best way to describe my process is spontaneous. When heading out to shoot, I want only the bare minimum details planned. I'll want to know where I'm taking pictures, who the client is, the purpose of the pictures, and an idea of what the client wants. From there though, I like to experiment with lighting, angles, and other things. I'll run ideas by the client and see what they want. I figure if the experience is always different, then I'll feel like I'm always growing."

This kind of question helps the interviewer understand your method of operation. Some people like to plan before acting, and others act before planning. Both methods have their pros and cons, and the employer may prefer one over the other. That being said, honesty is key. You want to be hired by an employer whose methods match your own or will allow for some individuality. The best way to answer this question is to offer a general overview of how you think and specific steps you take to make your photography gigs a success.

"My work style is definitely very methodical. I don't feel as confident about gigs when I don't plan in advance. Prep time helps to ensure all my equipment is together, I know exactly what the client wants, and that everything else runs smoothly. Thus far, this process has helped my clients to thoroughly enjoy their experiences. If they're pleased, then so am I."

"Early in my career, I was shooting everything, trying out different methods, and exploring different subjects- trying to figure out what worked for me. I struggled with finding my own particular style in the photos I shot. I became preoccupied with attempting to establish a certain style in my work. After working for a few years as a photographer's assistant working at a magazine, I learned from more experience photographers that personal style emerges the more we take photos, experiment with equipment, and learn the business."

Professional Photographers Interview Questions

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1. What is your greatest strength?
2. What is your greatest weakness? What are you doing to improve it?
3. Do you work well under pressure?
4. How do you stay patient with difficult clients?
5. Why did you choose to become a photographer?
6. What kind of gear do you use?
7. What lighting equipment do you take on a shoot?
8. Are you a MAC or PC user?
9. Did you bring a portfolio?
10. What do you know about our publication?
11. What is the most challenging part about being a photographer for you?
12. Tell me about yourself?
13. Describe your photographic style? How did you develop your style?
14. What are your career goals?
15. What type of photography do you do most?
16. How many sessions do you do per month?
17. What is your best photography tip?
18. How many weddings do you average per year?
19. How long have you been a photographer?
20. How do you best connect with your clients?
21. Whose work has influenced you most?
22. What do you like most about photography?
23. Explain what kind of tools do you use for post-processing.
24. What is your favorite lens? Why?
25. What have you done recently to better yourself as a photographer?
26. What type of photography do you have the most experience in?
27. When did you realize your love for photography?
28. How would you describe your work style?

Professional Photographers Interview Questions

1. What is your greatest strength?

2. What is your greatest weakness? What are you doing to improve it?

3. Do you work well under pressure?

4. How do you stay patient with difficult clients?

5. Why did you choose to become a photographer?

6. What kind of gear do you use?

7. What lighting equipment do you take on a shoot?

8. Are you a MAC or PC user?

9. Did you bring a portfolio?

10. What do you know about our publication?

11. What is the most challenging part about being a photographer for you?

12. Tell me about yourself?

13. Describe your photographic style? How did you develop your style?

14. What are your career goals?

15. What type of photography do you do most?

16. How many sessions do you do per month?

17. What is your best photography tip?

18. How many weddings do you average per year?

19. How long have you been a photographer?

20. How do you best connect with your clients?

21. Whose work has influenced you most?

22. What do you like most about photography?

23. Explain what kind of tools do you use for post-processing.

24. What is your favorite lens? Why?

25. What have you done recently to better yourself as a photographer?

26. What type of photography do you have the most experience in?

27. When did you realize your love for photography?

28. How would you describe your work style?