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Photographer Interview Questions

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Photographer interview questions and answers.

  1. How do you make a client feel comfortable in front of the camera? See answer
  2. What are the essential characteristics of a successful photographer? See answer
  3. What equipment and tools are vital for you to have no matter where you are photographing? See answer
  4. What editing software do you like to use for your finished photos? See answer
  5. What formal training do you have as a photographer? See answer
  6. How do you improve and develop your photography skills? See answer
  7. What details do you enjoy focusing on in your work? See answer
  8. How would you handle a client who is unhappy with their photos and wants a refund? See answer
  9. What professional photographers have influenced your work? See answer
  10. How do you handle a client who has an entyrely different vision of what they want compared to what you think would look best? See answer
  11. What questions do you ask a client before a photo shoot to ensure you capture what they want? See answer
  12. Among all your work as a photographer, which is your favourite and why? See answer
  13. What work environment do you enjoy most as a photographer? See answer
  14. Why do you want to join our photography team? See answer
  15. What’s your expertise as a photographer?
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Hire your next Photographer today.

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Hire your next Photographer today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Photographer Interview Questions and Answers

How do you make a client feel comfortable in front of the camera?

A successful photographer must create a comfortable environment for their clients to get the best quality photos. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's ability to build rapport and trust with their customer. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to build rapport and trust quickly
  • Interest in creating a safe and comfortable environment
  • Communication and interpersonal skills to relate to a variety of people

Example:

"Before starting a photoshoot, I spend time with a client asking questions and getting to know them. This builds rapport, which goes a long way to creating a comfortable environment for them to let their personality shine."

What are the essential characteristics of a successful photographer?

A proficient photographer has many characteristics that work together to form their style and accomplishment. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's opinion of the essential elements that make a photographer successful. What to look for in an answer:

  • A strong foundation of technical photography skills
  • Understanding of the personality characteristics that create success
  • Self-awareness of professional strengths and weaknesses

Example:

"An accomplished photographer has several essential characteristics that contribute to their success. For example, they need to have solid technical knowledge of camera and lighting techniques. But they also need to enjoy working with people and bringing out the best in a person through the camera."

What equipment and tools are vital for you to have no matter where you are photographing?

Every photographer has their favourite equipment and tools to use during a photoshoot. The goal of the question is to determine the candidate's list of essentials for photography. Based on what tools they require, their response can provide insight into how experienced they are. What to look for in an answer:

  • Understanding of basic equipment requirements
  • Ability to adapt and be flexible when needing to use other equipment
  • Interest in trying new tools and products

Example:

"There are three things essential to my toolkit no matter where I am. I always bring a tripod and a light meter, as well as my camera with several lenses. I enjoy trying out new cameras and tools, but these are my three key items."

What editing software do you like to use for your finished photos?

A proficient photographer must complete the photography process by editing photos and preparing them for processing. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's ability to use editing software to complete the images. What to look for in an answer:

  • Foundational solid computer literacy skills
  • Experience using photo editing software
  • Interest in creating the best photos for their clients

Example:

"Although I've tried many editing software programmes, my favourite is Adobe Lightroom. It offers an easy user interface that allows me to quickly access various brushes, filters, and gradient adjustments that put the finishing touch on my photos."

What formal training do you have as a photographer?

Depending on your company, you may require a photographer to have formal academic training. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's educational background and ability to implement their training into their profession. What to look for in an answer:

  • Completion of educational requirements, if needed
  • Interest in continuous training and professional development
  • Ability to adapt learned knowledge into real-life situations

Example:

"I have completed my college diploma in photography, which taught me many technical skills and techniques. I've continued my training by taking various online and in-person classes and workshops throughout my career to stay current with the latest trends, products, and information."

How do you improve and develop your photography skills?

A proficient photographer understands the need to stay current with professional development. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's interest in skill development and learning opportunities. What to look for in an answer:

  • Interest in participating in professional development opportunities
  • Ability to implement new knowledge and skills into their position
  • Enthusiastic about learning new techniques and concepts

Example:

"As a photographer, it's essential that I continue learning regularly. I'm part of several online communities that share the latest lighting and editing techniques and product reviews. I also take several courses each year to perfect my skills and knowledge."

What details do you enjoy focusing on in your work?

A photographer needs to understand the concepts of lighting, arrangement, and detail in their images. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's approach to photography. What to look for in an answer:

  • Attention to detail in setting up their photoshoot
  • Focus on lighting and arrangement
  • Ability to adapt to the subject matter and environment to produce the best photos

Example:

"When I'm taking photos, I love to focus on the negative space surrounding the subject. I find that lots of negative space impacts the detail of the person or thing I'm photographing. I also focus on lighting, as it provides highlights and shadows that can accentuate the details in the subject."

How would you handle a client who is unhappy with their photos and wants a refund?

A photographer must be comfortable interacting with clients and handling concerns effectively. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's ability to address a client's displeasure with their photo results. What to look for in an answer:

  • Interest in providing a positive client experience at all times
  • Ability to resolve conflict in a positive manner
  • Communication and interpersonal skills to relate to others

Example:

"If a client were unhappy with their photos and wanted a refund, I would speak with them about their concerns and what they don't like. I would then offer to redo the photos instead of offering a refund. I would rather attempt to make the client happy than lose them as a customer."

What professional photographers have influenced your work?

Most photographers are inspired by other's work, whether professional or amateur. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's influence on their style of photography. There is no correct answer, but their response can provide insight into the type of photography they enjoy. What to look for in an answer:

  • Awareness of influential photographers in the industry
  • Interest in learning from other professional photographers
  • Ability to adapt techniques from others into their own style

Example:

"One of the professional photographers who most influence my work is Oleksandr Rupeta. He is a Ukrainian photographer who focuses on the connection between people and animals. The way he captures the interplay between species, light, and colour always inspires me."

How do you handle a client who has an entyrely different vision of what they want compared to what you think would look best?

A successful photographer needs to meet the needs and wants of their client while expressing their creativity. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's approach to understanding what their client wants and coming to a compromise that satisfies both parties. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to ask questions and gain an understanding of their client's vision
  • Adaptability and willingness to be flexible in their photography style and approach
  • Interest in providing a positive client experience at all times

Example:

"When a client and I have conflicting ideas of what would look best, I will show them my portfolio of the two ideas side-by-side so they can visually see why I'm suggesting a specific style or technique. Ultimately, I want the client to be happy with the results."

What questions do you ask a client before a photo shoot to ensure you capture what they want?

A photographer must interpret what the client wants into reality, and completing an assessment before beginning is essential to the success of the photoshoot. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's ability to assess a client's wants and expectations. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to ask thought-provoking questions that require detailed answers
  • Interest in providing a positive client experience at all times
  • Ability to develop rapport with a client to understand them on a personal level

Example:

"When working with a client, I want to understand what their vision is of the photos. I ask what the photos are for, whether it's professional headshots or a family album. I ask about their personality and the things they enjoy. These questions help me get a better understanding of their personality and what they hope to gain from the photoshoot."

Among all your work as a photographer, which is your favourite and why?

A photographer will typically have specific projects that they enjoy more than others. The goal of the question is to determine the candidate's preferred type of work and why they enjoyed it. What to look for in an answer:

  • Interest in trying new projects, techniques, and environments
  • Ability to remain flexible and willing to adapt to the client's needs
  • A positive and enthusiastic attitude about their work

Example:

"The most enjoyable project I worked on was a photoshoot with a young family who had just adopted a special needs child. The parents were thrilled, and it shows in every photo. We did the photos outside in their backyard, so they were comfortable and familiar with the surroundings."

What's your expertise as a photographer?

Photographers typically specialise or enjoy a specific style or type of photography. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's area of expertise and how their speciality fits in with your company's requirements. What to look for in an answer:

  • Well-rounded skills in a variety of styles and photography types
  • Ability to be flexible and adapt their style to the current need
  • Interest in learning new styles and techniques to become a better photographer

Example:

"My expertise as a photographer is with children. I enjoy working with kids and can seem to bring out the best in them. I also enjoy photographing family pets."

What work environment do you enjoy most as a photographer?

A photographer needs to be proficient in various environments, such as a photo studio or outdoors. The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's preference for the working environment and willingness to be flexible. What to look for in an answer:

  • Ability to produce high-quality photos in a variety of environments
  • Interest in adapting to the needs of the client or subject
  • Ability to adapt techniques to benefit the environment

Example:

"The work environment I most enjoy is outdoors because it's always changing and presents a challenge every time I take a photo. Even within the same session, the lighting changes, the wind and the clouds all make a difference."

Why do you want to join our photography team?

The goal of the question is to evaluate the candidate's motivation for applying for the position. Their response provides insight into their skills and abilities and how their expertise can benefit your company. What to look for in an answer:

  • Interest in researching the company and position before attending the interview
  • A positive and enthusiastic attitude about the company and job
  • Self-awareness of the motivating factors that made them apply

Example:

"I understand that your company specialises in taking portraits of family pets. I love the idea of creating a lasting memory of a beloved animal with a great photoshoot that captures their personality and impact on their family."

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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