Log InSign Up

19 Photography Assistant Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various photography assistant interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

Photography Assistant Resume ExampleUse this template

or download as PDF

Common Photography Assistant Interview Questions

What experience do you have in photography?

An interviewer may ask "What experience do you have in photography?" to a/an Photography Assistant to gauge what level of experience the assistant has and to see if they are a good fit for the position. It is important for the interviewer to know the level of experience the assistant has so that they can determine if they are qualified for the position.

Example: “I have been involved in photography for over 10 years. I have experience in both digital and film photography, and I am comfortable working with a variety of camera types. I have a strong understanding of composition and lighting, and I am able to capture images that are both aesthetically pleasing and technically sound. I am also experienced in post-processing techniques, and I can use software such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom to further enhance my images.”

What do you know about composition and lighting?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask a photography assistant about composition and lighting. Firstly, composition and lighting are two of the most important aspects of creating a good photograph. Secondly, by understanding composition and lighting, the assistant can help the photographer to create better photographs. Finally, by understanding these concepts, the assistant can provide guidance and advice to clients on how to improve their photographs.

Example: “Composition is the art of arranging the elements of a photograph (or other work of art) in a way that is pleasing to the eye. Good composition can make a ordinary photo look extraordinary.

Lighting is one of the most important aspects of photography. It can make or break a photo. Good lighting can make a photo look amazing, while bad lighting can make it look dull and uninteresting.”

What is your experience with Photoshop and other editing software?

An interviewer would ask "What is your experience with Photoshop and other editing software?" to a/an Photography Assistant in order to gauge what level of experience the candidate has with using such software. This is important because the interviewer wants to know if the candidate is able to perform the basic functions of the job, such as editing photos.

Example: “I have experience with Photoshop and other editing software.”

What is your experience with photo printing and album design?

An interviewer would ask "What is your experience with photo printing and album design?" to a/an Photography Assistant because it is important for the interviewer to know what experience the Photography Assistant has in relation to photo printing and album design. This is important because the interviewer wants to know if the Photography Assistant is qualified to do the job that they are applying for.

Example: “I have experience with photo printing and album design. I am familiar with the various software programs used for these purposes, and I have a good eye for detail and composition. I am able to work quickly and efficiently to produce high-quality results.”

What do you know about digital cameras and lenses?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the Photography Assistant's knowledge about digital cameras and lenses. This is important because the interviewer wants to know if the Photography Assistant is familiar with the equipment that will be used during the photo shoot. If the Photography Assistant is not familiar with the equipment, it could lead to problems during the photo shoot.

Example: “Digital cameras and lenses are a vital part of photography. They allow photographers to capture images in a digital format, which can be stored on a computer or other electronic device. Digital cameras and lenses come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and prices. Some digital cameras and lenses are designed for specific types of photography, such as landscape or portrait photography. Others are designed to be used in a variety of settings.”

What do you know about film cameras and darkroom processing?

An interviewer might ask a photography assistant what they know about film cameras and darkroom processing in order to gauge the assistant's level of experience and expertise. It is important to know about film cameras and darkroom processing because it is a fundamental part of the photography process.

Example: “Film cameras use a light-sensitive film to capture images. The film is then processed in a darkroom, where the negative is developed and prints are made. Darkroom processing requires a great deal of care and attention to detail, as even small imperfections can ruin a photograph.”

What is your experience with portrait photography?

An interviewer would ask "What is your experience with portrait photography?" to a/an Photography Assistant to determine if they are qualified for the job. This is important because it helps the interviewer understand what the candidate knows about photography and if they would be able to do the job.

Example: “I have been doing portrait photography for about 5 years now. I absolutely love it! I have a lot of experience with different lighting techniques and I always try to make my subjects feel comfortable in front of the camera. I believe that this is the most important thing in portrait photography, because if your subject is not comfortable, it will show in the photos.”

What is your experience with wedding photography?

An interviewer would ask "What is your experience with wedding photography?" to a/an Photography Assistant in order to gauge their level of experience and expertise with this specific type of photography. This is important because it can help to determine whether or not the assistant is a good fit for the position.

Wedding photography is a specific genre of photography that often requires a higher level of skill and experience than other types of photography. As such, it is important for an interviewer to know what kind of experience an assistant has before making a hiring decision.

Example: “I have been a wedding photographer for the past 5 years and have shot over 200 weddings. I am very familiar with all aspects of wedding photography, from shooting the ceremony and reception to working with the bride and groom to get the perfect shots. I am also experienced in post-processing wedding photos to ensure that they look their best.”

What is your experience with event photography?

An interviewer would ask "What is your experience with event photography?" to a/an Photography Assistant to learn more about the Assistant's experience in photographing events. This is important because it helps the interviewer understand what kind of experience the Assistant has in photographing events, and how that experience can be applied to the position they are interviewing for.

Example: “I have been photographing events for over 5 years now. I have shot everything from small, intimate gatherings to large scale conventions and everything in between. I am comfortable working with both natural and artificial lighting and am adept at capturing candid moments as well as posed shots. I have a keen eye for detail and strive to create unique and memorable images that my clients will cherish for years to come.”

What do you know about landscape photography?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the Photography Assistant's level of knowledge and interest in the subject. It's important to know about landscape photography because it's a popular genre that many photographers specialize in. By understanding the basics of landscape photography, the Assistant can better support the photographer during a shoot.

Example: “Landscape photography is a genre of photography that typically involves capturing images of natural scenery, such as mountains, forests, rivers, and so on. It can also involve man-made structures and features, such as bridges or cityscapes. Landscape photography is often done in order to capture the beauty of a particular location, or to convey a certain mood or feeling.”

What is your experience with still life photography?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask about an applicant's experience with still life photography. For one, still life photography requires a lot of attention to detail, which is an important skill for a photography assistant. Additionally, still life photography often involves working with props and set pieces, so an applicant's experience with this type of photography can give the interviewer some insight into their ability to work with other elements in a photoshoot. Finally, still life photography can be quite challenging, so an applicant's experience with this type of photography can show the interviewer that they are up for a challenge.

Example: “I have been doing still life photography for about 5 years now. I absolutely love it! I find the challenge in trying to capture the perfect moment and angle to be very rewarding. I also enjoy the process of setting up the shot and arranging the objects just so. It's really a lot of fun for me!”

What is your experience with product photography?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask about product photography experience. Firstly, they may want to know if the photography assistant has any experience working with products, as this can be a different skill set than working with people. Secondly, the interviewer may be interested in knowing how the photography assistant would approach photographing products, as this can give insight into their creative process. Finally, product photography can be a challenging and technical genre of photography, so the interviewer may want to know if the photography assistant has the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully photograph products.

Example: “I have experience with product photography in a studio setting as well as on location. I am familiar with using various lighting techniques to create the desired effect, and have experience with both digital and film cameras. I am also experienced in post-processing techniques to enhance the photos.”

What do you know about photojournalism?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the Photography Assistant's understanding of photojournalism and its importance. It is important for the Photography Assistant to have a strong understanding of photojournalism because it is the foundation of their job. They need to know how to take photos that tell a story and capture a moment in time.

Example: “Photojournalism is a type of journalism that focuses on visual images, typically in the form of photographs, to tell a news story. Photojournalists work in a variety of fields, including newspaper and magazine photography, news photography, sports photography, and event photography. In addition to taking pictures, photojournalists often interview people and conduct research to get background information on stories.”

What is your experience with sports photography?

The interviewer is likely asking this question to gauge the Photography Assistant's understanding of photography as it pertains to sports. It is important because sports photography requires a different skill set than other types of photography. The photographer must be able to capture fast-moving action, often from a distance, and often in difficult lighting conditions.

Example: “I have been shooting sports photography for about 5 years now. I started out shooting local high school games and then eventually began working with a professional sports photographer. I have experience shooting all types of sports, from football and basketball to hockey and baseball. I understand the importance of capturing the action and the emotion of the game, and I strive to get the best possible photos every time I shoot.”

What is your experience with pet photography?

An interviewer asking "What is your experience with pet photography?" to a/an Photography Assistant could be trying to gauge the level of experience and skill the assistant has with photographing pets. This is important because it can help the interviewer determine if the assistant would be a good fit for a photography job that involves taking pictures of pets.

Example: “I have been photographing pets for over 10 years. I have experience with all types of animals, from dogs and cats to horses and reptiles. I understand the unique challenges that come with photographing animals, and I have the patience and skills necessary to get great results.”

What is your experience with food photography?

An interviewer might ask "What is your experience with food photography?" to a/an Photography Assistant to gauge the assistant's level of experience and expertise with food photography. This question is important because it allows the interviewer to determine whether or not the assistant is qualified for the position.

Example: “I have been working as a food photographer for the past 5 years. I have experience in shooting both in studio and on location. I am familiar with different lighting techniques and how to style food for photography. I have a good understanding of composition and how to make food look appealing in photos.”

What do you know about fine art photography?

An interviewer would ask "What do you know about fine art photography?" to a/an Photography Assistant in order to gauge their knowledge of the subject matter. This is important because it allows the interviewer to get a sense of how much the Photography Assistant knows about fine art photography and whether or not they would be able to contribute to a discussion on the topic. Additionally, this question allows the interviewer to get a sense of the Photography Assistant's interests and whether or not they would be a good fit for a position that involves working with fine art photography.

Example: “Fine art photography is a genre of photography that focuses on creating aesthetically pleasing images, rather than images that simply document reality. Fine art photographers may use a variety of techniques to achieve their desired results, such as manipulating lighting, using long exposure times, or employing alternative printing processes.”

What do you know about nude photography?

The interviewer is likely gauging the Photography Assistant's level of experience and comfort with nude photography, as it can be a sensitive subject. It is important to be able to discuss the topic openly and confidently in order to show that the Assistant is knowledgeable and capable of handling such a shoot.

Example: “Nude photography is a genre of photography that focuses on the depiction of the naked human body. It can be both artistic and erotic in nature, and can be found in both mainstream and underground media.”

What are your thoughts on censorship in photography?

The interviewer may be asking this question to gauge the photography assistant's level of knowledge and understanding about censorship in photography. It is important to know about censorship in photography because it can impact the types of photos that are taken and published.

Example: “I believe that censorship in photography is a necessary evil. While I understand that there are certain subjects that some people may find offensive, I also believe that it is important for photographers to be able to freely express themselves and their art. Censorship can often times stifle creativity and prevent photographers from capturing important moments or stories.”

Related Interview Questions