17 Product Photographer Interview Questions and Answers

Product photographers are in high demand in today’s digital world. A picture is worth a thousand words, and a great product photo can make the difference between a customer clicking “add to cart” or moving on to the next item in their search results.

As a product photographer, you’ll need to have an eye for detail and a steady hand. You’ll also need to be able to use photo editing software to touch up your photos before they’re published. If you’re thinking of pursuing a career in product photography, you’ll need to be prepared to answer some tough questions in your job interview.

In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of sample product photographer interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your next job interview.

Are you comfortable working with a team of professionals to complete a project?

Employers ask this question to make sure you’re a good fit for their company culture. They want employees who are willing to work with others and share ideas. In your answer, explain that you enjoy collaborating with others on projects. Share an example of a time when you worked well with a team to complete a project.

Example: “I have always enjoyed working in teams because it allows me to learn from other professionals. I find that my teammates often have different perspectives than me, which helps me develop new ideas. At my last job, I was part of a small photography team. We were tasked with photographing a variety of products for a client. I brought up the idea of using natural light to photograph the products, and my colleagues agreed. It ended up being one of our best-performing shoots.”

What are some of the most important skills for a product photographer to have?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the skills necessary for the job. They want someone who is creative, organized and detail-oriented. When answering this question, list some of your most important skills that relate to product photography.

Example: “I think one of the most important skills a product photographer can have is creativity. You need to be able to come up with new ideas for how to photograph products in different ways. I also think it’s important to be organized because there are so many details involved in taking photos of products. Finally, I think it’s important to be detail-oriented because you need to make sure all aspects of the photo are correct.”

How do you make sure that each of your shots is perfect?

This question can help interviewers understand how you approach your work and ensure that it’s of the highest quality. Use examples from past experience to show how you make sure each photo is as close to perfect as possible.

Example: “I always take my time when photographing a product, making sure I get every angle just right. In my last role, I was tasked with taking photos of a new line of shoes for an e-commerce website. After taking several shots of the front of the shoe, I turned it over and took more pictures of the back. Then, I moved on to different angles of the shoe, including ones where I zoomed in on specific parts like the laces or sole.”

What is your process for organizing and editing your work?

This question can help interviewers understand how you approach your work and organize it. Your answer should show that you have a system for organizing your files, labeling them appropriately and keeping track of the changes you make to images.

Example: “I use an organizational software program called Lightroom to keep my photos organized by client, project type and date. I also label each photo with keywords so I can find them easily later. When editing photos, I always start with basic adjustments like exposure, contrast and color balance. Then I move on to more advanced edits like cropping, sharpening and removing blemishes.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to be creative in order to get the shot you needed.

Employers ask this question to see how you apply your creativity and problem-solving skills in a work environment. When answering, think of an example that showcases your ability to be creative while also showing the results of your efforts.

Example: “When I was working as a freelance photographer, I had a client who needed product photos for their website. The products were all very colorful, so I knew I would need to find a way to make them pop without using too much editing software. I decided to use props to help bring out the colors of the products. For instance, I used a blue background with white polka dots to highlight the color of one of the products. This helped me get the shots my client needed without having to do too much photo editing.”

If you were given the opportunity to take your own shots, what would they be?

Employers ask this question to see if you have any unique ideas for their products. They want someone who can take high-quality photos and also come up with creative shots that will help the company’s brand stand out. When answering this question, try to think of a few different types of photos you would take. Explain why these photos are interesting or unique.

Example: “I would definitely take some action shots of your product in use. I find it fascinating to capture what people do with a product. For example, if I were photographing a skateboard, I would get some shots of someone doing tricks on it. These kinds of photos show off the versatility of a product and make customers more likely to buy.”

What would you do if you were given a tight deadline and you knew you wouldn’t be able to get the perfect shot?

Employers ask this question to make sure you know how to prioritize your work and get it done on time. In your answer, explain that you would try to find a way to complete the task in the allotted amount of time while still producing high-quality images.

Example: “If I was given a tight deadline for a shoot but knew I wouldn’t be able to capture the perfect shot, I would do my best to take as many photos as possible within the timeframe. Then, once the photo shoot is over, I would go back through all of the photos I took and edit them until I found one that met the company’s standards.”

How well do you know Photoshop and other photo editing software?

Photoshop is a popular photo editing software that many photographers use. Employers ask this question to see if you have experience using Photoshop and other similar programs. Before your interview, make sure you familiarize yourself with the types of photo editing software they use. If you don’t know what type of software they use, explain that you are willing to learn it.

Example: “I am very comfortable using Photoshop. I’ve been using it for over five years now. I also know how to use Lightroom, which is another popular photo editing software. I find these two programs easy to use, but I’m always open to learning new things. I would be happy to take some time to learn whatever program you use.”

Do you have any experience with product photography competitions?

Employers may ask this question to see if you have any experience with product photography competitions. They want to know that you are familiar with the process of entering and competing in these types of events. In your answer, share what type of competition it was and how you did.

Example: “I’ve entered two different product photography competitions. The first one I entered was a local event where I won third place for my photo of a new line of makeup products. The second time I entered a national competition, where I placed fifth overall. It was definitely an honor to be recognized by such a large organization.”

When shooting products, what is your process for ensuring that the background is clean and not distracting?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your shooting process and how you handle different backgrounds. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific background that was distracting and how you fixed the problem.

Example: “When I’m shooting products, my main goal is to make sure the product stands out and looks its best. In my last role, we had a white background for our website, but it was very bright and distracting. To fix this, I used Photoshop to change the color of the background to black so that it wasn’t as noticeable. This helped me focus on the product itself rather than the background.”

We want to make sure our photos are as accessible as possible. Are there any accessibility features you would add to your shots?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of accessibility and how you can make sure the photos you take are as accessible as possible. You can answer this question by explaining what features you would add to your shots, such as alt text or captions that describe the photo in more detail.

Example: “I always try to include descriptive information with my photos so they’re more accessible for people who use screen readers. I also like to include alternative views of the product so users can see it from different angles.”

Describe your process for shooting food items.

Shooting food items is a common task for product photographers. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the experience and expertise needed to complete this type of photography job. In your answer, share what steps you take when shooting food products. Explain that you may use different techniques than you would with other types of products.

Example: “When I shoot food items, I always try to capture the true colors of the food. This means using natural lighting and adjusting my camera settings so that they are appropriate for the light source. For example, if I am shooting in daylight, I will adjust my aperture to allow more light into the lens. If I am shooting indoors, I will adjust my shutter speed to let in less light.

I also pay close attention to detail when shooting food items. I want to make sure that every aspect of the photo looks appealing. To do this, I will often move my subject around until it is positioned just right. I will then take multiple photos from different angles to ensure I get one that is perfect.”

What makes you stand out from other product photographers?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your skills and experience. They want to know what makes you unique from other candidates. When answering, think of a skill or quality that sets you apart from others. You can also mention any certifications you have.

Example: “I am passionate about my work and always strive for excellence. I take pride in every photo I take, which is why I make sure the lighting is perfect and the background is clean. Another thing that makes me stand out is my attention to detail. I am very thorough when taking photos, so I rarely need to retake them. This saves time and money for both the client and myself.”

Which camera do you prefer to use and why?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with photography and which tools you prefer to use. You can answer this question by naming a specific camera brand or model that you have used in the past, as well as why you like it.

Example: “I’ve worked with many different brands of cameras throughout my career, but I find myself using Nikon most often because of its quality and ease of use. The company’s products are easy to understand and operate, so I don’t need to spend much time learning how to use them before starting work. This allows me to focus on taking high-quality photos quickly.”

What do you think is the most important thing to remember when shooting products for an online store?

This question can help the interviewer determine how much experience you have shooting products for an online store. Use your answer to highlight any specific skills or techniques that helped you succeed in this role and show the interviewer what you learned during your time as a product photographer.

Example: “I think it’s important to remember that when shooting products for an online store, you’re not just taking photos of the product itself but also its packaging. This is because many customers may be shopping online without actually seeing the product in person, so they need to see exactly what they’ll receive before making their purchase. I always make sure to take plenty of photos from different angles so shoppers can get a good idea of what the product looks like.”

How often do you update your skills and knowledge as a product photographer?

Employers want to know that you’re committed to your career and are always learning new things. They may ask this question to see if you have a passion for photography and how often you attend industry events or take courses. In your answer, share what steps you take to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in product photography.

Example: “I am passionate about my work as a photographer, so I make it a point to learn something new every day. I regularly read blogs and articles from photographers who specialize in product photography. I also subscribe to newsletters from companies like Canon and Nikon to keep up with the newest equipment and software. I try to attend at least one event per year where I can meet other professionals and learn more about their processes.”

There is a lot of competition in this industry. How do you set yourself apart from other product photographers?

Employers want to know that you have the skills and experience necessary to succeed in their company. They may ask this question to see if you can provide them with a reason why they should hire you over other candidates. In your answer, try to highlight some of your unique qualities or experiences that make you an ideal candidate for the job.

Example: “I think what sets me apart from other product photographers is my attention to detail. I am always looking for ways to improve my work, so I take online courses and read books on photography techniques. I also practice taking photos every day to hone my skills. Another thing that makes me stand out is my ability to work independently. While I enjoy collaborating with others, I am comfortable working alone when needed.”