17 Real Estate Photographer Interview Questions and Answers

A picture is worth a thousand words, and in the world of real estate, that couldn’t be more true. Real estate photography is all about capturing the best possible images of homes and properties to help sell them faster and for more money.

As a real estate photographer, you’ll use your creative eye and technical skills to take photos that show off a property’s best features. You’ll also need to be able to talk to clients, understand their needs, and deliver high-quality photos that meet their expectations.

If you’re considering a career in real estate photography, you may be wondering what the job interview process is like. In this guide, we’ll give you an overview of the real estate photographer interview process, including what to expect and how to prepare.

Are you comfortable working on your own or as part of a team?

Real estate photographers often work independently, but they also need to be able to collaborate with other professionals. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle working alone and that you’re willing to do so if necessary. In your answer, explain how you feel about both types of assignments. Explain why you prefer one over the other or what kind of situation would be ideal for you.

Example: “I’m comfortable working on my own, but I also enjoy collaborating with others. When I first started in real estate photography, I worked mostly on my own. However, as I gained more experience, I began to enjoy working alongside other photographers. It’s nice to have someone else there who understands what you’re going through and can help you out when needed. I think it really depends on the assignment.”

What are some of the most important skills for a real estate photographer?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills necessary to succeed in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few of your strongest skills and how they relate to real estate photography.

Example: “I think one of the most important skills for a real estate photographer is attention to detail. This skill helps me make sure that I capture all of the photos needed for each listing. Another important skill is communication. As a photographer, I need to communicate with my clients about what they want their photos to look like. I also need to communicate with other members of the team so we are all on the same page when taking photos.”

How would you describe the process of capturing a moment in time?

This question is a great way to assess your photography skills and how you apply them in the field. Your answer should include an example of a time when you used this process, including what type of camera you used and any other details that may be important.

Example: “Capturing a moment in time is one of my favorite parts of being a photographer. I love using natural light to capture moments as they happen because it allows me to get the best possible shot without having to use additional equipment or editing software later on. In my last position, I was photographing a property for a client who wanted to sell their home quickly. I knew that capturing the right shots would help us achieve our goal.”

What is your experience with using lighting equipment in photography?

Lighting is an important part of real estate photography, and the interviewer may ask you this question to see if you have experience using different types of lighting equipment. Use your answer to highlight any specific skills or techniques that you use when working with lighting in a photography setting.

Example: “I’ve used many different types of lighting equipment throughout my career as a photographer. I am comfortable using both natural light and artificial light sources, including strobes, reflectors and flash units. In fact, I prefer to shoot with natural light whenever possible because it allows me to capture more realistic images. However, I also understand that sometimes shooting with natural light isn’t always feasible, so I know how to use other types of lighting effectively.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to be patient while waiting for the right moment to capture an image.

Real estate photographers often have to wait for the right moment to capture an image. This question helps employers determine how you handle waiting and whether you can be patient while on a job. In your answer, try to explain that you are willing to wait for the perfect shot and that you know it’s worth it in the end.

Example: “I once had to photograph a house with a beautiful view of the sunset. I knew this would be a great photo opportunity, but I also knew that if I took the picture too early or too late, it wouldn’t look as good. So, I waited until the sun was just above the horizon before taking my photos. It was definitely worth the wait.”

If you saw a potential buyer making a negative facial expression in one of your photos, how would you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you react to challenges and whether you have a problem-solving mindset. Your answer should show that you are willing to take action, even if it’s not your fault.

Example: “I would first ask them what they didn’t like about the photo. If they said something was wrong with the house itself, I would apologize and explain that I am only responsible for taking quality photos of the property. However, if they said their dissatisfaction was due to my work, I would offer to retake the photo at no cost.”

What would you do if you were given access to a property for only a limited amount of time?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you prioritize your work and what steps you take to ensure that you complete all of your tasks in a timely manner. Your answer should include details about how you would plan your time, which areas of the property you would photograph first and any other strategies you use to stay on schedule.

Example: “If I were given access to a property for only a limited amount of time, I would make sure to get as many exterior shots as possible before moving inside. Once inside, I would start with the most important rooms, such as the kitchen or living room, and then move on to bedrooms and bathrooms. If there is an attic or basement, I would also photograph those areas last.”

How well do you understand the real estate industry?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to assess your knowledge of the real estate industry. It’s important that you have an understanding of how the industry works, including what types of homes are available and how they’re priced. You can use this opportunity to show the interviewer that you’ve done your research on the company as well.

Example: “I’m very familiar with the real estate industry because I worked in it before becoming a photographer. In my last position, I was responsible for finding new clients and helping them find their dream home. I also had experience photographing houses for sale, which helped me develop my skills as a photographer.”

Do you have experience using photo editing software?

This question can help the interviewer determine your skill level with photo editing software and how you use it. If you have experience using specific programs, list them in your answer. If you don’t have experience but are willing to learn new software, let the interviewer know that you’re open to learning a new program.

Example: “I’ve used Photoshop for years, so I’m very comfortable with its features. In my last role, I also learned Lightroom, which is another popular photo editing software. I enjoy learning new software because it helps me stay current on industry trends.”

When shooting interiors, do you prefer to use natural or artificial light?

Shooting interiors is a large part of being a real estate photographer. The interviewer wants to know how you plan your shoots and what type of lighting equipment you use. Your answer should show that you understand the advantages and disadvantages of both natural and artificial light.

Example: “I prefer using natural light because it’s free, but I also carry several types of artificial lights with me when shooting interiors. For example, if there are no windows in the room or they don’t provide enough light, I’ll use an LED panel. If the house has plenty of windows but they’re too bright, I’ll use a diffuser to soften the light. In addition, I always have a reflector on hand to bounce more light into dark corners.”

We want to attract potential buyers with beautiful photos. How would you enhance the appearance of an image?

This question can help the interviewer understand your technical skills and how you apply them to real estate photography. You can answer this question by describing a time when you used specific editing techniques to improve an image’s appearance.

Example: “I would first make sure that I have enough light in the room before taking photos. This is because shadows can distract from the overall look of the photo, so I always try to eliminate them as much as possible. Next, I would use filters to enhance the color of the property and remove any unwanted elements like dust or smudges on windows. Finally, I would adjust the contrast and brightness of the images to ensure they are clear and easy to view.”

Describe your process for shooting multiple images in a short period of time.

Shooting multiple images in a short period of time is an important skill for real estate photographers. This question helps the interviewer evaluate your ability to work quickly and efficiently under pressure. In your answer, describe how you plan out your shooting schedule and manage your time while on-site.

Example: “I typically arrive at the property early so I can scout locations and set up my equipment before the client arrives. Once they’re ready, I begin taking photos from different angles and distances. I try to take as many shots as possible within a short amount of time so that I don’t have to return to the same location more than once. This saves both me and the client time.”

What makes you stand out from other real estate photographers?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your background and experience as a photographer. They want someone who can take high-quality photos quickly, so they may look for candidates with special skills or training that make them unique in the industry. In your answer, share what you think makes you stand out from other photographers. You could also mention any certifications or awards you have received.

Example: “I am passionate about my work, which is why I continue to pursue new opportunities in real estate photography. I recently completed an online course on how to photograph homes at night, which has helped me develop my portfolio of nighttime shots. I also have several years of experience taking photos of homes for sale, which gives me a leg up over other photographers.”

Which camera models do you have the most experience using?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with different camera models. You can answer this question by listing the brands and models you have used in the past, along with any specific features that make them easy to use.

Example: “I’ve worked as a photographer for five years now, so I have plenty of experience using many different types of cameras. However, my favorite brand is Nikon because they produce high-quality equipment that’s easy to use. My favorite model from Nikon is the D750 because it has an excellent autofocus system and produces beautiful images.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of real estate photography?

This question is a great way to see how the person you’re interviewing with thinks about their work. It’s also an opportunity for them to share what they think makes their photography unique or special.

Example: “I believe that the most important aspect of real estate photography is capturing the home in its best light. This means making sure that all rooms are well-lit and free from clutter, dust and other distractions. I also make sure to capture photos of every room so potential buyers can get a good idea of what the house looks like from top to bottom.”

How often do you update your photography skills through continuing education or other means?

Continuing education is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in real estate photography. Employers may ask this question to make sure you’re committed to your career and want to continue learning new things. In your answer, share what types of continuing education you’ve done in the past and how it helped you improve your skills as a photographer.

Example: “I try to take at least one class per year to learn something new. I recently took a course on shooting interiors that taught me some new techniques for capturing natural light indoors. This has been helpful when photographing homes with large windows or open floor plans.”

There is a bug on the countertop in one of your photos. How would you handle it?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your problem-solving skills. They want to see that you can identify and fix mistakes in your work, as well as learn from them. In your answer, explain how you would handle this situation if it happened during an actual shoot.

Example: “If I were photographing a home with a bug on the countertop, I would immediately stop taking photos until I could get rid of the bug. I would then take more photos once the bug was gone. If there are any other bugs or imperfections in my photos, I would retake those photos as well.”