17 Sports Photographer Interview Questions and Answers

Sports photography is one of the most exciting and challenging genres of photography. It requires split-second timing, creative vision, and the ability to capture the emotion and action of the game in a single image. If you’re a sports fan with a passion for photography, a career as a sports photographer may be the perfect fit for you.

Before you can start shooting, you’ll need to find a job. And that means nailing a job interview. To help you prepare, we’ve put together a list of common sports photographer interview questions and answers.

Are you comfortable working in high-pressure situations?

Sports photographers often work in high-pressure situations, such as during a championship game. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle the stress of working under these conditions. In your answer, explain that you are comfortable with pressure and have experience handling it. Share an example from your past where you worked in a high-pressure situation and succeeded.

Example: “I am definitely comfortable working in high-pressure situations. I’ve been shooting sports for five years now, so I’m used to the pressure of capturing the best images possible. During my first year, I was covering a state championship football game. The home team was down by one point with only seconds left on the clock. I knew there would be a lot of pressure to get the winning shot, but I stayed calm and focused. I got the winning touchdown photo, which helped me gain more clients.”

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

Employers may ask this question to see if you have the skills necessary for the job. They want someone who can get the job done well, so they might list some of the most important skills and ask you what your thoughts are on them. You can answer honestly about which skills you think are important and why.

Example: “I think one of the most important skills is being able to work quickly. Sports photography requires a lot of quick thinking and fast reflexes. I also think it’s important to be able to stay calm under pressure. There are often tight deadlines when shooting sports events, so photographers need to be able to remain focused and composed. Another skill that I find helpful is having an eye for composition. It helps to know how to frame shots in interesting ways.”

How do you stay calm and focused when working in a fast-paced environment?

Sports photography can be a fast-paced job, so employers ask this question to make sure you have the ability to stay calm and focused in these situations. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention how you plan your day or what strategies you use to keep yourself organized.

Example: “I find that planning my day is one of the best ways for me to stay calm and focused when working in a fast-paced environment. I always make sure to arrive at work early enough to get set up before the game starts. This allows me to take deep breaths and focus on getting all of my equipment ready before the first play happens. Another way I stay calm and focused is by making sure I am prepared for any situation that may arise.”

What is your experience with using different types of cameras and equipment?

Sports photographers need to be able to use a variety of cameras and equipment. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the experience needed to succeed in their role. Before your interview, research the types of cameras they use. Share that you are familiar with using these types of cameras. Explain how you would use them if you were hired.

Example: “I’ve used many different types of cameras throughout my career as a sports photographer. I started out shooting with DSLRs but found that they were too bulky for me. Now, I shoot with mirrorless cameras because they’re lightweight and easy to carry around. I also prefer to use prime lenses because they allow me to get close-up shots without having to change lenses.”

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

Sports photographers often have to be creative in order to get the best shots. Employers ask this question to see if you can think of a time when you had to use your creativity and problem-solving skills to complete a task successfully. When answering this question, try to give an example that shows how you used your creativity to solve a problem while also showing off your photography skills.

Example: “When I was working as a sports photographer for my college newspaper, we were covering a basketball game where there was no press box or designated media area. This meant that I would have to shoot from the stands with other fans around me. To get the best photos, I brought along a long monopod so I could set up my camera on top of it and still be able to move around to get different angles.”

If you were given access to the field, court or ice before a big game or event, what would you focus on in order to prepare for the action?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the sport and how you prepare for big events. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific details about the field or court that will help prove your expertise in sports photography.

Example: “If I were given access to the field before a game, I would focus on getting shots of the team’s pre-game rituals and warmups. These photos are some of my favorite because they capture the players’ personalities and emotions right before the game starts. If I was allowed into the locker room before the game, I would take pictures of the team celebrating their win or consoling each other after a loss.”

What would you do if you were assigned to photograph a game that you were not familiar with?

This question can help interviewers understand how you adapt to new situations and challenges. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, ability to learn quickly and eagerness to take on new tasks.

Example: “If I were assigned to photograph a game that I was not familiar with, I would first do my research to learn as much about the sport as possible. Then, I would speak with the sports editor or other members of the team to find out what they expect from me in terms of photos. Finally, I would arrive early at the venue to get acquainted with the surroundings and practice taking some test shots.”

How well do you understand the rules of the different sports you would photograph?

Sports photographers need to understand the rules of the sport they’re photographing so that they can capture images that are in accordance with those rules. Employers ask this question to make sure you have a basic understanding of the rules and regulations of the sports you would be covering as a photographer. In your answer, explain how you learned about the rules and why it’s important for you to know them.

Example: “I’ve been shooting sports since I was a teenager, so I’ve had plenty of time to learn the rules of each sport. I find it very important to know the rules because it helps me get better shots. For example, if I’m at a basketball game and there is a foul, I’ll know exactly what happened and will be able to take an action shot of the player committing the foul.”

Do you have any experience editing photos in order to enhance their quality or improve their impact?

This question can help interviewers understand your editing skills and how you use them to improve the quality of a photo. Use examples from previous work or talk about what you would do if you didn’t have any experience with photo editing software.

Example: “I’ve used Photoshop for years in my current role, so I’m very familiar with its features and functions. However, I also know that there are other free programs out there that offer similar functionality. If I were looking for an alternative to Photoshop, I’d look at GIMP and PaintShop Pro as two good options.”

When shooting a game, how do you decide who to focus on at any given moment?

This question can help an interviewer understand how you prioritize your work and make decisions on the field. Use examples from past experiences to explain how you decide who to focus on, what factors influence your decision and how quickly you can make these choices during a game.

Example: “I usually choose my subjects based on which players are in the best position to score or perform well. I also consider whether there is any action happening around them that would be interesting to capture. For example, if one of our players has possession of the ball but no teammates nearby, I will focus on him so I can get shots of him dribbling or passing the ball.”

We want our photographers to capture the emotion of the players. How would you go about doing this?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you understand the importance of capturing emotion in sports photography. Use examples from past experiences where you were able to capture an emotional moment and how it helped tell the story of the game or event.

Example: “I always try to get close-up shots of players when they are experiencing intense emotions during the game. For example, I was shooting a basketball game last year and one of the players made a three-pointer with only seconds left on the clock. The crowd went wild as he celebrated his shot by jumping up and down. It was such a great moment to capture because it showed the excitement of the fans and the joy of the player.”

Describe your process for shooting a game or event from different angles.

This question can help interviewers understand how you plan your work and organize yourself. Use examples from past experiences to explain the steps you take when shooting a game or event, including what equipment you use and how you decide where to stand.

Example: “I usually arrive at the venue an hour before the start of the game or event to scout out different angles for taking photos. I bring my camera bag with me so that I can set up my tripod and other equipment in advance. I also like to get familiar with the lighting conditions so that I know which settings to use on my camera. After setting up, I begin taking photos from each angle, focusing on capturing action shots as well as individual player portraits.”

What makes a good action shot?

Sports photographers need to be able to capture the right moment at the right time. Employers ask this question to see if you understand what makes a good sports photo and how to achieve it. In your answer, explain that a good action shot needs to show the athlete in motion. You can also mention that capturing an athlete’s facial expression is important.

Example: “I think a good action shot should show the athlete in motion. It’s important to get their face as well because fans want to see emotion from their favorite players. I always try to take several photos of each play so that I have some with the player in motion and others where they are standing still.”

Which sports do you have the most experience shooting and why?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience level and how you might fit into their team. If you have a lot of experience shooting one sport, it’s important to explain why that is and what other sports you’re comfortable shooting.

Example: “I’ve been shooting high school football games for five years now. I love the energy in the stadium during a big game and the way the players interact with each other on the field. It’s always fun to capture those moments when they happen. I also shoot basketball games because I enjoy capturing the fast-paced action and the teamwork involved.”

What do you think is the most important thing to remember when shooting a game or event for a publication?

This question can help interviewers understand your knowledge of the industry and how you approach your work. Use examples from past experiences to highlight your skills, such as creativity, attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.

Example: “I think it’s important to remember that every publication has its own style when it comes to sports photography. Some publications prefer more action shots while others focus on portraits or candid moments. I always try to keep this in mind when shooting a game so I know what type of photos they want. This helps me make sure I get the right angles and lighting for each situation.”

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

Employers want to know that you are committed to your career and continually learning new skills. They may ask this question to see if you have a passion for photography and how often you attend industry events or take classes. In your answer, share what steps you take to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in sports 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 professional photographers to get tips and advice. I also subscribe to several online courses where I can learn more about specific techniques. I recently took a course on shooting action shots, which helped me improve my technique.”

There is a conflict between two players on the field. How would you handle this situation?

Sports photographers often have to work with athletes who are in the middle of a game. This question is asking you how you would handle conflict between two players on the field and ensure that your actions do not affect the outcome of the game.

Example: “I would first make sure I was out of the way of the play so as not to interfere with the game. Then, I would try to calm both players down by speaking to them calmly and reassuringly. If this did not work, I would remove myself from the situation entirely until they were able to resolve their conflict.”