It’s important to hire a professional event photographer for corporate events, trade shows, and exhibitions because they are so busy. The pictures taken will prove that the event happened and show what your company stands for and how it works.
To make sure you pick the right photographer for your needs, you need to make sure you ask the right questions. Here are some questions you should ask potential event photographers to make sure you hire the right one and keep the party going long after the event is over.
Hiring an event photographer takes more than just evaluating their portfolio. You need to assess their technical skills, creativity, communication abilities, and problem-solving in action during the interview process This comprehensive guide will explore the most common and effective event photographer interview questions to help you identify the best fit for your organization
Overview of Event Photography
Event photographers are hired to capture visuals of corporate events weddings conferences, galas, and more. Their role requires a blend of artistic talent, customer service skills, and logistical planning.
The event photographer must coordinate with clients upfront about desired shots, scout locations, transport and set up equipment, and photograph throughout the event. They are responsible for ensuring key moments, speakers, venues, products etc. are captured compellingly. Post-event, the photographer selects the best images, edits them, and delivers final photos to clients.
This fast-paced role requires flexibility, focus under pressure, and strong communication abilities. Let’s explore some techniques for evaluating those skills in interviews.
15 Interview Questions to Ask Event Photographer Candidates
Below are 15 of the most insightful interview questions to identify the best event photographers:
Open-Ended Situational Questions
These hypothetical scenarios will reveal how candidates approach common challenges:
-
Your camera malfunctions right before an important shoot. How do you handle this?
-
The client wants shots you didn’t discuss beforehand. What do you do?
-
You’re struggling to capture good images due to dim lighting. What steps would you take?
-
The schedule is running behind, and you may miss key moments. How do you adapt?
Listen for solutions that showcase creativity, preparation, communication skills, and grace under pressure.
Process Questions
Understand how candidates prepare for and approach event shoots:
-
Walk me through your process when you arrive onsite for an event you’ve been hired to photograph.
-
How do you prepare your equipment and backups the night before a big event?
-
What techniques do you utilize to capture candid moments during events?
-
Describe your process for choosing the best shots post-event.
Look for thoroughness, organization, and technical knowledge.
Skill-Specific Questions
Assess their expertise in core areas like:
-
Which types of lighting do you prefer for event photography and why?
-
Tell me about your experience photographing large crowds or high-traffic events.
-
What techniques do you use to quickly edit a large volume of event photos?
-
Which lenses and camera settings are best for action shots at events?
Experienced photographers should have confident answers and examples for their choices.
Scenario Questions
Hypothetical stories will reveal how candidates handle interpersonal interactions:
-
An important client insists on seeing your unedited shots right away. What do you do?
-
The event host is demanding, rude and impatient with you onsite. How do you handle this?
-
You notice the CEO has spinach in his teeth before his big speech. How do you sensitively handle this?
Look for maturity, diplomacy and service focus in their responses.
General Interview Questions
Rounded out your interview with broader questions like:
-
How do you prioritize when photographing multiple concurrent events?
-
Tell me about a time you successfully delivered a project under a tight deadline.
-
What do you do if a client asks for a rush job you can’t accommodate?
-
How do you handle constructive criticism of your photographs?
-
Where do you see your event photography career in 3 years?
Assess communication skills, time management, resilience and ambition in their answers.
Do’s and Don’ts as an Interviewer
As the interviewer, keep these tips in mind:
DO:
- Provide real-life scenarios and hypotheticals
- Ask targeted, skill-based questions
- Keep questions open-ended rather than yes/no
- Evaluate portfolios and samples ahead of time
DON’T:
- Get overly technical or quizzing
- Talk more than listen
- Ask personal questions unrelated to the role
- Make assumptions based on gender, age, background etc.
Following these guidelines will help you identify the most qualified event photographer for your needs. Combine interviews with thorough portfolio reviews to evaluate candidates’ expertise. With preparation and practice, you can hire an event photographer who will capture stunning visuals and delight your clients.
Choosing an Event Photographer
What should you ask potential photographers in an interview? First, let’s talk about how to choose an event photographer.
There are several things you are going to want to keep in mind when narrowing down your choices.
Start by identifying the specific requirements you have for your photography.
This includes how long you want the photographer to cover, what style you want, and if there are any special shots or moments you want them to capture.
Additionally, consider whether you need additional services such as videography, green screens, or on-site printing.
You can make a list of possible event photographers using online tools, business directories, or even recommendations from coworkers.
Look for those whose core experience is in capturing corporate events, trade shows, or similar settings. In other words, they will have some experience with the unique challenges and needs that come with recording these events.
Take the time to review the portfolios of each photographer on your list. Look for consistency in their style, composition, and quality.
Pay attention to whether the photographer has worked in a trade show setting before and whether their style fits with the look you want for your event.
Inquire About Services and Packages
Inquire about available service and package options. Discuss your specific needs and preferences to ensure the photographer is able to accommodate them.
You should be as specific as you can about how long you need their help, how the deliverables will be sent, how the editing will work, and if there will be any extra costs or fees.
