Happy New Year! We’d like to start with an inspiring story about a career that has been a dream for many students but is now a reality for a few who are willing to take the hard road and put their whole heart into making their own.
Surabhi Tripathy is our next trailblazer. She is a freelance food and product photographer from Chennai who works with companies that make food, cosmetics, fast-moving consumer goods, and other goods.
According to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal, Surabhi’s journey as a photographer began with her first iPhone. This phone brought back memories of playing with cameras as a child and set her on the path to becoming a professional photographer.
Photographer is a cool job for college students, but you should be ready to work hard to make a name for yourself as a commercial photographer!
I was born and raised in Chennai. Being a North Indian in Chennai at first wasn’t easy because I went to school with a lot of Tamilians. I slowly picked up the language as I grew by listening to others talk. Frankly, I am still not fluent in it.
I did B. Com CS (Company Secretary), B. Ed before I got my first job. If I could have chosen what I really wanted to study, it would have been VISCOM (Visual Communication). Viscom wasn’t very well known back then, so I wasn’t allowed to pursue it, so I had to choose B. Com. I couldn’t join the general commerce group in high school because I wasn’t good at math. Instead, I ended up in the Corporate Secretaryship group.
Post that, I wanted to do my masters in Delhi which my parents didn’t allow for. Also, my mom had surgery, so I had to stay and take care of her and the rest of the family. I decided not to waste my year and ended up taking B. Ed since it was just a couple of months degree.
Once I finished that, I got a job in the banking sector. Since then, I have worked in a manufacturing concern, teaching concern and an airline as well. Because my job was too far from home, I got spondylitis and had to turn down the job.
While I was staying at home all the time and going nuts, I decided to pursue my passion.
When I was a kid, I saw my dad take a lot of pictures of us. Whenever I went on school trips, I would ask him for a camera to record everything.
I didn’t realise back then that this is what I should be doing professionally. Things really changed when I got my first iPhone. When the iPhone 4s came out, I was blown away by how good the camera was. I became a mobile photographer. Over the years, I would capture landscapes, portraits, macro shots of objects and post it on Instagram. I did get a lot of good feedback on my skills as a mobile photographer. After tirelessly working for other companies, I decided to pursue photography professionally.
As of 2016, I had my first crop sensor camera. To learn how to use it, I watched videos on YouTube. That’s when I realised how vast this profession is. So, I decided to get formal training in it and I joined Ambitions 4 Photography Academy in Chennai. In 2017, I got my Advanced Diploma in Professional Photography. Since then, I’ve been working as a Food Photographer on my own.
Because my brother helped me pay for it, I bought a full-frame camera, studio lights, and other gear in 2018. He has been a driving force for me to do something with my skills. He always knew I was a creative person and he kept pushing me to do it.
You see, I’m the type of person who will do anything that interests them, and I always give my all to every job I do. Also, because I come from a business family, I watched my dad and brother a lot to see how they deal with problems and go about their daily lives.
My first paid project was for Idli Factory and from then on I didn’t look back. Yes, it’s hard to work as a freelancer in a world where everyone has a camera and calls themselves a photographer. I’ve had times when I didn’t have any work and was very depressed because of it.
My first client was a referral. My father’s friend had referred me to his friend. They needed some photos which had to go on their packaging materials. I hadn’t really shot food before, and now that I look at those pictures, I know I can do a lot better. The s I shot for the client was in accordance with what they needed at the time. But if they came back to me today for another shoot, I’d be able to give them s that are much better than the ones I gave them five years ago.
This is the best part of being in this field. You grow with each shot you take!
A challenge that still exists for freelancers is that there are many people who do it for free. People who are new to this field want to build their portfolios, so they ask brands to send them free products in exchange for s This barter system of content creation has hit our livelihoods. Even now, when I’m not working and I want to add to my portfolio, I still buy things to shoot. I would never ever go for a barter system again.
Big brands now expect us to give them content for free. They use our work to make more money by selling more things, leaving us with nothing. As photographers, we invest a lot in our equipment, education, props etc. I have invested in the props and backdrops that I use. You would usually find food / product stylists have a huge set of props for styling purposes. I, on the other hand, buy it and use them. I have a room full of props and backdrops that I use. And with every shoot, there are some items that I need to procure.
I have a home studio which means I shoot at my residence. I set up my “studio” in my dining hall whenever I have a shoot. My room is a mess because all of my props are out and ready to be used. When I get hired by a brand to shoot, I make a mood board to help me plan how I want the shoot to look. I keep all the props and backdrops needed and set up my dining table as a photography table.
I respect every photographer out there shooting all the various types of genres. I chose my niche as Food & Products because I like control. If I don’t get an right, I can just shoot it again after making the necessary changes. Plus, with every product, it’s a challenge to create different types of s. It absolutely gets my creative juices flowing. I have shot for food brands, jewellery brands, skin care brands and so many others.
Currently I am employed full time with two Canadian brands and I also take up freelance work. It can be hard to handle three or more clients at once, but that’s the great thing about being in charge. I’m able to shoot whenever I want. I even did one at 1am! Being able to work whenever you want is a real blessing.
To be honest, each of my projects is different, and I think each one is memorable in its own way. I have a wide range of product and food photos in my portfolio, so each project needs a lot of preparation. Taking into account what the client wants, I make a mood board of how they’d like the s to look. The mood board is made up of references and ideas that I use as building blocks to make each set.
The most memorable one for me is the one I shot for Pillsbury and Betty Crocker. I had to bake different kinds of cupcakes and cakes and shoot them as lifestyle s. That was really fun to do as I never had to create recipes for a client before.
I recently styled food for a friend’s shoot, and it took me two hours to do just one shot! It was well worth it, though, because I’ve always styled and shot myself for clients. Following many years of work, I now think I can also call myself a product or food stylist.
If a student wants to become a professional photographer, I tell them that it’s a beautiful job, but you will have to work hard at first. Especially when you have to have a diverse portfolio. Invest. Invest in your portfolio. Buy things you want to include in your portfolio. You should never trade your services for free stuff because you spent a lot of money on school and gear. We need to change this bartering system and it starts with you. Also, connect with other photographers. Be good in a specific genre of photography. “Jack of all trades, master of none” – do not be one of those. In the end, a client would want to hire a photographer who is good at one or two types of photography. I’ve seen wedding photographers whose work is great at weddings but not so great at food or product shoots. So, ace a genre and stick to it.
As a food photographer, your images have immense power to entice, inform and inspire. Restaurants, food brands, magazines and cookbooks rely on you to make their cuisine visually irresistible. This makes the interview process crucial for assessing if you have the artistic skills and technical expertise required to deliver mouthwatering photos consistently.
This article covers the key interview questions you’re likely to face when applying for food photography jobs. I’ll share sample responses and tips to help you impress potential employers and get hired.
What Interests You in a Career as a Food Photographer?
This opening question allows you to explain your motivations and passion for this field. Share what piqued your interest – perhaps you always enjoyed food presentation, or you find the styling process creatively fulfilling. Convey your enthusiasm for working with chefs, brands and publications to make food look its appetizing best. This establishes you as someone truly committed to food photography.
How Do You Stay Updated on Trends in Food Photography?
The aesthetics of food photography keep evolving with new trends emerging constantly. Hiring managers want to ensure you actively stay in tune with changing styles and techniques. In your response provide examples like
- Following leading food photographers and brands on social media
- Reading industry blogs, magazines and books
- Attending workshops and trade events
- Experimenting with new trends in your personal projects
This demonstrates your dedication to honing your craft and expanding your visual repertoire
What Technical Skills Are Required for Effective Food Photography?
While creativity is important, technical mastery is equally essential for great food images. When answering this question, cover fundamentals like:
- Mastering camera functions and lighting techniques
- Understanding food science principles
- Proficiency in using props, tools and post-processing software
- Paying attention to small details for optimal composition
- Balancing aesthetics and practical considerations
- Adapting shooting process to the subject matter
Discuss projects where you successfully combined technical expertise and artistry. This will substantiate your well-rounded capabilities.
How Do You Handle Last-Minute Requests for a Food Photo Shoot?
The dynamic, fast-paced nature of the food industry means sudden requirements are common. Via this question, interviewers want to know that you can deliver quality images, even under tight deadlines. Emphasize skills like:
- Staying focused under pressure
- Efficiently planning the shoot
- Drawing upon your repertoire of props and techniques
- Leveraging your knowledge of ingredients and cooking
- Effective time management and ability to prioritize key shots
- Openness to simplify the process if extremely short on time
Share examples of seamlessly handling rushed projects thanks to your experience and adaptability.
What Are Some Common Challenges When Photographing Different Foods?
The diversity of food subjects, from glossy pastries to steaming soups, brings distinct demands. With this question, the interviewer wants to assess your experience overcoming subject-specific difficulties. Respond by acknowledging challenges like:
- Maintaining crispness with fried and breaded items
- Preventing melting or collapsing with soft foods
- Capturing sandwiches before getting soggy
- Keeping ingredients suspended evenly in beverages
- Showcasing internal texture of baked goods
- Working quickly with melting cheeses, ice creams etc.
Tie in examples of effective problem-solving approaches you’ve learned on the job.
What Is Your Lighting and Styling Process for Tablescape Images?
Tablescape photographs, showcasing elaborate place settings, require careful attention to detail. This question evaluates your skills in lighting and styling a refined setting with multiple elements. Walk through key steps like:
- Using natural light to illuminate the scene
- Supplementing with reflectors and diffusers for soft, even lighting
- Composing options for tableware, glassware, linens
- Incorporating appropriate floral arrangements or greenery
- Adjusting placement based on focal points and composition
- Garnishing plates for an inviting, editorial-style look
Your systematic approach should assure the interviewer of your expertise.
How do you Handle Last-Minute Changes or Reshoots on Set?
Photoshoots involve many variables, and unforeseen issues can arise despite the best-laid plans. Employers want to know you can adapt when plans go awry. Respond by emphasizing skills like:
- Staying focused and positive when faced with change
- Assessing if the issue genuinely requires reshooting
- Adjusting shoot plan and props accordingly
- Upskilling team morale and time management
- Being mindful of budget implications
- Having contingency plans and backup options ready
Cite specific examples that demonstrate your grace under pressure when plans needed rapid adjustments on set.
What Are Your Strategies for Working Effectively with Food Stylists and Clients?
Food photography requires close collaboration with stylists and clients. Interviewers want to know you have the teamwork and communication skills to facilitate this smoothly. Share tips like:
- Maintaining positive rapport through direct but diplomatic communication
- Listening carefully to concerns and feedback from all parties
- Considering creative solutions that work for both technical and aesthetic needs
- Clearly conveying limitations or unreasonable requests as needed
- Willingness to compromise when required without compromising quality
Illustrating your collaborative mindset is key to convincing potential employers.
How Do You Plan Your Shooting Schedule to Capture Food at Its Freshest?
Capturing the vibrant colors and textures of fresh ingredients requires strategic planning. Interviewers want to assess your ability to maximize freshness on shoots spanning multiple days. Highlight factors like:
- Careful ordering of shots based on shelf life
- Shooting more perishable items on early days
- Proper refrigerated storage and covering of unused ingredients
- Allowing time for retouching if some items degrade
- Adjusting recipes to use up supplies nearing expiry
- Accurately ordering quantities to avoid excessive wastage
Conveying your systematic approach will build confidence in your abilities.
What Are Your Tips for Making a Simple Food Dish Photogenic?
Even simple foods require skill to make visually tempting. This question tests your creativity and vision to transform basics into something enticing. Share tips like:
- Experimenting with vertical and aerial angles for uniqueness
- Using color contrasts between plate and background
- Incorporating interesting textures like powders or crumbles
- Styling with fresh herbs, edible flowers or spices
- Playing with light and shadows to add depth
- Selective focusing to highlight textures and colors
Your ideas demonstrate how you can enhance simplicity for maximum impact.
How Do You Educate New Clients on What to Expect from a Food Shoot?
Managing client expectations is key, especially when they lack industry experience. Use this question to illustrate your ability to clearly explain the process, including:
- Breaking down the detailed preproduction steps
- Explaining the equipment, team members and timeframe required
- Being realistic about the number of shots achievable
- Setting clear product usage guidelines and rights
- Addressing common concerns around ingredients, styling and post-production
- Encouraging their input while managing expectations
Diplomatically educating clients is imperative. Your response should convey this understanding.
What Are Some Ethical Challenges Food Photographers Face Today?
With growing focus on sustainability and transparency, interviewers want to know you recognize the ethical pressures facing the industry. Respond by acknowledging issues like:
- The need to avoid unrealistic perfection or exaggerated styling
- Being mindful of food wastage during shoots
- Considering diversity and cultural sensitivity in food portrayal
- Prioritizing local and seasonal ingredients
- Minimizing plastic usage in styling and takeout containers
- Ensuring proper usage rights and model releases
Sharing examples of your efforts to address such challenges will emphasize your integrity.
How Do You Handle Constructive Feedback from Art Directors and Clients?
The ability to accept constructive critique with grace is essential for growth in this field. Use this question to convey that you:
- Listen carefully and ask clarifying questions if needed
- Avoid getting defensive and focus on improving
- Consider whether suggestions align with your creative vision
- Determine what can feasibly be implemented
- Express appreciation for their time and input
- Follow up afterward on changes enacted
Share an example of how constructive feedback helped you elevate your work. This illustrates a healthy growth mindset.
What Are Your Strategies for Staying Current on Culinary and Dining Trends?
The world of food is fast-paced. Interviewers want to know that your skills and knowledge evolve along with the latest cuisine developments. Highlight efforts like:
- Following food magazines, blogs and influencers
- Trying new menu offerings at diverse restaurants
- Taking masterclasses from acclaimed chefs
- Experimenting with emerging cooking techniques
- Traveling to experience global food cultures
- Attending industry events like food festivals
Conveying your multifaceted approach is the key to convincing employers of your up-to-date expertise.
Preparing thoughtful responses to these common food photographer interview questions will help you stand out as a strong candidate. Take time to practice articulating your skills and thought process. This will
Pro Food Photographer Interview – David B Moore
What does a food photographer do?
Editing and retouching photographs: Food photographers may be responsible for editing and retouching photographs to ensure that they are of the highest quality and meet the specific needs of their clients. This may involve using software such as Photoshop to adjust lighting, color, and other aspects of the image.
What skills do food photographers need?
Computer skills: Food photographers should be proficient with photo editing software such as Photoshop, as they may be responsible for editing and retouching photographs. They may also need to be able to use a computer to manage their schedules, budgets, and other administrative tasks.
How to answer a food interview question?
Another way to answer a food-related interview question is to select a healthy dish. For example, if the recruiter asks about your favorite meal, you should choose a salad or fish. Also, it would help if you chose a meal high in nutrients, avoiding fatty foods or highly salty dishes.
How can a food photographer advance a career?
Here are a few potential advancement paths for food photographers: Building a successful freelance business: As a freelance food photographer, you have the freedom to set your own rates, choose your clients, and work on a variety of projects. With hard work and dedication, you can build a successful business and advance your career in this way.
