ISM- INTERVIEW ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS

Student Name:
Printed Name of Person
Interviewed:
Role of Individual:

Courtney Smith

Period:

David Barron

Place of Business:

___Mentor __x_Other Professional #1

Barron & Barron Photography

Business Address:

713 2nd street

Phone Number:

409-939-1498

Date of Interview:

04-15-2015

___Other Professional #2

Type of Interview: ___ In Person ___ Telephone* ___Email* X

*Documentation Required (Attach E-mail to Interview Verification Page)

1. For someone working in your field, please describe the fantasies versus realities of the job.
(fantasy vs. reality)
The fantasy is that you will be photographing every day and doing what you really love to do,
However reality is that running the business will take up more of your time.

2. What is your current educational level? What continuing education and training are required?
(educational level and requirements)
I have an associates art degree. Besides that I have taken many photography courses and am on the track
To taking the CPP exam for certification.

3. Please describe the typical day to day activities of someone working in your field.
(day-to-day activities)
Owning your own business you can pretty much set your own schedule however from day to day, it would be
shooting, downloading, post production, answering calls, returning emails, checking social media, and keeping
your accounting books strait.

Revised Fall 2013

4. How secure are you in your current position? What do you think is the future of your field?
(job security)
Its uncertain, however I have built up the business for over 13 years so I have a good foundation to keep
going. The future is great, even with technology always improving, people will always need someone to capture
the life events.
5. What is a typical (average or lowest to highest) salary of someone working in your field?
(salary)
$200-$300 per hour. Average salary is around 75-125k per year
6. What potential for growth is there in your field?
(growth potential)
It all depends on how much you put into it.
7. What type of camera(s) and other equipment do you typically take with you on a shoot?
I take digital DSLRs and several lights and stands. 2- cameras, 5-lenses, 3-6 flashes
8. What is your favorite way to get clients to relax in front of the camera?
Tell them to focus on something other then posing. Usually the other person. The rest is a secret.
9. Can you name your favorite shoot or picture and what about it makes it your favorite?
Afraid not. After this long shooting there are so many people that I have enjoyed photographing there isnt just
one specific person, however there is one client that has been coming back to me many times. I have
photographed both there children and there wedding, bridals, and engagements. I have probably photographed
over 25 sessions with this one family.
10. What is your favorite thing to photograph (or type of photography) and why?

I love to photograph weddings because they are all so much fun and always presents different
challenges.

Interview Summary
What information from this interview will you select for your page typed,
bulleted list of research informationto be used in your presentation?
Revised Fall 2013