ISO

Term from Photography industry explained for recruiters

ISO is a basic setting in photography that controls how sensitive a camera is to light. Think of it like a brightness control - higher ISO numbers make photos brighter in dark conditions, while lower numbers work better in bright light. When photographers mention ISO in their resumes or portfolios, they're showing they understand how to properly expose photos in different lighting situations. It's similar to how you might adjust your phone's screen brightness depending on whether you're indoors or outdoors. This knowledge is particularly important for professional photographers who need to work in various lighting conditions, from sunny outdoor weddings to dimly lit indoor events.

Examples in Resumes

Mastered manual camera settings including ISO, aperture, and shutter speed for optimal image quality

Executed low-ISO product photography for e-commerce clients, ensuring maximum detail and clarity

Specialized in high-ISO event photography in challenging low-light conditions

Typical job title: "Photographers"

Also try searching for:

Commercial Photographer Portrait Photographer Wedding Photographer Event Photographer Product Photographer Studio Photographer Photography Assistant

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you decide what ISO settings to use in different shooting situations?

Expected Answer: A senior photographer should explain how they balance ISO with other camera settings, considering factors like available light, movement, and desired image quality. They should mention specific examples from their professional experience.

Q: How do you handle noise in high-ISO situations?

Expected Answer: They should discuss various techniques for managing digital noise, including lighting solutions, post-processing methods, and when to prioritize getting the shot versus perfect technical quality.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What ISO settings do you typically use for outdoor vs indoor shoots?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of common ISO ranges for different lighting conditions and explain how weather, time of day, and indoor lighting affect their choices.

Q: How do you explain ISO settings to clients who aren't familiar with photography?

Expected Answer: Should show ability to communicate technical concepts in simple terms and explain how ISO choices affect the final product delivered to clients.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is ISO and why is it important in photography?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that ISO controls light sensitivity and affects image brightness and quality, with basic understanding of when to use high vs low ISO settings.

Q: What's the relationship between ISO and image quality?

Expected Answer: Should understand that higher ISO can lead to more noise in photos, while lower ISO generally produces cleaner images, demonstrating basic technical knowledge.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic understanding of ISO settings
  • Camera operation fundamentals
  • Basic lighting knowledge
  • Simple photo editing

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Advanced ISO management in various conditions
  • Professional editing techniques
  • Client communication
  • Complex lighting setups

Senior (5+ years)

  • Expert technical knowledge
  • Advanced problem-solving in difficult lighting
  • Training and mentoring ability
  • Complex project management

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Unable to explain basic camera settings including ISO
  • No understanding of how ISO affects image quality
  • Lack of experience shooting in various lighting conditions
  • No portfolio showing work in different lighting situations