Photography Resume Examples & Templates

Nilda Melissa Diaz, CPRW
By Nilda Melissa Diaz, CPRW, Career Advice Expert Last Updated: March 20, 2024
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Your images speak for themselves. You combine your creativity with lightning, posing and marketing to showcase a product or brand. Put the camera down for a second to write a resume to highlight your visual skills and technical knowledge.

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We’re here to help you build the perfect resume or CV, and create an effective cover letter to accompany it. Plus, we offer some great resume examples, CV examples and cover letter examples to get you started.

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Photography resume FAQ

What are some common skills required for photography jobs?

Hiring managers and recruiters look for photography jobs applicants who have a mix of soft and hard skills, specifically: 

  • Lighting techniques
  • Creativity
  • Collaboration
  • Portrait photography
  • Studio photography & design
  • Time management
  • Electronic image handling
  • Lightroom
  • Photoshop
  • Customer service
  • Business acumen
  • Marketing
  • Film development
  • Accounting
  • Networking
What qualifications and certifications do employers look for in this industry?

There is no education requirement in the photography industry. You should practice your skill, keep an updated portfolio and pay close attention to the job description. If you’re looking for a more specific role, like photojournalism, a bachelor’s degree could be required. 

Certifications will hone your skills and back up your knowledge. For example, the Professional Photographers of America’s Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) and Documentary Photography Review’s Certified Documentary Photographer. Other certifications like the Nikon Certified Professional (NCP), Adobe Certified Expert or Apple Certified Pro, will showcase your technical expertise.

What is the salary potential for a photography professional?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the media pay in photography is $38,950. These are average salaries for similar occupations:

  • Art directors: $100,890 per year
  • Desktop publisher: $46,910 per year
  • Graphic designers: $50,710 per year
  • Video editors: $60,360 per year
What does the career progression for a professional photographer look like?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 9% growth in photography employment from 2021-2031. This exceeds the 5% project growth for all occupations. According to the BLS, there are 12,700 projected openings each year until 2031. 

What’s the ideal resume format for a photographer resume?

Your ideal resume format will highlight your strengths and value as a candidate. To find it, choose a format according to your years of experience and career goals. 

  • Functional format:  Ideal choice for entry-level candidates. Its layout focuses on skills, allowing you to showcase everything that you can do.
  • Combination format: Perfect for those with a few years under the belt, this format balances skills and work experience.
  • Chronological format: Great for candidates with a decade or more of experience. This format showcases expertise through a detailed work history section.

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