Photographer Resume Examples + Templates
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Photography is an art form that transcends merely capturing moments, as it involves storytelling, evoking emotions, and immortalizing memories through carefully crafted visual narratives. Photographers are skilled in using light, composition, and timing to express their unique vision and connect deeply with viewers, constantly exploring new perspectives and pushing creative boundaries.
To secure a desirable position in this field, it’s crucial to have a compelling resume that showcases these skills effectively. Our guide and examples on crafting a photographer resume will help you highlight your expertise to land your dream job.
Start by editing this photographer resume example, or explore our library of customizable resume templates to find a suitable template for your photographer resume.
Photographer resume example (text version)
Ross Haley
Los Angeles, CA 90005
(555) 555-5555
example@example.com
Websites, Portfolios, Profiles
example1@example.com
Professional Summary
Highly skilled and creative photographer with over a decade of experience capturing compelling images across various genres, including portrait, landscape, product and event photography. Proficient in both digital and film photography techniques, with a keen eye for detail and composition. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with clients to understand their vision and deliver exceptional results.
Work History
November 2021 – Current
NBC Universal – Los Angeles, CA
Senior Photographer
Direct and execute photoshoots for high-profile clients, resulting in a 30% increase in client satisfaction scores.
Implement new editing techniques and workflows, reducing post-production time by 30%.
Lead five junior photographers, guiding them on lighting, framing and composition to improve the overall quality of work.
September 2016 – October 2021
Nexstar Media Group – Los Angeles, CA
Photographer
Managed a diverse portfolio of clients, delivering high-quality images for advertising, corporate events and editorial projects.
Developed and maintained strong client relationships, resulting in 80% of business generated through referrals.
Consistently met tight deadlines and exceeded client expectations, earning a 95% client satisfaction rate.
June 2012 – August 2016
IT J Group – Los Angeles, CA
Assistant Photographer
Assisted lead photographer in all aspects of photo shoot production, including capturing and delivering over 500 high-quality images for various clients, exceeding project deadlines and maintaining a 99% client satisfaction rate.
Retouched and edited images to meet studio standards, ensuring consistent project quality.
Successfully managed and organized a database of over 1,000 client contacts, ensuring accurate and prompt communication for future projects and inquiries.
Skills
- Lighting techniques
- Digital and film photography
- Composition and framing
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- Interpersonal skills
- Time management
- Creative problem-solving
- Attention to detail
Education
ArtCenter College of Design Pasadena, CA
Master of Fine Arts Advertising
ArtCenter College of Design Pasadena, CA
Bachelor of Fine Arts Photography
Certifications
- Professional Photographers of America (PPA) Certification – (2023)
- Adobe Certified Expert (Photoshop) – (2022)
Important resume sections
Contact details
As our photographer resume example shows, our contact information belongs in the header of your photographer resume template. Include your full name, city, state, ZIP code, phone number and professional email address. Add your LinkedIn profile and a professional website if you have them.
Professional summary
A professional summary briefly introduces you to the hiring manager and tells them what you offer. A strong photographer resume summary displays a few job-relevant skills and tells hiring managers why you are the best match. A photographer resume objective is better If you are just starting your career.
Here’s an example of a great photographer resume summary:
Highly skilled and experienced photographer passionate about capturing moments and telling stories through the lens. With an impeccable eye for detail and a deep understanding of composition, lighting, and timing, consistently delivers stunning and impactful images. Proficient in traditional and digital photography techniques and adept at using advanced equipment and editing software to enhance the visual appeal of photographs. Track record of professionalism and ability to establish rapport with clients and subjects consistently exceeds expectations and delivers exceptional results.”
Skills
Every resume must have a skills section so hiring managers can see what you bring to the table at a glance. Add a mix of skills to your photographer resume so hiring managers can see that you are well-rounded and able to perform the necessary duties of the position.
Photographers use technical and creative skills to capture high-quality images that tell a story. Technical skills include proficiency in camera operation, lighting, and post-processing software. They must also deeply understand composition, color theory, and visual storytelling to create compelling images. Additionally, photographers must have excellent interpersonal skills to interact with clients and subjects and make them feel comfortable during the shoot. They must adapt to different environments and lighting conditions, utilizing their problem-solving skills to overcome challenges and produce outstanding results.
Work history
In your photographer resume employment history section, display your current and past achievements. In reverse chronological order, list your current and previous employers and provide company names, locations, and the dates you worked for them. Emphasize your accomplishments in three to five bullet points for each job.
For example:
- Implemented a new marketing strategy that increased revenue by 25%, resulting in a 50% increase in client bookings.
- Produced over 500 high-quality images for a major fashion brand’s marketing campaign, resulting in a 15% increase in brand awareness and sales.
- Collaborated with a team of designers to create a visually compelling photo series featured in a national publication. The series received over 100,000 views and positive feedback from industry leaders.
Education
An education section is necessary for every resume. If you are just starting as a photographer, use the functional resume format and place your education section at the top of your photographer resume. However, if you have some experience, including your education at the bottom of your resume is better. Start from the most recent school and work your way down. Display the years you attended, what you studied and the degrees you earned (if any). Also, highlight awards or high grade point averages.
While formal education is not always a requirement to become a photographer, it can certainly be beneficial in developing the necessary technical skills and artistic knowledge. Many photographers pursue a degree or diploma in photography, visual arts, or a related field to gain a solid foundation in the principles and techniques of photography.
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Action words for a resume
Use action words and numbers to make your descriptions compelling.
Here’s a short list of perfect action words for a photographer resume:
- Capture
- Conceptualize
- Direct
- Edit
- Collaborate
- Execute
- Enhance
- Adapt
- Manage
- Showcase
Ready to create your best photographer resume? Our Resume Builder has all the tools you need to create a professional resume in minutes!
Best skills for a resume
Review the job description closely and match the required hard and soft skills to the ones that fit you.
Skills for a photographer resume include:
- Proficiency in using professional cameras and equipment.
- Technical knowledge of lighting and image editing software.
- Understanding of composition and framing techniques.
- Ability to work with multiple file formats.a
- Experience with post-processing and retouching techniques.
- Creativity and artistic vision.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Time management and organizational skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Review our library of resume examples for more ideas.
Certifications for a resume
Certifications can be vital in showcasing a photographer’s expertise and dedication to their craft. In an ever-evolving industry, obtaining relevant certifications demonstrates a commitment to staying current with the latest techniques, technologies, and best practices. These certifications enhance a photographer’s skills and validate their proficiency to potential clients and employers. In this section, we will explore five impactful certifications that photographers can pursue to enhance their professional journey further and establish themselves as trusted experts in the field.
Here are four certifications that a photographer might consider:
- Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) from Professional Photographers of America (PPA).
- Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) in Photoshop or Lightroom.
- Nikon School Certification or Canon Professional Services Certification.
- Drone Pilot License from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for aerial photography and videography.
Pair your resume with a matching cover letter
FAQ
What are some tips for making my photographer resume stand out to potential employers?
Once you have the basics down, there are a few tricks to make your resume for a photographer job stand out.
- Include specific projects and accomplishments. Instead of just listing your job duties, showcase specific projects or accomplishments you are proud of. Doing so will demonstrate your photography skills and experience in a practical way.
- Quantify your achievements: Instead of simply listing your responsibilities, quantify your achievements with specific numbers, such as the number of clients served, awards won, or publications where your work has been featured. This helps employers understand the impact you’ve made in your previous roles.
- Use industry-specific keywords. Many employers scan resumes for specific keywords using applicant tracking systems (ATS). Include relevant industry-specific keywords in your resume to increase your chances of selection.
- Highlight your specialization: Showcase your expertise and specialization in a particular genre of photography, such as portrait, wedding or commercial photography. This helps potential employers understand your niche and see you as an expert.
- Showcase your portfolio: Include a link to your online portfolio or attach a curated selection of your best work. Show various projects and styles to demonstrate your versatility as a photographer.
- Highlight your technical skills: Mention any specialized equipment or software you are proficient in, such as specific camera models, lighting techniques or image editing software. This demonstrates your technical capabilities and can differentiate you from other candidates.
- Include relevant certifications and training: As mentioned earlier, highlight any certifications or training programs you have completed. This shows your commitment to professional development and can give you an edge over other applicants.
- Customize your photographer resume for each job application: Tailor your resume to highlight the specific skills and experiences that align with the job requirements you are applying for. This shows employers that you have taken the time to understand their needs and can meet their expectations.
- Keep it concise and visually appealing: A cluttered or lengthy resume can overwhelm employers. Keep your resume concise and use a clean and professional design that is easy to read. Use bullet points to highlight key information, and consider using a visually appealing layout that complements your photography skills.
- Proofread and edit: Mistakes in your resume can leave a negative impression on potential employers. Always proofread your resume for grammatical or spelling errors, and consider seeking feedback from a trusted friend or colleague to ensure it is polished and error-free.
What is the best resume format for a photographer?
The resume format you choose for your photographer resume will depend on your experience and career goals. The most common format is the chronological resume. It is popular among job seekers with at least one year of consistent work experience.
What if I have no previous professional photography experience?
When writing a photographer resume with no experience, highlight your skills and potential rather than your lack of experience. Start with a functional resume template by creating a skills section with categories for technical skills or knowledge, like camera equipment and lenses, computer skills like editing software, and transferable skills like communication and adaptability.
Next, include any relevant coursework or training you have completed, such as business and marketing courses, photojournalism classes or editing workshops. Even if you have not worked in a photography job before, you can still include any relevant work experience, such as landscape photography or post-production work, that showcases your creative and technical understanding
Best practices
- Use measurable achievements like “Captured and edited over 500 high-quality images for a corporate event, resulting in a 50% increase in attendance for the following year’s event and positive client feedback.”
- Use action words like direct, edit and capture to impact your photographer resume.
- Tailor your resume to your target photographer job.
- Use keywords from the job description throughout your photographer resume.
- Format your photographer resume so that it is easy to read by ATS software and human eyes.
- Lie about your photographer experience and skills.
- Boast about your achievements. Instead, display your awards, like “Won World Press Photo Award” for three consecutive years.”
- Include irrelevant personal information such as your ethnicity and age.
- Add skills and experience that are about something other than photography
- Forget to proofread! Failure to proofread could be the factor that costs you the job.
Top 4 tips for acing a photographer interview
Research first
It’s vital to take the time to learn about the institution or company’s history, goals, values, and people. Doing so conveys interest, passion, and commitment — traits that can set you apart from the competition.
Some things to consider:
- The company’s brand and style: Look at its website, social media pages, and other marketing materials to understand its brand and style. This can give you an idea of the type of photography they may be looking for and whether your style aligns with their vision.
- The company’s target audience: Consider the company’s target audience and what type of photography would be most effective in reaching them. For example, if the company targets a younger demographic, they may seek more modern and edgy photography.
- The company’s previous photography work: Check out any previous work the company has done, such as advertisements, product images, or event photography. This can give you an idea of the type of work they expect from their photographers.
- The company’s values and mission: Research the company’s values and mission statement to get a sense of its overall goals and priorities. This can help you tailor your interview responses to align with its values and demonstrate your interest in its mission.
- The company’s competitors: Look at their competitors and compare their photography work. This can give you an idea of the industry standard and how the company’s photography stands out. It can also help you identify areas where you can bring unique ideas or perspectives.
Practice your answers
Practice is critical. Practice for your interview by reviewing the most common interview questions.
For example, “Explain how you juggle multiple deadlines” and possible behavioral questions such as, “Tell me about a time when you were under a heavy workload. How did you handle it?”
And, of course, prepare answers for possible photographer-specific questions, such as:
- What inspired you to pursue a photography career?
- What is your photography style, and how does it align with our brand?
- Can you walk us through your creative process when working on a photography project?
- How do you approach working with clients and understanding their needs?
- Can you describe a time you had to problem-solve during a photography project?
- What is your experience with different types of cameras and equipment?
- How do you stay up-to-date with the latest photography trends and techniques?
- What software do you use to edit your photos, and how proficient are you in using it?
- Can you provide examples of your best photography work and what makes them stand out?
- How do you handle criticism of your work, and what steps do you take to improve your skills?
Write down two or three possible answers for each question, then practice answering them with a friend.
Prepare questions to ask during the interview
After the hiring manager and potential colleagues question you, they will likely offer for you to ask some questions. Always have at least three for each person you speak with; doing so shows that you’re interested and have been paying close attention.
Some questions you might ask for a photographer job:
- Can you provide more details about the specific photography projects or assignments I would be working on?
- How does the company handle creative input and collaboration with photographers?
- What is the typical turnaround time for delivering finished photography projects?
- Are there any specific photography techniques or styles that the company prefers or encourages?
- Can you tell me about the team or individuals I would be working with closely and their roles in the photography process?
- Are there any plans for future photography projects or campaigns in which I could be involved?
- How does the company handle scheduling and logistics for photography assignments, such as travel or location shoots?
- What resources or support does the company provide for photographers, such as equipment or post-production software?
- How does the company measure success or evaluate the quality of photography work?
- Can you discuss the company’s long-term vision for photography and how it fits into the overall business strategy?
Gather references
Have professional references ready during your interview if the hiring manager offers you the job on the spot (yes, it happens!). Make a list of two or three former colleagues and a former manager willing to speak highly about your abilities to perform the photographer job.
CV examples for the next step in your photography career
How we reviewed this article
Since 2013, we have helped more than 15 million job seekers. We want to make your career journey accessible and manageable through our services and Career Center’s how-to guides and tips. In our commitment to bring you a transparent process, we present our Editorial Process.
Sources
- Chron. Article. Tague, Angela. How to Prepare for an Interview in the Photography Business.
- Harvard Business Review. Article. Alpaio, Kelsey. Career Crush: What Does it Take to be a Professional Photographer?
- Shotkit. Article. Mantle, India. 7 Essential Photography Skills for Success in 2024
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Kellie is a Certified Professional Resume Writer with extensive experience in digital media. She is passionate about helping job seekers navigate their careers. She earned a B.A. in English and writing from Temple University.
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