To write a good photographer cover letter, focus on how you can take clear, striking images for the client or organization that posted the job. Link to your online portfolio and emphasize your related skills like subject lighting, image editing, or equipment troubleshooting.
This guide will help you write a cover letter that gets you interviews for your next job as a photographer.
Photographer Cover Letter Templates and Examples
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
How To Write a Photographer Cover Letter
Your photographer cover letter should usually have five sections, in this order:
1. Heading
At the top of the page, include:
- Your name and contact information
- The date
- The recipient’s name, title, organization, and contact information (when available)
(Note: Feel free to omit this section if you send your letter by email and your contact details are part of your signature.)
Example
Derek Smith
Photographer | [email protected] | (876) 429-7462 | Virginia Beach, VA 18573 | Portfolio
May 7, 2024
Jaime Nguyen
Senior Hiring Manager
Classic Photographers
(746) 7593-1836
[email protected]
2. Salutation
If you can’t find the recipient’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager.”
Examples
Dear Ms. Oppenheimer,
Dear Classic Photographers Hiring Manager:
3. “Hook” or introduction
Catch the reader’s attention by citing an achievement from your resume or a key credential the employer seeks in applicants.
Example
In my first year as a newborn photographer, I exceeded my individual sales targets by 76%. My warm and sensitive interpersonal style and ability to adapt my service according to each family’s needs allowed me to achieve this result. I am excited to demonstrate the same outstanding customer care as a photographer at Mom365.
4. Body paragraph(s)
Explain why the job or employer interests you. Then, cite a few more of your key achievements or qualifications, possibly using bullet points.
Example
As a creative professional with over two years of experience shooting weddings, I am drawn to Classic Photographers’s reputation for superb customer service. My passion for combining cutting-edge techniques with diligent client care makes me the ideal fit for your company. My recent accomplishments include:
- Leading a team of three newly-graduated photographers to shoot a week-long wedding celebration in Bali
- Receiving a 100% client satisfaction rating in 2023
- Consistently scoring in the top 2% of photographers at my agency for image quality and efficiency
5. Closing
Finally, request an interview for the position.
Example
Please get in touch to arrange a suitable interview appointment. I look forward to exploring how I can leverage my skills to create unforgettable memories for your wedding clients.
Sincerely,
Derek Smith
Photographer Cover Letter Tips
1. Show you can generate compelling images
Start your letter strong with an example of your success and mastery in your field. What’s a key way you’ve been recognized for taking unique, creative, or insightful photographs? For instance, maybe you recently won an arts festival award for outstanding portraits.
Example
Last year, I created a client referral scheme that boosted my bookings by 43% in a single fiscal quarter. My high-quality portfolio and talent for building a quick rapport with clients helped me achieve this result. I look forward to generating impressive revenues as a freelancer at Classic Photographers.
2. Explain why you’re drawn to the job
For example, maybe you share the company’s mission to tell engaging stories through photography. Or perhaps the role uses lighting techniques or photo-editing software in which you have advanced expertise.
Example
As a creative and passionate individual with specific expertise in capturing images of babies and children, the chance to work for an industry leader like Mom365 is irresistible to me. My latest achievements show I have the technical and soft skills to fit perfectly into your organization.
3. Highlight your photography skill set
Add a short list of bullet points to show your skill in key work areas for a photographer, such as client relations or technical troubleshooting.
Example
These projects helped me develop key skills including:
- Connecting with photographic subjects
- Using color to create atmosphere
- Adjusting light and shadow to draw the eye
Photographer Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples
- Entry-Level
- Mid-Career
- Senior-Level
Maria Mongaraz
Photographer | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Nashville, TN 12345 | Portfolio
August 8, 2024
Melissa Oppenheimer
Director of Human Resources
XYZ Creatives
765-432-1987
[email protected]
Dear Ms. Oppenheimer,
In 2018, my portfolio project “Scenes of Hope” won first prize in the portrait photography category at the Savannah Arts Festival. The judges described my work as unique, creative, and insightful. They also praised my talent in using focus and lighting to create attention-grabbing portraits. Those are skills I want to bring to XYZ Creatives as a staff photographer.
The mission at XYZ Creatives is to use photography to tell a story. My portrait techniques can help your business achieve this mission. Since graduating from the photography program at Savannah College of Art and Design, I have spent the past two years taking headshots, graduation photos, and other portraits as a freelance photographer. In my free time, I volunteered my photography skills to take professional headshots for women fleeing domestic violence who needed to find employment.
These projects helped me develop key skills including:
- Connecting with photographic subjects
- Using color to create atmosphere
- Adjusting light and shadow to draw the eye
Portrait photography is my passion. I look forward to discussing how my work can benefit XYZ Studios with you.
Sincerely,
Maria Mongaraz
Photographer Cover Letter Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most important part of a cover letter?-
Any explanation you give for why this photography job or employer interests you. These details distinguish the cover letter from your resume and other application materials and can help you get past applicant tracking systems (ATS). They also set up a good interview discussion about how you fit the role and/or the organization’s work culture.
Do hiring managers read cover letters?-
Some don’t, but many do. All hiring managers seek fast ways to cut a large pile of applications down to just a few promising candidates. One common way they do this is by focusing on the applications that include cover letters, then on the cover letters that speak directly to their hiring needs. Send a custom cover letter with your resume, and you can be confident you’d end up in that select group.
Should I say “My name is…” on a cover letter?-
No. As long as your name appears in the letter’s closing section, you don’t need to state it otherwise.
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