How To Write a Photographer Resume
A well-written resume makes all the difference when it comes to landing your dream photography job. Your resume should provide valuable insights and context for the projects featured in your professional portfolio. Whether you’re seeking a role as a wedding photographer, photojournalist, or studio photographer, tailoring your document to the job at hand is essential. We’ll guide you through the basics of how to write a compelling document and provide photographer resume examples to give you great ideas as you write your own.
1. Write a compelling profile summarizing your qualifications
Your resume profile is often the first thing a hiring manager will read about you. It should be a brief, powerful statement that summarizes your relevant qualifications and experience. Be sure to focus on the photography skills and accomplishments that make you a strong candidate. Keep it concise and to the point, summarizing your professional history in 2-3 sentences. Remember to use keywords from the job description to help your profile stand out in applicant tracking systems and tailor your profile to the specific photography position you’re applying for.
Senior-Level Profile Example:
A Senior News Photographer with 10+ years of experience covering breaking news stories and current events. A proven track record of capturing high-quality photographs for national newspapers and online publications, including The New York Times.
Entry-Level Profile Example:
A Professional Photographer with two years of experience capturing high-quality, creative images for clients within the real estate industry. Adept at communicating with customers to deliver compelling photographs of residential and commercial properties.
2. Add an accomplishment-driven professional experience section
Using accomplishment-driven bullet points can make your resume stand out to potential employers by emphasizing your achievements instead of simply listing your daily duties. Consider how you’ve made an impact in your previous roles and use quantifiable metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work, such as the number of clients you’ve worked with or the number of commercial photoshoots you’ve completed. By highlighting your accomplishments, you’ll show potential employers you have the skills and experience they seek in a photographer.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example:
The New York Times, New York, NY
July 2010 – Present
- Capture high-quality raw images and photos of breaking news events from various locations around the globe, including Syria, London, Brazil, and Australia
- Collaborate with journalists and editors from newspapers and press agencies to ensure photos accurately reflect news stories and events
- Communicate with photographic subjects, creating a connection to ensure powerful photos can be captured and releases signed without antagonism
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example:
Real Estate Photographer, Cosmos Advertising, Indianapolis, IN
July 2018 – Present
- Collaborate with real estate agents and creative directors to determine best shots, angles, and lighting to capture RAW and 3D images of properties, contributing to a 30% increase in sales consultations on Zillow
- Utilize a variety of techniques and equipment to enhance image quality, including use of natural light for difficult spaces
- Retouch photographs to enhance image quality, shading, color, and lighting for photographs using digital editing software
3. Include relevant education and certifications
List all relevant photography degrees in your resume’s education section. Be sure to give the title of the degree earned, the institution’s name and location, and the completion date. You can also include any workshops or training programs related to photography.
If you’ve acquired special certificates, list those in a certification section. Provide the certificate name, awarding organization, and the date completed. Certifications are a great way to show potential employers you have the necessary knowledge, skills, and commitment to excel in your craft.
Education
Template:
[Degree Name]
[School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] [Dates Enrolled]
Example:
Master of Fine Arts in Photography
MASSACHUSETTS COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN, Boston, MA, September 2009 – June 2011
Certifications
Template:
- [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Example:
- Certified Professional Photographer, 2019
4. List relevant key skills and proficiencies
A key skills section showcases your unique abilities and expertise in a simple bulleted list. Hiring managers look for specific skills when reviewing resumes, such as proficiency in various photography techniques, experience with specialized equipment and software, and strong interpersonal skills. Consider using some of these common photography skills in your resume:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Adobe Lightroom | Adobe Photoshop |
| Animal Photography | Client Relations |
| Color Correction | Communication |
| Customer Service | Digital Imaging |
| Editorial Photography | Fashion Photography |
| Lighting Techniques | Nature Photography |
| Photography | Photo Shoots |
| Real Estate Photography | Social Media Marketing |
5. Provide a link to your photography portfolio
It’s important to feature a link to photography portfolio in your professional profile or header. While the resume provides helpful insights and context for your photo shoots, hiring managers will still want to view your body of work before bringing you in for an interview. You also consider including a link to your photography projects on the featured section of your LinkedIn profile.
How to Pick the Best Photographer Resume Template
The best resume template for a photographer is both professional and visually appealing. Look for templates that feature a clean, modern design with well-organized formatting. Ensure your chosen template is easy to read and effectively features your skills and accomplishments. Consider the type of photography you specialize in and select a template that aligns with your personal brand and aesthetic. Given the visual nature of photography, feel free to get creative with your resume but keep it professional and tasteful.
Photographer Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
Years of Experience
- #1
- #2
- #3
Ari Gestetner
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Blue Terrace, Indianapolis, IN 12345
Profile
A Professional Photographer with two years of experience capturing high-quality, creative images for clients within the real estate industry. Adept at communicating with customers to deliver compelling photographs of residential and commercial properties.
Professional Experience
Real Estate Photographer, Cosmos Advertising, Indianapolis, IN
July 2018 – Present
- Collaborate with real estate agents and creative directors to determine best shots, angles, and lighting to capture RAW and 3D images of properties, contributing to a 30% increase in sales consultations on Zillow
- Utilize a variety of techniques and equipment to enhance image quality, including use of natural light for difficult spaces
- Retouch photographs to enhance image quality, shading, color, and lighting for photographs using digital editing software
Commercial Photography Intern, Expert Studios, Indianapolis, IN
January 2018 – June 2018
- Supported photographers with setting up shots, including lighting, flashes, and backgrounds, for products
- Operated drone photography equipment for commercial photographs of large machinery
- Completed digital edits of photographs using Adobe Photoshop, including retouching and adding digital effects
Key Skills
- Drone Photography
- 3D Imaging
- Adobe Photoshop
- Digital Editing
- Communication
Education
Associate of Applied Science in Visual Communications – Photography
Ivy Tech Community College, Indianapolis, IN, September 2016 – June 2018
Edmond Cartier
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Green Boulevard, Boston, MA 12345
Profile
A Professional Photographer with seven years of experience delivering unique and compelling photographs for visual marketing assets. A strong history of interfacing with human models and animal subjects on a variety of photoshoots.
Professional Experience
Senior Photographer, Orson Marketing Solutions, Boston, MA
November 2015 – Present
- Create engaging posed and action portraits of human models and animal subjects for product marketing images and commercials featured in $10M advertising campaigns
- Scout locations for outdoor photoshoots, ensure quality lighting and backgrounds, and develop rapport with subjects to capture compelling images
- Coordinate with production and marketing teams to execute studio photo shoots, perform digital editing, and create engaging product marketing assets
Photographer, ABC Studios, Boston, MA
July 2011 – October 2015
- Conducted 300+ high-quality photoshoots for graduations, proms, engagements, weddings, and award ceremonies and achieved a five-star rating on Google
- Communicated with photo subjects to ensure optimal lighting, poses, and angles
- Set up lighting and background equipment at each location to create a portable studio
- Digitally retouched photographs to ensure each client got the best possible image
Education
Master of Fine Arts in Photography
Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston, MA, September 2009 – June 2011
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography
Parsons School of Art, Media and Technology, New York City, NY, September 2005 – June 2009
Key Skills
- Product Marketing
- Animal Photography
- Digital Editing
- Lighting Techniques
- Communication
Certifications
- Certified Professional Photographer, 2019
Sakura Sato
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Yellow Avenue, Portland, OR 12345
Profile
A Senior News Photographer with 10+ years of experience covering breaking news stories and current events. A proven track record of capturing high-quality photographs for national newspapers and online publications, including The New York Times.
Professional Experience
The New York Times, New York, NY
July 2010 – Present
- Capture high-quality raw images and photos of breaking news events from various locations around the globe, including Syria, London, Brazil, and Australia
- Collaborate with journalists and editors from newspapers and press agencies to ensure photos accurately reflect news stories and events
- Communicate with photographic subjects, creating a connection to ensure powerful photos can be captured and releases signed without antagonism
Brooklyn Journal, New York, NY
July 2006 – June 2010
- Captured still life, portrait, and action photographs to illustrate a range of news stories for an online news publication with over 50K subscribers
- Collaborated with the news team to obtain background information on subjects and stories and curated galleries of images for editor selection
Education
Master of Arts in New Media Photojournalism
George Washington University, Washington, DC, September 2004 – June 2006
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, September 2000 – June 2004
Key Skills
- Experience capturing editorial images of breaking news stories
- Expertise in developing good relationships through collaboration and strong interpersonal skills
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Thorough understanding of photography equipment
Certifications
- Certified Professional Photographer, 2018
Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Resume Examples and Advice
What are common action verbs for Photographer resumes?+
The language of your writing can significantly affect how potential employers perceive you. When selecting action verbs for the experience section of your photographer resume, consider the skills and accomplishments you want to highlight and choose verbs that effectively communicate those points. If you find yourself running out of interesting words to use, we’ve got you covered. Try using some of the verbs in our list below:
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Analyze | Capture |
| Collaborate | Conceptualize |
| Create | Develop |
| Edit | Execute |
| Foster | Instruct |
| Manage | Market |
| Negotiate | Organize |
| Photograph | Plan |
| Produce | Research |
| Retouch | Shoot |
| Streamline | Troubleshoot |
How do you align your resume with a job description?+
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the workforce for photographers is projected to grow by 9% over the next ten years, adding over 125,000 new jobs to the market. To stand out from the competition, carefully review each job posting and identify the specific skills and qualifications employers seek. Incorporate similar language into your resume and highlight your relevant experience and accomplishments. By aligning your resume to match each job description, you’re presenting your services in a way that meets the needs of hiring managers and increases your likelihood of landing an interview.
What is the best Photographer resume format?+
You can use several formats for your photographer resume, but the best structure ultimately depends on your circumstances and preferences. Reverse-chronological format (as shown in our examples above) lists your most recent experience first and then works backward in time. This format is great for showcasing a clear progression in your career and highlighting your most relevant experience. Another option is the functional format, which focuses on your skills and accomplishments rather than your chronological work history. This is a good choice if you’re changing careers or have gaps in employment.
Expert Advice: Include a cover letter with your resume
Writing a cover letter to accompany your resume is always a good idea. A well-written and customized cover letter can help set you apart from other applicants and increase your chances of getting hired. Read our photographer cover letter guide and learn how to write one yourself. Check out our related cover letter guides for graphic designers and artists to see examples from similar fields.
