A well-written resume makes all the difference when it comes to landing your dream photography job. Your resume should effectively communicate your experience and accomplishments to potential employers. Whether your skills are as a wedding photographer, photojournalist, or studio photographer, tailoring your resume to the job at hand is essential. We’ll guide you through creating a powerful document and provide photographer resume examples to help you write your own.
“Photographer resumes should focus on your creative eye, technical skills, and the impact of your visuals. Tailor it to the industries you serve.”
— Carolyn Kleiman, Resume and Career Advisor
Most Popular Photographer Resumes
Freelance Photographer Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
This resume highlights a successful transition from freelance to corporate photography, showcasing growth and adaptability. The detailed experience demonstrates technical expertise and strategic thinking.
Key Tips
Use strong action verbs to start each bullet point. Learn more at How To Make a Resume.
Commercial Photographer Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
This resume clearly outlines expertise in commercial photography and highlights how the applicant’s work contributes to broader marketing goals.
Key Tips
Include performance metrics where possible to make your accomplishments more concrete. See more advice at Best Resume Formats.
Creative Photographer Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
This resume effectively blends technical proficiency with creativity. The strong educational background supports the applicant’s high-level artistic direction.
Key Tips
Expand on your results and impact rather than just listing duties. Explore more tips at Resume Summary Examples.
Event Photographer Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
This resume shows mastery of both technical setup and post-production, essential for event photography. It emphasizes consistent performance under pressure.
Key Tips
Keep your resume layout consistent so it’s easy to scan. Learn more at Resume Outline Examples.
Real Estate Photographer Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
This resume clearly presents entry-level experience and highlights a measurable result from the applicant’s contributions.
Key Tips
Highlight quantifiable impacts in your achievements. For more advice, visit What To Put on a Resume.
Fashion Photographer Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
This resume showcases a strong combination of artistic direction and commercial execution, essential in the fashion industry.
Key Tips
Align your resume to the industry by tailoring each section to showcase relevant style and client experience. Learn how at Resume Skills.
Fine Art Photographer Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
This resume focuses on creative work and gallery experience, clearly aligning with the expectations of the fine arts world.
Key Tips
Your resume should highlight your technical skills and creative process. Learn how to balance them at Resume Summary Examples.
Food Photographer Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
This resume effectively highlights specialized experience in a niche area of food styling and photography, which requires technical and culinary knowledge.
Key Tips
If your role blends multiple fields, show how each contributes to your results. Learn more at How To List Relevant Coursework on a Resume.
Modern Photographer Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
This resume clearly establishes a visual and thematic identity through its descriptions, aligning well with the "modern" photography niche.
Key Tips
If you’re targeting a design-oriented audience, match your resume’s tone and focus accordingly. Explore formatting tips at Best Font for a Resume.
News Photographer Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
This resume highlights extensive field experience and collaboration with editorial teams, making it a strong example for photojournalists.
Key Tips
If you're in journalism, ensure your resume shows your understanding of ethics and storytelling. Learn more at CV vs. Resume.
Beginner Photographer Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
This beginner resume effectively showcases hands-on experience and a proactive attitude through internships and volunteer work.
Key Tips
If you're new to the field, focus on practical experience and your willingness to learn. See more advice at Resume Objective Examples.
Studio Photographer Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
This resume demonstrates practical experience with studio environments and shows consistent growth within one area of photography.
Key Tips
Be specific about the settings and gear you use — details help hiring managers understand your range. Learn more at Resume Language Skills.
Pet Photographer Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
This resume emphasizes a unique photography niche while demonstrating emotional intelligence and adaptability, both key in working with animals.
Key Tips
When applying for a specialty role, tailor your resume to reflect that niche. Learn how at Soft Skills for a Resume.
Sports Photographer Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
This resume is results-driven, fast-paced, and highlights experience under pressure, which is ideal for sports photography.
Key Tips
Use action-based language and focus on your ability to deliver fast results. See more at How To Email a Resume.
Architectural Photographer Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
This resume demonstrates deep technical skills and attention to detail — critical when photographing structured spaces.
Key Tips
Be sure to include technical photography skills like HDR and perspective control. For more tips, visit How To List Certifications on a Resume.
Drone Photographer Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
This resume combines photography and aviation expertise to serve a niche in aerial imaging. It demonstrates certification and legal compliance.
Key Tips
If you use specialized equipment or licensing, list it. Learn how to showcase it at Technical Skills for a Resume.
E-commerce Photographer Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
This resume is laser-focused on e-commerce and highlights volume, efficiency, and image optimization critical in online retail.
Key Tips
When applying for e-commerce roles, tailor your resume to fit digital environments. See how at Best Resume Formats.
Lifestyle Photographer Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
This resume effectively communicates a personal and creative approach to photography and shows strong client-facing experience.
Key Tips
Let your unique style and client focus come through. See how to frame that with Resume Interests Section.
Portrait Photographer Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
This resume shows a strong balance between technical and client service skills, both essential for portrait photography.
Key Tips
Be sure to include your roles in photography and client management. Explore tips at Customer Service Skills Resume.
Black and White Photographer Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
This resume demonstrates deep technical knowledge and a strong visual identity, which is important for photographers with a niche artistic style.
Key Tips
Highlight unique technical or artistic methods to differentiate your resume. Learn more at How To Put Volunteer Work on a Resume.
Wedding Photographer Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
This resume highlights volume, consistency, and client-centered service — critical traits for wedding photography.
Key Tips
Be sure to reflect both your creative style and interpersonal role. Learn more at How Far Back Should a Resume Go?
Editorial Photographer Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
This resume is clear, creative, and industry-specific — perfect for editorial photography, where narrative and image need to align.
Key Tips
Tailor your resume to media and publishing formats. Learn how at How To List Publications on a Resume.
Travel Photographer Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
This resume demonstrates versatility, independence, and creativity, all essential for travel photographers.
Key Tips
Be sure to show initiative and problem-solving in your freelance roles. Get tips at Should a Resume Be One Page?
School Photographer Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
This resume is highly relevant to school photography and highlights efficiency, professionalism, and child engagement.
Key Tips
If you work with kids or specific populations, highlight that clearly. More tips at Resume Language Skills.
Product Photographer Resume
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
This resume shows efficiency and attention to visual consistency essential for product photography.
Key Tips
Include specific product types and editing techniques. See more at How To List Your Education on a Resume.
Our templates are crafted by professional resume writers to make creating your resume quick, easy, and effective.
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Photographer Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
How To Write a Photographer Resume
1. Summarize your photographer qualifications in a dynamic profile
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, summarizing your professional history in two to three sentences. Use keywords from the job description to stand out in applicant tracking systems (ATS) and tailor your profile to the specific photography position you’re applying for.
Senior-Level Profile Example
A senior news photographer with over 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 engaging photographs of residential and commercial properties.
2. Add a compelling section featuring your photographer experience
Using 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. For example, show the number of clients you’ve worked with or how many commercial photoshoots you’ve completed. By highlighting your accomplishments, you’ll display to 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
- Partner 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 the 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 education and certifications relevant to photographers
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 photographer-related 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 |
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.
Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Resume Examples and Advice
How do I ensure my Photographer resume example is ATS-friendly?-
To make your Photographer resume example ATS-friendly, focus on including relevant keywords from the job description and avoid using complex formatting like images or non-standard fonts. Keep the document simple and ensure each section is clearly labeled (e.g., Education, Professional Experience, Skills). The use of action verbs and proper section headings will also help your resume get noticed by both ATS and hiring managers.
What are common action verbs for photographer resumes?-
The language of your writing can significantly affect how potential employers perceive you. In the experience section of your photographer resume, consider the skills and accomplishments to highlight and choose verbs that effectively communicate those points. If you run out of interesting words, use 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 10 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.
Should my photographer resume be one or two pages?-
Your photographer resume should ideally be one page, especially if you have fewer than 10 years of experience. A two-page resume can be effective for seasoned professionals with a longer track record if it highlights accomplishments and skills directly relevant to the job. Every detail should add value and strengthen your candidacy.
Limit your work experience to the past 10 to 15 years, unless earlier positions are highly relevant. Keeping your resume concise and targeted will make a strong and memorable impression on potential employers.
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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.
