13 Photographer Resume Examples and Samples

Capturing the perfect shot in your photography career begins with a well-crafted resume. A compelling photographer resume is essential to showcase your unique talents, technical prowess, and creative vision. This comprehensive guide provides tailored photographer resume examples, along with expert advice on how to write a resume that will help you land your dream job. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your journey in photography, these examples and tips will guide you in creating a portfolio-worthy resume that captures the attention of potential employers and clients alike.

Entry-Level Photographer Resume Examples

Fresh Graduate Photographer Resume

For those just starting their photography career, this fresh graduate photographer resume example showcases how to highlight relevant coursework, internships, and projects to compensate for limited professional experience.

Freelance Photographer Resume

This freelance photographer resume example demonstrates how to showcase a diverse portfolio of projects and clients, emphasizing versatility and adaptability in various photographic styles and settings.

Photography Assistant Resume

For those looking to break into the photography industry, this photography assistant resume example emphasizes support skills, equipment proficiency, and eagerness to learn in a professional studio environment.

Specialized Photographer Resume Examples

Wedding Photographer Resume

This wedding photographer resume example highlights the unique blend of technical skills, creativity, and interpersonal abilities required to capture one of life's most important moments.

Fashion Photographer Resume

This fashion photographer resume example demonstrates how to highlight high-profile collaborations, editorial work, and a keen eye for style and trends in the fast-paced world of fashion photography.

Wildlife Photographer Resume

This wildlife photographer resume example showcases how to highlight fieldwork experience, conservation efforts, and the unique skills required to capture nature's most elusive moments.

Commercial Photographer Resume

This commercial photographer resume example demonstrates how to showcase a track record of successful campaigns for well-known brands, balancing technical proficiency with business acumen.

Food Photographer Resume

This food photographer resume example highlights the unique blend of culinary knowledge, styling skills, and technical expertise required to create mouth-watering images for restaurants, cookbooks, and food brands.

Sports Photographer Resume

This sports photographer resume example showcases the ability to capture high-energy moments, work in fast-paced environments, and deliver impactful images for sports publications and teams.

Portrait Photographer Resume

This portrait photographer resume example highlights the ability to capture personality and emotion, showcasing a diverse clientele and specialized lighting techniques.

Senior-Level Photographer Resume Examples

Photography Studio Manager Resume

This photography studio manager resume example demonstrates how to balance creative skills with business acumen, showcasing leadership abilities and successful studio operations management.

Photography Instructor Resume

This photography instructor resume example highlights teaching experience, curriculum development skills, and the ability to inspire and educate aspiring photographers.

Fine Art Photographer Resume

This fine art photographer resume example effectively showcases gallery exhibitions, artistic vision, and the ability to create thought-provoking visual narratives.

How to Write a Photographer Resume

Photographer Resume Outline

A well-structured photographer resume should include the following key sections:

• Contact Information: Your full name, location, phone number, email, and portfolio website
• Professional Summary or Resume Objective: A brief overview of your expertise, specialties, and career highlights
• Work Experience: Detailed information about your relevant photography roles and achievements
• Education: Your formal education in photography or related fields
• Skills: A mix of technical and soft skills relevant to photography
• Portfolio Link: A prominent link to your online portfolio
• Awards and Exhibitions: Any significant recognition or public displays of your work
• Professional Memberships: Affiliations with photography organizations (if applicable)

Remember, the key to a successful photographer resume is to tailor your resume to the specific job or client you're targeting, highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to their needs.

Which Resume Layout Should a Photographer Use

Photographers should typically opt for a reverse-chronological resume layout, which puts your most recent and relevant experiences front and center. This format allows you to showcase your career progression and latest achievements prominently.

However, for photographers with diverse project experience or those transitioning from another field, a combination resume format might be suitable. This hybrid approach allows you to group your skills and experiences by theme or specialty, which can be particularly effective for showcasing a varied portfolio of work.

Regardless of the format you choose, ensure that your resume is visually appealing and well-organized. As a photographer, your resume is not just a list of qualifications but also a reflection of your visual sensibilities. Consider using a clean, professional design that aligns with your personal brand as a photographer.

What Your Photographer Resume Header Should Include

Your photographer resume header is the first thing potential employers or clients will see, so it's crucial to make a strong first impression. Here's what to include:

Remember, your portfolio link is crucial for photographers. Make sure it's prominently displayed and easy to access. This allows potential employers or clients to immediately view your work, which is often more important than the resume itself in the photography industry.

What Your Photographer Resume Summary Should Include

A strong resume summary for a photographer should concisely highlight your expertise, specialties, and key achievements. It should give potential employers or clients a quick overview of your unique value proposition as a photographer.

Your summary should be tailored to the specific job or client you're targeting. For instance, if you're applying for a position as a wildlife photographer, you'd want to highlight any relevant experience in nature photography, your ability to work in challenging outdoor conditions, and any specific wildlife photography projects or publications.

What Are the Most Common Photographer Responsibilities

Understanding common photographer responsibilities can help you tailor your resume to highlight relevant experiences and skills. While specific duties may vary depending on the type of photography and work environment, some common responsibilities include:

• Planning and executing photo shoots
• Setting up lighting and camera equipment
• Capturing and editing images
• Collaborating with clients, art directors, and other creative professionals
• Managing digital image libraries and workflows
• Staying updated on photography trends and technologies
• Marketing services and maintaining client relationships
• Retouching and enhancing photos using editing software
• Developing creative concepts for shoots
• Managing budgets and resources for photography projects

When describing your experience on your resume, try to align your accomplishments with these common responsibilities, using specific examples and quantifiable results where possible.

What Your Photographer Resume Experience Should Include

Your experience section is where you can really showcase your photography skills and achievements. Here's how to make it stand out:

When describing your experience, focus on your most significant projects, clients, and achievements. Use action verbs to start each bullet point, and whenever possible, include quantifiable results to demonstrate the impact of your work. Remember to tailor your bullet points to the job you're applying for, emphasizing the skills and experiences most relevant to that position.

What's the Best Education for a Photographer Resume?

While formal education isn't always required for photographers, including relevant degrees or certifications can enhance your resume. Focus on education that directly relates to photography or visual arts. Here's how to present your education effectively:

If you have multiple degrees, list them in reverse chronological order. For photographers transitioning from another field, you can still include your previous education, but focus more on how those skills transfer to photography in your experience and skills sections.

What's the Best Professional Organization for a Photographer Resume?

Including memberships in professional photography organizations can demonstrate your commitment to the field and ongoing professional development. Some reputable organizations to consider include:

• Professional Photographers of America (PPA)
• American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP)
• National Press Photographers Association (NPPA)
• Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI)
• International Association of Professional Portrait Photographers (IAPPP)
• American Photographic Artists (APA)
• Advertising Photographers of America (APA)

When listing professional memberships on your resume, include the organization name and your membership status or any leadership roles you hold within the organization. For example:

"Member, Professional Photographers of America (PPA), since 2020"

Remember, it's not just about listing memberships; be prepared to discuss how these affiliations have contributed to your professional development and network in interviews.

What Are the Best Awards for a Photographer Resume?

Including awards on your photographer resume can significantly boost your credibility and showcase your talent. Some prestigious awards to consider include:

• Pulitzer Prize for Photography
• World Press Photo Contest awards
• International Photography Awards (IPA)
• Sony World Photography Awards
• National Geographic Photo Contest awards
• PDN Photo Annual awards
• Communication Arts Photography Competition
• Aperture Portfolio Prize
• Hasselblad Masters
• Wildlife Photographer of the Year

When listing awards, include the name of the award, the awarding organization, and the year received. For example:

"First Place, Portrait Category, International Photography Awards, 2022"

If you have numerous awards, focus on the most prestigious or recent ones, or those most relevant to the job you're applying for. Remember, the quality and relevance of the awards are more important than the quantity.

What Are Good Volunteer Opportunities for a Photographer Resume?

Volunteer work can demonstrate your passion for photography and community involvement. Consider including experiences such as:

• Photographing events for local non-profit organizations
• Offering free portrait sessions for underprivileged families
• Documenting conservation efforts for environmental organizations
• Teaching photography workshops at community centers or schools
• Participating in photo walks or exhibitions for charity
• Providing photography services for animal shelters to help with adoptions
• Capturing images for historical preservation societies
• Contributing to humanitarian photography projects

When including volunteer work on your resume, treat it as you would professional experience. Include the organization name, your role, dates of service, and specific contributions or achievements. For example:

"Volunteer Photographer, Habitat for Humanity, 06/2022 - Present
• Document build progress and volunteer activities for 10+ home construction projects
• Produce compelling images for fundraising campaigns, increasing donations by 25%"

Volunteer experience can be particularly valuable for early-career photographers or those transitioning into photography from another field, as it provides practical experience and expands your portfolio.

What Are the Best Hard Skills to Add to a Photographer Resume?

Hard skills are crucial for photographers to demonstrate their technical expertise. Include a mix of camera skills, software proficiency, and specialized techniques relevant to your niche. Here's an example of how to present these skills:

Remember to tailor this list to your specific area of expertise and the job requirements. For instance, a fashion photographer might emphasize skills in studio lighting and retouching, while a wildlife photographer would focus more on long-lens techniques and camouflage skills.

What Are the Best Soft Skills to Add to a Photographer Resume?

Soft skills are equally important for photographers, as they often work closely with clients, models, and team members. Include soft skills that highlight your ability to work effectively in various situations. Here's an example:

When listing soft skills, consider providing brief examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in your work. This can be done in your experience section or in a cover letter. For instance, you might mention how your communication skills helped you understand and execute a client's vision for a complex shoot.

What Are the Best Certifications for a Photographer Resume?

While not always necessary, certifications can demonstrate your commitment to professional development and expertise in specific areas of photography. Some valuable certifications include:

• Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) from Professional Photographers of America (PPA)
• Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) in Photoshop, Lightroom, or other relevant software
• Google Certified Photographer for virtual tours
• FAA Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot License (for aerial photography)
• Certified Underwater Photographer from PADI (for underwater photography)
• Certified Technical Photographer (CTP) from Professional Photographers of America
• Phase One Certified Professional
• Nikon Professional Services (NPS) membership
• Canon Professional Services (CPS) membership

When listing certifications on your resume, include the full name of the certification, the issuing organization, and the year obtained or renewal date. For example:

"Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) - Photoshop CC, Adobe, 2022"

Remember to prioritize certifications that are most relevant to your area of expertise and the jobs you're applying for. Keeping your certifications current also demonstrates your commitment to staying up-to-date with industry standards and technologies.

Tips for an Effective Photographer Resume

To create a standout photographer resume, consider the following tips:

• Tailor your resume to the specific photography job or client you're targeting
• Use action verbs to describe your experiences and achievements
• Include a link to your online portfolio or website
• Highlight any specialized equipment or techniques you're proficient in
• Mention notable clients or publications you've worked with
• Include relevant keywords from the job description to optimize for applicant tracking systems (ATS)
• Quantify your achievements wherever possible (e.g., "Increased studio bookings by 30%")
• Keep your resume visually clean and well-organized
• Proofread carefully to ensure there are no typos or grammatical errors
• Consider including a brief list of notable projects or publications

Remember, your resume should complement your portfolio, not replace it. Use your resume to provide context and highlight achievements, while letting your portfolio showcase the quality and range of your work.

How Long Should I Make My Photographer Resume?

As a general rule, aim for a one-page resume unless you have extensive experience or numerous relevant projects to showcase. For senior photographers or those with diverse specialties, a two-page resume may be appropriate. Here are some guidelines to consider:

• Entry-level to mid-career photographers: Stick to one page
• Senior photographers with 10+ years of experience: One to two pages maximum
• Freelance photographers with numerous projects: Consider a one-page resume with a separate project list

Remember to prioritize your most impressive and relevant information. If you're struggling to fit everything on one page, consider what's most important for the specific job you're applying for and cut less relevant details.

Keep in mind that in the photography industry, your portfolio often speaks louder than your resume. Ensure that your resume complements your portfolio by highlighting achievements and skills that may not be immediately evident from your images alone.

What's the Best Format for a Photographer Resume?

The best resume format for a photographer resume is typically PDF, as it preserves your layout and formatting across different devices and operating systems. This is particularly important for photographers, as visual presentation is a key aspect of your professional identity. However, always check the job application instructions, as some employers may prefer specific file formats.

Here are some additional formatting tips to consider:

• Use a clean, professional font such as Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica
• Keep font size between 10-12 points for body text, and slightly larger for headings
• Use consistent formatting throughout (e.g., same font style for all headings)
• Incorporate white space to make your resume easy to read
• Use bullet points to list achievements and responsibilities
• Ensure your contact information and portfolio link are prominently displayed

While creativity is valued in photography, it's generally best to keep your resume design relatively simple and professional. Let your portfolio showcase your artistic flair.

What Should the Focus of a Photographer Resume Be?

The focus of your photographer resume should be on showcasing your unique style, technical skills, and notable achievements. Your resume should effectively communicate your value proposition as a photographer and demonstrate why you're the ideal candidate for the specific role or client.

Key areas to emphasize include:

• Your photography specialties or niches
• Technical proficiencies with camera equipment and software
• Notable clients, publications, or projects
• Awards, exhibitions, or other recognition
• Unique skills or experiences that set you apart from other photographers

Remember to tailor your resume to the specific job or client you're targeting. For instance, if you're applying for a position as a product photographer for an e-commerce company, you'd want to highlight any relevant experience in studio product photography, your proficiency with lighting setups for small objects, and your understanding of e-commerce photography requirements.

Ultimately, your resume should complement your portfolio, providing context and highlighting achievements that may not be immediately evident from your images alone. It should paint a comprehensive picture of you as a professional photographer, showcasing not just your technical skills, but also your ability to meet client needs, work collaboratively, and contribute to the success of projects.

Conclusion

Crafting an impressive photographer resume is an art form in itself, requiring a delicate balance of technical prowess, creative vision, and professional achievements. By following the guidelines and examples provided in this comprehensive guide, you'll be well-equipped to create a resume that captures the attention of potential employers and clients in the competitive world of photography. Remember to continually update your resume with your latest projects, skills, and accomplishments, and always pair it with a stunning portfolio that showcases your best work. With a well-crafted resume and a compelling body of work, you'll be ready to take the next step in your photography career. Ready to create your standout photographer resume? Sign-up for Huntr to start building your photographer resume today.