Photographer Resume Examples + Templates

Kellie Hanna, CPRW
By Kellie Hanna, CPRW, Career Advice Expert Last Updated: May 02, 2024

Our customers have been hired at:*Foot Note

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.”

  3. 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.

  4. 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.
  5. 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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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

  1. 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.
  2. 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. 

  3. 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?
  4. 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.

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