Why this resume works
- Highlights industry-specific skills: By showcasing skills like portrait photography and digital retouching, the applicant aligns perfectly with industry needs, making them a standout choice for creative roles.
- Quantifies accomplishments: Measurable achievements such as boosting social media engagement by 45% provides concrete evidence of impact.
- Showcases career progression: Progressing from junior photographer to photographer highlights growing responsibilities and expertise, illustrating a clear upward trajectory in their photography career.
More Photographer Resume Examples
Take a look at our photographer resume examples to learn how to highlight your creativity, technical skills, and experience with visual storytelling. These photography resume samples will help you craft a resume that stands out in photography roles.
Entry-Level Photographer
Why this resume works
- Centers on academic background: The applicant’s education section prominently displays advanced degrees in photography and visual arts, establishing a strong foundation important for the early stages of their creative career.
- Effective use of keywords: Strategic use of keywords like “digital photography” and “photo editing” ensures compatibility with applicant tracking systems (ATS), improving visibility to potential employers.
- Shows digital literacy: Familiarity with tools such as Adobe Photoshop highlights the applicant’s digital readiness, showcasing essential computer skills for thriving in modern work environments.
Mid-Level Photographer
Why this resume works
- Points to measurable outcomes: By quantifying achievements like boosting client satisfaction by 25% and reducing editing time by 30%, the applicant provides tangible evidence of their impact and effectiveness in photography roles.
- Displays technical expertise: The applicant’s expertise in Adobe Photoshop, supported by an official certification, shows a strong command of essential digital tools important for modern photography.
- Demonstrates language abilities: Knowledge in Spanish, French, and Japanese enriches the applicant’s language skills, facilitating broader communication capabilities across diverse client bases.
Experienced Photographer
Why this resume works
- Focuses on work history: Using a chronological resume, the applicant showcases extensive career experience, effectively detailing roles from junior photographer to current position.
- Showcases impressive accomplishments: The applicant’s accomplishments include capturing over 1000 client photos annually and winning ‘Photographer of the Year’, demonstrating high-level performance and significant impact.
- Lists relevant certifications: Listing certifications like Certified Professional Photographer and Adobe Certified Expert on the resume highlights commitment to learning and expertise.
Photographer Resume Template (Text Version)
Suki Tanaka
Riverside, CA 92501
(555)555-5555
Suki.Tanaka@example.com
Professional Summary
Experienced photographer with expertise in high-quality visual content, photo editing, and client collaboration. Increased engagement by 45%. Published in National Geographic.
Work History
Photographer
Visual Creations Studio – Riverside, CA
August 2023 – August 2025
- Captured and edited 300+ high-quality images per month
- Increased social media engagement by 45%
- Collaborated with clients to achieve desired aesthetics
Senior Photo Editor
Perfect Frame Inc. – San Francisco, CA
May 2021 – July 2023
- Managed a team of 5 editors for client projects
- Enhanced image quality, improving client ratings by 30%
- Delivered 95% of projects ahead of deadlines
Junior Photographer
LensCraft Media – San Francisco, CA
August 2020 – April 2021
- Assisted in shooting 200+ events annually
- Edited photos resulting in a 20% increase in print orders
- Developed digital assets for marketing use
Languages
- Spanish – Beginner (A1)
- French – Intermediate (B1)
- Italian – Beginner (A1)
Skills
- Portrait Photography
- Photo Editing
- Digital Retouching
- Lighting Techniques
- Adobe Photoshop
- Color Correction
- Client Relations
- Creative Direction
Certifications
- Certified Professional Photographer – Professional Photographers of America
- Digital Photography Specialist – Adobe
Education
Master of Fine Arts Photography
ArtCenter College of Design Pasadena, CA
May 2020
Bachelor of Arts Visual Arts
New York University New York, NY
May 2018
Related Resume Guides
Advice for Writing Your Photographer Resume
Dive into our tips on how to write a resume for a photographer position and learn how to highlight your creative skills, technical expertise, and unique style. Discover ways to make your portfolio shine and stand out in the competitive field of photography.
Showcase your portfolio or projects
Having a portfolio is super important for photographers because it showcases your abilities and helps people see your style. When you’re applying for jobs or looking for clients, a good portfolio can make you stand out. It’s like your online business card where you showcase your best work.
Whether it’s on Behance, Dribbble, or your own website, having an easy-to-access collection of photos lets others explore your creativity and skills. Be sure to include freelance gigs, school projects, or even personal side projects since they all contribute to demonstrating what you can do.
When you add projects to your resume, treat them like job entries. Start with the project name and mention if you worked with a client or company. Include a short description of what the project was about so people get the big picture quickly.
Highlight what you did in each project and how it made a difference—maybe it increased engagement on social media or helped a brand reach more customers. This way, anyone looking at your resume gets a clear idea of how you’ve used your photography skills effectively.
For photographers, having a well-organized showcase helps tell their story visually and proves their ability to capture moments professionally. Make sure yours is easy to navigate and clearly shows off your talent and experience!
Example of a projects section
Capturing the Essence of City Life
Urban Explorers Photography Group
March 2023
- Conducted a series of photo walks across various urban landscapes, showcasing the vibrant energy and diversity.
- Curated an exhibition featuring selected works, attracting over 500 visitors during its opening weekend.
- Collaborated with local artists to create interactive installations combining photography and digital art.
Documenting Cultural Heritage through Portraits
Heritage Preservation Society
July 2022 – October 2022
- Photographed community members from diverse backgrounds, highlighting traditional attire and practices.
- Compiled a digital archive accessible for educational purposes, used by local schools in cultural studies curriculum.
- Produced a coffee table book celebrating multicultural heritage, distributed in libraries and community centers.
Need help writing your resume? Our professional resume examples can show you the best ways to highlight your skills and experience.
Emphasize your most relevant skills
In the role of a photographer, both technical and soft skills are important.
Technical skills like knowing how to use photography software and equipment help you capture great images. Soft skills such as communication and creativity let you connect with clients and bring ideas to life. A balance of these skills makes your work stand out.
It’s helpful to have a skills section on your resume where you list your abilities. You can mention your experience with editing software like Photoshop or Lightroom, and talk about your artistic talents like composition or lighting. This gives employers a quick overview of what you can do.
When talking about your past work experiences, weave in your skills to show how they helped you succeed in those roles. For example, instead of just saying you took photos at an event, say how your creative eye or attention to detail made the event memorable through pictures. This approach shows not just what you’ve done but also how well you’ve done it using your skills as a photographer.
Showcase your photography skills, portfolio, and creative achievements using a resume format tailored for photographers.
Choose a professional resume template
Choosing the right resume template for a photographer should balance creativity with professionalism. It’s important to select a design that lets your skills and experience shine without overshadowing them with too many decorative elements.
Look for clean, structured templates that have clear sections like work history, education, and skills. These parts help organize information in a way that’s easy to read. Visual hierarchy is key; headlines should stand out so the reader knows what’s most important at a glance.
When picking a format, consider how it will fare with ATS. ATS are used by companies to screen resumes before they reach human eyes. A template that’s too flashy might not be read correctly by these systems, which could mean your application doesn’t make it through initial screenings.
Opt for layouts where text is plain and simple but still aesthetically pleasing. This ensures your resume gets noticed both by computers and people who review applications manually, helping you land more opportunities in photography roles.
Showcase your photography skills easily with our Resume Builder. Choose a template and add your best work quickly to impress potential clients!
Format your resume properly
Choosing the right resume format can make your photographer application stand out. A chronological resume is ideal for showcasing extensive photography experience and presenting a clear work history.
For those newer to photography, a functional resume emphasizes skills such as creativity and technical abilities over job history, allowing you to highlight your potential effectively.
5 resume formatting tips
- Structure sections clearly: Use distinct headings like “Work Experience,” “Skills,” and “Portfolio” for easy navigation.
- Choose a readable font: Opt for fonts like Arial or Calibri, sized between 10-12 points for readability.
- Use bullet points: Present skills, job duties, and accomplishments in bullet points to improve scanning.
- Aim for one-page: Target a one-page resume unless you possess extensive experience needing more space.
- Ensure proper spacing and alignment: Maintain consistent margins and spacing for a clean, professional appearance.
Discover 30+ ways to boost your resume with our ATS Resume Checker. Quickly find and fix common mistakes to improve your resume’s chances of getting noticed.
Salary Insights for Photographers
Understanding salary data helps you make smart choices about your career path or moving to a new place. More details are given below.
Top 10 highest-paying states for photographers
Photographers earn varying salaries across the United States, with a national average of $50,166. The table below highlights the states where photographers command the highest compensation.
Our salary information comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. This official government data provides the most comprehensive and reliable salary information for photographers across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The figures presented here reflect the May 2025 dataset, which is the most recent available as of this publication.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $99,690 |
| California | $76,230 |
| New York | $69,860 |
| Oregon | $69,100 |
| Massachusetts | $68,190 |
| New Jersey | $60,280 |
| New Mexico | $59,560 |
| Minnesota | $58,910 |
| Connecticut | $55,270 |
| Florida | $55,520 |
FAQ
Do I need to include a cover letter with my photographer resume?
Yes, including a cover letter with your photographer resume can set you apart from other applicants.
A cover letter gives you the opportunity to highlight your unique style and approach to photography, as well as any specific projects or experiences that align with the job you’re applying for.
If a potential employer specializes in a particular type of photography, such as weddings or commercial shoots, mention your relevant experience in these areas.
Consider using a Cover Letter Generator to craft a personalized letter that complements your resume and emphasizes your creative skills.
You can also browse through various cover letter examples tailored to photographers to get an idea of how to best present your work and passion for photography.
How long should a photographer’s resume be?
For a photographer, a one-page resume is often best for showcasing your portfolio highlights, technical skills, and relevant experience efficiently. This format allows you to present your most impressive work succinctly, capturing the attention of potential clients or employers quickly.
If you’ve had extensive projects or numerous exhibitions, a two-page resume might be appropriate. This gives you space to elaborate on noteworthy achievements and detailed experiences that set you apart in the field. However, keep it focused and relevant to maintain engagement.
Explore our guide on how long a resume should be to find examples and tips tailored to different stages in your photography career.
How do you write a photographer resume with no experience?
If you’re crafting a resume with no experience for a photographer role, emphasize your passion and skills, along with any projects that demonstrate your potential. Follow these tips:
- Emphasize education and training: Include any photography courses, workshops, or certifications you’ve completed. Mention the institution, topics covered, and key takeaways.
- Showcase personal or volunteer projects: Highlight any non-professional work like personal photo shoots, event coverage for friends or family, or volunteering as a photographer for local events. Treat these as mini case studies to demonstrate your initiative and creativity.
- Highlight transferable skills: If you’ve developed skills like attention to detail, time management, or working with clients in other roles or settings, connect them back to photography.
- Build a strong portfolio: Even without formal experience, curate a collection of your best work. Share links to an online portfolio featuring diverse styles (e.g., portraits, landscapes) to give potential employers insight into your abilities.
Crafting a compelling photographer resume with no experience is about presenting your potential through relevant skills and creative examples of your work.
Rate this article
Photographer
Elizabeth is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches. She is committed to helping job seekers navigate the job market and succeed in their careers.
More Articles by Elizabeth Muenzen, CPRW