Hard skills in photography include technical abilities such as mastering camera settings, understanding lighting techniques, and proficiently using editing software.
Photography Resume Examples & Templates
Looking to capture your next opportunity? Our photography resume examples showcase essential skills like creativity and attention to detail, helping you stand out to prospective clients and employers.
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Popular Photography Resume Examples
Check out our top photography resume examples that showcase important skills such as creativity, technical skill, and visual storytelling. These examples will help you highlight your unique achievements and attract potential clients or employers.
Looking to build your own impressive resume? Our Resume Builder offers user-friendly templates specifically designed for photographers, making it simple to create a standout presentation of your work.
Recommended
Commercial photographer resume
What this resume does well:
This resume includes a modern layout with clear headings and uses resume fonts that improve readability. These design choices highlight the applicant's extensive experience and skills, ensuring they make a strong impression on potential employers.
Photojournalist resume
What this resume does well:
This resume effectively balances key skills such as digital photography and multimedia storytelling with extensive work experience. By showcasing these abilities alongside practical achievements, employers can clearly see how the job seeker’s expertise translates into compelling visual content in various professional settings.
Photography studio manager resume
What this resume does well:
This resume effectively uses bullet points to clearly outline significant accomplishments, making it easy for hiring managers to identify the job seeker's key strengths at a glance. The clean layout and strategic spacing improve readability, allowing important qualifications and achievements to shine without clutter.
Resume Template—Easy to Copy & Paste
Jin Rodriguez
Jacksonville, FL 32211
(555)555-5555
Jin.Rodriguez@example.com
Professional Summary
Creative photographer with expertise in capturing impactful images and enhancing client satisfaction. Proven track record in studio management and digital art exhibitions. Exceptional skills in Adobe Photoshop and portrait photography.
Work History
Photography
VisualSpark Studios - Jacksonville, FL
October 2023 - December 2025
- Captured 500+ quality images per project
- Increased client referrals by 30% over a year
- Led a team of 3 to enhance photo shoots
Visual Artist
LensCraft Creations - Tampa, FL
May 2021 - September 2023
- Managed portfolios, boosting sales by 15%
- Executed 200+ photoshoots annually
- Enhanced client engagement by 25%
Photographer Assistant
FrameLine Studios - Jacksonville, FL
January 2020 - April 2021
- Assisted in photography setups for 50 events
- Improved workflow efficiency by 20%
- Helped edit and organize 1000+ photos
Languages
- Spanish - Beginner (A1)
- French - Intermediate (B1)
- German - Beginner (A1)
Skills
- Portrait Photography
- Photo Editing
- Lighting Techniques
- Adobe Photoshop
- Digital Photography
- Studio Management
- Creative Direction
- Client Communication
Certifications
- Certified Professional Photographer - Professional Photographers of America
- Adobe Certified Expert - Adobe
Education
Master of Fine Arts Photography
California Institute of the Arts Valencia, California
June 2020
Bachelor of Arts Visual Arts
University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles, California
June 2018
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How to Write a Photography Resume Summary
Your resume summary is the first impression you make on hiring managers, making it important to highlight your strengths as a photographer. This section should showcase your unique style, technical skills, and any relevant experience that sets you apart in the competitive photography industry.
To better illustrate effective summaries, here are some examples that will clarify what works well and what to avoid:
Weak resume summary
I am a passionate photographer with years of experience and a love for capturing beautiful moments. I hope to find a job where I can showcase my creativity and contribute to exciting projects. A company that values innovation and flexibility would be perfect for me. I believe I could be a valuable addition if given the chance.
Why this summary misses the mark:
- Lacks specific details about the job seeker's photography skills, style, or accomplishments
- Overuses personal language and vague terms like 'exciting projects' without clarity on contributions
- Emphasizes what the applicant desires from a role instead of highlighting their unique offerings to potential employers
Strong resume summary
Creative photographer with over 7 years of experience in portrait and event photography. Increased client satisfaction ratings by 25% through personalized consultation sessions and tailored photo packages. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, lighting techniques, and capturing compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
Why this summary works:
- Begins with a clear statement of experience and specialization within photography
- Showcases a quantifiable achievement reflecting an improvement in client satisfaction, demonstrating business impact
- Highlights relevant technical skills that are essential for success in the photography industry
PRO TIP
No formal experience? No problem. Highlight your skills with a career objective! Check out resume objective examples crafted for photography enthusiasts like you, and make your application shine.
Showcasing Your Work Experience
The work experience section is important for your photography resume and will contain most of your content. Good resume templates always emphasize this area, ensuring it captures the attention of potential clients or employers.
This section should be organized in reverse-chronological order, detailing your previous photography gigs. Use bullet points to highlight specific achievements and techniques you've mastered in each role.
Now, let’s look at some examples that effectively showcase work history for photographers. These examples will illustrate best practices as well as common pitfalls to avoid.
Weak work experience
Photographer
Shutterbug Studio – Los Angeles, CA
- Took photos for various events.
- Edited images using software.
- Worked with clients and discussed their needs.
- Delivered final images on time.
Why this work experience section misses the mark:
- Lacks specific employment dates to provide context
- Bullet points do not highlight unique skills or notable projects
- Focuses on routine tasks instead of showcasing creative achievements
Strong work experience
Photographer
Creative Lens Studio – Los Angeles, CA
March 2020 - Present
- Capture high-quality images for over 100 clients annually, resulting in a 40% increase in repeat business.
- Collaborate with clients to conceptualize and execute unique photography projects, improving brand visibility across various media.
- Mentor junior photographers, sharing techniques that improve their skills and creativity, leading to a noticeable increase in client satisfaction.
Why this work experience section works:
- Starts each bullet with powerful action verbs that highlight the job seeker's contributions
- Incorporates specific metrics to illustrate success and impact on the business
- Demonstrates relevant skills and creativity essential for a photographer's role
While your resume summary and work experience are important, don't overlook the importance of other sections that improve your application. Each part plays a role in showcasing your unique skills. For more insights on crafting an effective resume, be sure to explore our how to write a resume guide.
Top Skills to Include on Your Resume
A well-crafted skills section is important for any photography resume. It quickly showcases your expertise to potential employers, making it easier for them to see how you fit the role.
For photographers, calling attention to a range of abilities from hard and soft skills to technical skills is key. Include skill in tools like Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and camera equipment to demonstrate your capability and experience in the field.
Soft skills are essential, encompassing creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication to connect with subjects and convey compelling visual stories.
When selecting skills for your resume, it’s important to align them with what employers expect. Many organizations use automated screening systems that filter out applicants lacking essential resume skills.
To improve your chances, make a habit of reviewing job postings closely. These listings often highlight the specific skills that recruiters are seeking, allowing you to tailor your resume effectively for both human and automated review processes.
PRO TIP
Ensure your resume stands out in the digital crowd by using our ATS Resume Checker to pinpoint over 30 common errors, helping your application glide through applicant tracking software with ease.
10 skills that appear on successful photography resumes
Improve your resume's appeal to potential employers by highlighting essential skills sought after in photography roles. You'll find these and other valuable skills reflected in our resume examples, showing you how to submit a polished application.
Here are 10 key skills you might consider adding to your resume if they align with your background and the job specifications:
Creativity
Attention to detail
Technical skill with camera equipment
Photo editing software expertise
Composition and framing knowledge
Lighting techniques
Color theory understanding
Strong communication skills
Time management
Ability to work under pressure
Based on analysis of 5,000+ photography professional resumes from 2023-2024
Resume Format Examples
Choosing the right resume format is important for photographers, as it highlights your artistic skills, relevant experience, and unique portfolio, leaving a strong impression on potential clients or employers.
Entry-Level 0 - 2 years
Functional
Focuses on skills rather than previous jobs
Best for:
Recent graduates and career changers with up to two years of experience
Mid-Career 3 - 7 years
Combination
Balances skills and work history equally
Best for:
Mid-career professionals eager to demonstrate their skills and growth potential
Experienced 8+ years
Chronological
Emphasizes work history in reverse order
Best for:
Seasoned photographers excelling in advanced techniques and creative direction
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I include a cover letter with my photography resume?
Absolutely. Including a cover letter can significantly improve your application by showcasing your personality and enthusiasm for the position. It provides an opportunity to elaborate on your qualifications and explain why you’re a perfect fit. For assistance, check out our step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter, or try our Cover Letter Generator for quick help.
Can I use a resume if I’m applying internationally, or do I need a CV?
When applying for jobs outside the U.S., a CV is often required instead of a resume. A CV provides a comprehensive overview of your academic and professional history. To aid in creating an effective CV, explore our extensive resources on how to write a CV and formatting tailored to international standards. Additionally, you can view various CV examples to guide you in crafting your document.
What soft skills are important for photography?
Soft skills like creativity, communication, and adaptability play a significant role in photography. These interpersonal skills help photographers connect with clients and grasp their vision, resulting in stronger images and a smoother workflow during shoots.
I’m transitioning from another field. How should I highlight my experience?
Highlight your transferable skills such as creativity, communication, and project management when applying for photography roles. These abilities illustrate your potential to excel in visual storytelling, even if your background isn't directly in photography. Share specific instances where you've successfully captured moments or conveyed messages through imagery to showcase your strengths.
Should I use a cover letter template?
Using a cover letter template tailored for photography can improve your application by providing a clear structure that highlights your skills in composition, lighting, and post-processing techniques. This organization allows you to effectively showcase your relevant experience and achievements to potential employers.
Should I include a personal mission statement on my photography resume?
Yes, including a personal mission statement in your photography portfolio is highly recommended. It effectively showcases your unique vision and artistic values. This approach works best when you apply to creative agencies or studios that prioritize individual style and passion in their projects.
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