An event photographer needs a good resume to catch a hiring manager’s eye. In this article, you'll find real resume examples and learn strategies for creating a strong resume. We cover key sections, important skills, and tips for making your experience shine. Whether you're new or experienced, get the tips you need to make your resume effective for the event photography industry.
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Here's what we see in top event photographer resumes.
Show Impact With Numbers: Good resumes use numbers to show impact. Include metrics like
List Relevant Skills: Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are
Use Short, Clear Phrases: Good resumes use clear phrases like
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As an event photographer, your skills and experience are vital. If you have been working for some time, detail your professional experience first. Your practical knowledge is what will catch an employer's eye. However, if your education in photography or a related field is the most recent and significant achievement, place it before your experience. This will help explain any gaps and show your dedication to learning.
For those new to the field, such as recent graduates, put your education at the top. Focus on highlighting relevant coursework, projects, or workshops that demonstrate your skills in photography and event coverage. While listing your education, always consider the specifics that make you a good fit for photography roles, like knowledge of different photography techniques or familiarity with various editing software. Let these details show your readiness for the job, even if your work history is limited.
Link to an online portfolio showcasing your best photos. This is vital for an aspiring event photographer. Use a clean, professional website to impress potential employers.
Include a few high-quality, printed samples with your resume if submitting in-person. This adds a personal touch and shows your eye for detail.
As a hiring manager, I recommend that you aim for a single-page resume if you are an event photographer with less than 10 years of experience. This should give you enough space to highlight your most important skills and work, without overwhelming the reader. In your case, make sure to include a few of your best photography jobs to show your style and range.
If you have more than 10 years of experience, or a substantial number of significant projects, a two-page resume might be necessary. Here, you can afford to include more details about your assignments and the impact of your work. Remember to keep your layout clean and to leave enough white space for ease of reading.
Clearly list your proficiency with photography equipment and software. Include camera models, lenses, and editing tools like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.
Mention experience with both digital and analog photography if you have it. This can set you apart in an event photography job.
When you apply for event photography jobs, know that your resume might first be read by a computer program. This is called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). It checks if your resume has words and phrases that match the job you want. To pass this test, you need to include the right details.
Here are things you can do:
Doing these things can help your resume get seen by a person who can offer you an interview.
To make sure your resume stands out, tailor it to show you have the skills and experience needed for event photography. Show you understand what this job involves and how you can contribute. Use words from the job ad so it's clear your skills match.
As a hiring manager, I've seen many resumes where job seekers don't focus on the important details for event photography. You need to show your eye for capturing the moment. Do not just list your camera equipment or software skills without linking them to specific events you've shot. Just saying 'experienced with cameras' isn't enough.
Remember to include specific types of events you've photographed. Have you worked weddings, corporate events, or sports matches? Be sure to tell me. Think about the unique challenges each event type presents. Show how you've met them with your skills. For example:
I look for these details because they tell me you understand the job and can meet the specific needs of each event.
When you craft your resume as an event photographer, it's important to highlight your skills and experiences with strong action verbs. These words help you show your ability to capture moments and tell a visual story effectively. Choose verbs that convey movement and precision, which are essential in photography.
Here's a list of action verbs that can help you present your photography experience in a dynamic and engaging way:
Want inspiration for other action verbs you can use? Check out synonyms to commonly used action verbs like Clean, Maintained, Established, Advised, Gain.
When you apply for jobs capturing events with your camera, focus on what you have achieved, not just what you did. Your resume should tell potential employers about the unique value you can bring to their team. Here's how to shift from listing duties to showcasing successes:
Remember, your goal is to show how good you are. Use clear numbers and outcomes to prove it. This approach helps you stand out and can greatly improve your chances in your job search.
When crafting your resume as an event photographer, focus on the specific technical skills that show your capability in this field. These are the tools and techniques that help you stand out to hiring managers looking for a skilled professional.
Include these skills in a dedicated section or weaved into your job descriptions, showcasing how you used them in real situations. This helps with both human readers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that look for job-specific keywords. Tailor your skills list to the particular event photography role you want. For example, if you want to work at weddings, focus on
When you're crafting your resume, it's important to show any leadership roles or promotions you've had. This tells hiring managers that you have grown in your career and have been trusted with more responsibility.
Think about the times you may have led a photography team or managed a large event. These are good examples of leadership. If you have ever trained new photographers or coordinated with event planners on a shoot, make sure to include these points. They show you can lead and work well with others.
Even if you haven't had a formal promotion, look for ways you've taken on more tasks or helped others. Have you been asked to oversee certain aspects of an event, like lighting or staging? This can also be seen as a leadership experience. Use clear and simple language to describe these experiences.