Unlike other fields, your portfolio is your strongest asset in photography. Include a link to your online portfolio at the top of your resume. Mention highlights of significant projects or clients you have worked with.

Briefly describe the style and types of photography you specialize in, such as portrait, landscape, or commercial photography, to give potential employers a clear idea of your expertise.

Photography is a technical field. List the camera equipment, software, and other tools you are proficient with. Break these into categories like cameras, lenses, and editing software.

Mention any advanced skills relevant to the industry, such as photo retouching, lighting, or even video production if applicable. This shows your versatility and technical knowledge.

To get noticed, show you know what the job needs. Think about the skills and the work you've done that speak directly to the freelance photographer role. Highlight the right parts of your past work to show you're a good choice. Try to be as clear as possible.

• Show your ability to capture a variety of subjects by specifying, for example, 'captured 500+ events ranging from weddings to corporate functions'.
• Mention specific photography software you're good at like 'proficient in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom' to show your technical skills.
• If you're moving from another career, link your past work to photography. For example, if you were in marketing, write about how you 'used photo content to increase social media engagement by 30%'.

As you build your resume, focus on the skills that show your ability to capture and edit high-quality images. Below is a list of important technical skills you should consider. Not all may apply to you, but include those that do, and are relevant to the jobs you're targeting.

• Adobe Photoshop
• Lightroom
• Digital SLR cameras
• Photo editing
• Lighting techniques
• Color correction
• File format knowledge
• Lens selection
• Image composition
• Visual storytelling

Include these skills in a dedicated section for easy scanning. Many hiring managers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. These systems look for keywords that match the job description. By including these skills, you ensure your resume passes through these filters and reaches a human reader. Remember, you don't need to list every skill you see here. Choose those that best match your expertise and the job you want.

For example, if you specialize in event photography, highlight your lighting techniques and visual storytelling. If you're into product photography, emphasize your color correction and file format knowledge. Tailor your skills to the job and you'll stand out to hiring managers.

When crafting your resume, it's important to highlight any leadership roles or promotions you've had. This shows that you are trusted and have grown in your field. Think about the times you led a project or were recognized for your work.

• If you have managed a team of photographers or assistants, mention the size of the team and the projects you led. For example, 'Oversaw a team of 5 photographers for a large wedding, ensuring high-quality delivery and client satisfaction.'
• Include any promotions by outlining your growth. For example, 'Started as an assistant photographer and advanced to lead photographer within two years, demonstrating strong skills in client management and creative direction.'

You can also mention if you've trained others or led workshops, as these are good signs of leadership. Think about times when you were responsible for important decisions or when your ideas led to successful outcomes. Make sure to show this on your resume.

As you showcase your work as a freelance photographer, numbers can tell a strong story. They give clear facts to the hiring manager about your impact and success. Here's how you can use them:

• Count the number of photography projects you've completed to show your experience. For example, 'Completed over 250 diverse photography assignments.'
• Include the percentage of repeat clients to demonstrate client satisfaction. For example, 'Maintained a 60% client return rate.'
• State the size of events you've covered, like 'Photographed events with up to 500 guests.'
• Estimate the reach of your work by mentioning social media statistics, such as 'Photos featured on Instagram with over 10,000 likes.'
• Mention the number of prints sold if you sell your work, 'Sold 300 prints in a year to various clients.'
• Highlight any time-sensitive projects you've completed to show efficiency, 'Delivered wedding albums within a 2-week turnaround time.'
• Include the range of photography styles you’re skilled in, like 'Proficient in 7 different photography styles.'
• Measure the breadth of your work by listing the types of clients you've worked for, such as 'Worked with clients across 5 different industries.'

Think about the jobs you've done and the feedback you've received. Even if you're not sure about exact numbers, estimates based on your records can still showcase your value. Remember, clear and simple numbers can often speak louder than words.

When you show evidence of leadership or promotions in your field, you help potential clients or employers see your growth and ability. For freelance photographers, this can look different than in other jobs. Think about times you have led a project or were chosen for a special task.

• Managed a photography team on multiple weddings, ensuring client satisfaction and project efficiency
• Selected as lead photographer for a high-profile corporate event, showcasing trust and recognition of your expertise

Remember, any role where you were in charge of a shoot or guided others in the process counts. Write these experiences clearly on your resume. You could also include:

• Photos published in notable magazines or platforms, which shows your work is respected
• Workshops or training sessions you've conducted for aspiring photographers, indicating your leadership and knowledge-sharing abilities

If you've led projects or managed teams as a freelance photographer, it's key to show this on your resume. Leadership can set you apart as someone who can take charge and drive success. Think about times you've guided a photoshoot or directed an event.

• Managed and trained a team of assistant photographers for large events, ensuring efficient workflow and high-quality results.
• Led a photography workshop for beginners, sharing expertise and nurturing new talent in the field.

Remember, any role where you were responsible for making decisions or overseeing others counts. This might be as simple as coordinating a schedule for a group shoot or as complex as running your own photography business. Use clear and simple language to describe these experiences.

• Coordinated schedules and locations for multi-day fashion editorial shoots.
• Operated a successful freelance business, securing and managing client projects from initial contact to final delivery.