In this article, you will learn how to build a strong resume for photographers. We will share proven examples and strategic advice. You will discover how to highlight your technical skills, showcase your portfolio, and emphasize relevant experience. Whether you are a seasoned professional or new to the industry, these resume tips are designed to help you stand out to potential employers and get hired.
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Here's what we see in the best resumes for photographers.
Show Impact Using Numbers: The best resumes show impact with numbers. Use metrics like
Include Relevant Skills: Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are
Showcase Diverse Experience: A good resume shows diverse experience. Phrases like
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Understanding where to place your education on your resume is important. If you are new to photography or recently completed a photography-related qualification, show your educational background at the beginning. This will help employers see your recent commitment to honing your craft.
For those with substantial experience as a photographer, you should list your experience first. Your practical experience will be most relevant to hiring managers. Only include education related to photography or visual arts. Generic or unrelated education can be left out to keep your resume focused.
Include a link to your online portfolio prominently on your resume. Hiring managers want to see your work quickly, and a well-organized portfolio can make a strong impression.
Choose a platform that is user-friendly and professional. Websites like Behance or your own professional site work well for showcasing your photography skills.
For photographers, your resume should be concise. If you have been taking photos professionally for less than 10 years, aim to fit your resume on one page. You need to show you can choose what work to highlight. List your most relevant and recent projects first. This helps ensure your strongest experience catches the eye quickly.
Senior photographers with more than 10 years of experience could use two pages. But remember, even with extra space, clarity is vital. Keep margins readable and font size reasonable. Use the first page to display your top achievements so they are seen during the initial quick review. It's not about the length; it's about presenting your skills clearly and effectively within the space you have.
List the photography equipment and software you are proficient with. This shows employers you know how to use the tools of the trade effectively.
Mentioning specific cameras, lenses, or software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop can set you apart from other candidates who do not specify their technical skills.
When you apply for photography jobs, your resume might first be seen by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) before a hiring manager looks at it. Make sure your resume can get through these resume screeners.
Keep the formatting simple. Complex designs can confuse an ATS. Stick to text and avoid using images or graphics in your resume.
Make your resume stand out by showing the unique skills you bring to photography. You need to match your abilities to what the job is looking for. Use clear, simple terms that show your strong points and how you can help the company.
When crafting your resume, include a mix of technical and creative skills specific to photography. This helps show you're well-equipped for the job. List these skills in a dedicated section for easy reference.
Remember, you don't need all these skills, just those relevant to your specialty. For example, if you focus on studio work, emphasize lighting and backdrop setup. If you're a nature photographer, highlight your ability to capture outdoor lighting. Place these skills in the top third of your resume to catch the eye quickly, as this is often the first place hiring managers look. Tailor your skills to the job description, ensuring they align with what's being asked. This approach helps your resume pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that many companies use to filter candidates.
When you apply for jobs, showing that you have been a leader or earned promotions can really help. Here's how you can do that if you're a photographer:
Even if you're not sure you've had official promotions, think about times when you took on more work or bigger projects than before. Here are two examples:
When you're looking to stand out in the photography field, showing evidence of leadership or career growth is key. You may wonder how to showcase this if you're not sure you have it. Here are ways you might have demonstrated leadership without realizing it.
Also, consider any promotions you've received. They are clear signs of your growth. If you started as an assistant and now manage your own shoots, that's important to include. Write something like, 'Promoted from photography assistant to lead photographer within two years.'
As you present your experience, using numbers can make your achievements stand out. Numbers show the clear impact of your work. Think about how you can measure your success in past roles. Here are ways to quantify your contributions:
Even if you're unsure about exact numbers, you can estimate. Think about how many events you've photographed, or how many photo shoots you've done monthly or annually. Consider the feedback you received, and if possible, collect data from social media insights or client testimonials. These numbers help hiring managers see the real-world impact of your work.