11 Photographer Resume Examples for 2025

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.

  Compiled and approved by Marie-Caroline Pereira
  Last updated on See history of changes

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At a Glance

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 projects completed, client satisfaction rates, revenue generated, and social media engagement. This shows your effectiveness.

  • Include Relevant Skills: Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, studio lighting, photo editing, composition techniques. But don't include all of them, choose the ones you have and are mentioned in the JD.

  • Showcase Diverse Experience: A good resume shows diverse experience. Phrases like event photography or studio sessions show diversity and flexibility in various photography settings.

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Position your education effectively

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.

Portfolio inclusion

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.

Ideal resume length

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.

Highlight your tools

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.

Beat the resume bots

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.

  • Include photography-specific keywords like 'image editing' and 'digital photography' that match the job description.
  • Use standard job titles like 'freelance photographer' or 'studio photographer' instead of creative but unclear titles.

Keep the formatting simple. Complex designs can confuse an ATS. Stick to text and avoid using images or graphics in your resume.

Customize your photography credentials

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.

  • Focus on the types of photography you excel in, like 'portrait' or 'event photography' to show your specialty.
  • Show your technical know-how. List the cameras and editing software you're good at, like 'DSLR cameras' or 'Adobe Photoshop'.
  • If you've led projects or worked with others, highlight this. Mention times you've organized photo shoots or worked with clients.

Essential photographer skills

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.

  • Camera operation: Know different camera types and settings.
  • Lighting techniques: Understand how to manipulate light for the best shots.
  • Photo editing: Be skilled in software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.
  • Digital photography: Be adept with digital cameras and photo storage.
  • Printing: Understand various printing processes and materials.
  • Color theory: Apply color principles to enhance visual storytelling.
  • Composition: Have a good eye for framing shots effectively.
  • Photographic equipment maintenance: Keep gear in top condition.
  • File management: Organize and back up photos efficiently.
  • Attention to detail: Ensure every element in the photo is intentional.

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.

Highlighting leadership in photography

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:

  • Use the phrase 'Lead Photographer' if you were in charge of a project or team. This title shows that you were trusted to guide others and take responsibility for the work.
  • Include any times you trained new team members or interns. This is a great way to show leadership skills. For example, you can say 'Mentored junior photographers and provided hands-on training in composition and lighting techniques.'

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:

  • If you started by taking photos for small events and then got hired for big weddings or corporate events, this shows growth. You can write 'Expanded client base to include major events, increasing project scale and complexity.'
  • Maybe you were given the chance to decide on creative directions for shoots or to pick locations. You can mention 'Tasked with creative leadership for key client campaigns, demonstrating trust in my artistic vision.'

Show leadership in photography

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.

  • Did you ever lead a photography project? Mention the project and what you did. For example, 'Led a team of four on a commercial shoot, resulting in a 20% increase in client satisfaction.'
  • Think about times you trained others. Even showing someone how to use equipment counts. You could write, 'Trained five new photographers in using advanced lighting techniques.'

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.'

  • If you received more responsibility over time, like being asked to select shoot locations or edit photos, include these tasks to demonstrate your growing role. For instance, 'Entrusted with key editing tasks for major ad campaigns.'
  • Have you been recognized for your work? Awards and recognitions are solid proof of leadership. You might say, 'Awarded 'Best in Show' at local art exhibitions for photography.'

Quantify your photography impact

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:

  • Number of photography projects completed shows your experience level.
  • Percentage growth in client bookings demonstrates increased demand for your work.
  • Dollars earned from photo sales can indicate the monetary value of your art.
  • Reduction in photo editing time shows efficiency improvements.
  • Number of prints sold or exhibited reflects the popularity of your work.
  • Number of featured publications highlights the recognition you've received.
  • Client satisfaction scores can show your ability to meet customer expectations.
  • Followers or engagement growth on social media platforms can reflect your influence and marketing skills.

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.

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