Artist Resume Examples and Templates
Photographer Resume Examples and Templates for 2025
Last Updated:
August 30, 2024
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Photography Resume Templates and Examples (Downloadable)
- Entry level
- Midlevel
- Senior level
Your photographer resume should demonstrate artistic vision and in-depth digital editing and retouching skills. Display your deep knowledge of software platforms such as Adobe and your ability to coordinate and execute photo shoots to deliver high-impact visual assets. Review our list of tips and examples to level up your resume.
Key Takeaways
- Emphasize specializations: Photographers can specialize in different types of photography, from photojournalism to portraits to nature and more. The equipment you use and the digital photo applications you master can also help differentiate your work. Get as specific as you can in your resume, especially when your specialties align with a prospective opportunity.
- Detail quantifiable achievements: Photography skills can be subjective, but if there are ways to quantify your achievements, include them on your resume. For example, if you’ve grown your clientele, gotten strong customer ratings, or helped drive traffic to a website with your work, share those numbers.
- Use keywords for ATS: Incorporating similar keywords and phrases used in each job description you apply for is a smart way to frame your photography skills and accomplishments. Plus, it can help your resume pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS).
How To Write a Photography Resume Example
Using a resume template can help you write an engaging photographer resume that will capture the attention of hiring managers. Your photographer resume should include the following information:
- Contact information
- Profile
- Key skills
- Professional experience
- Education and certifications
1. Share your contact information
Provide your full name, phone number, email address, location, and a link to your online professional profile and website. Ensure your contact information is current so potential employers can contact you for an interview. As always, review carefully to catch typos that could misdirect a hiring manager.
Example
Your Name
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
City, State Abbreviation Zip Code
LinkedIn | Portfolio
2. Write a dynamic profile summarizing your qualifications
In a few sentences, summarize your professional background, relevant skills, and experience as a photographer. Your profile should make a strong, compelling introduction. Highlight your strengths and integrate keywords from the job description to show you’re a good match for the position.
Senior-Level Profile Example
Accomplished lead photographer with strong academic credentials complemented by vast experience with respected companies such as The Walt Disney Company and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Demonstrated expertise in mentoring junior photographers, developing creative concepts, and managing projects and client relationships. Previous achievements include innovating photographic ideas, bolstering brand awareness, client satisfaction, and team productivity.
Entry-Level Profile Example
Dedicated photographer with strong background in technical photography skills, digital editing, and visual thinking. Recent BFA graduate known for excellence in post-processing, quality results, and visual storytelling.
3. Add a compelling section featuring your photography experience
This section of your professional resume should list your previous positions as a photographer, including job duties, employer names, and dates of employment. Highlight specific achievements and accomplishments, quantifying your results whenever possible.
Senior-Level Professional Experience Example
Lead Photographer, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., Burbank, CA | October 2018 – present
- Conceived and implemented distinctive photographic concepts for major branding projects and advertising campaigns, contributing to a 30% increase in brand awareness in one year
- Managed diverse client base and handled negotiations, including pricing and contractual terms, leading to a 95% client satisfaction rate in 2019
- Mentored and trained five junior photographers, providing both technical and artistic guidance, which resulted in a 25% increase in team productivity in three months
Senior Photographer, Adobe Systems, San Jose, CA | June 2014 – September 2018
- Utilized advanced photographic techniques and editing software to produce high-quality images for a range of clients, resulting in a 20% increase in business in one quarter
- Directed photo shoots from concept to completion, ensuring consistency with client objectives and deadlines
- Built and maintained strong relationships with clients as well as developed new business leads, leading to a robust client base and a 15% increase in company revenue in six months
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example
Junior Photographer, Studio Creative, Providence, RI, August 2021 – present
- Operate and maintain various types of photography equipment, effectively ensuring minimal downtime and consistent image quality
- Shoot a broad range of subjects and themes as per project requirements, continuously improving framing and angle adjustment skills to achieve the best results
- Process and edit using Adobe Photoshop to further enhance and perfect images, improving aspects such as light and contrast
Photography Intern, The Providence Journal, Providence, RI, January 2021 – July 2021
- Experimented with different types of photography equipment like cameras, lenses, and lighting
- Photographed for a number of photojournalism projects, improving the ability to adjust angles and frames to capture superior shots
- Used Adobe Lightroom to improve light, contrast, and minor details in photographs taken
Resume writer’s tip: Quantify your experience
Quantify your professional photography experience by sharing metrics, figures, percentages, and other data demonstrating your success.
Do
- “Applied technical knowledge and editing software skills to manage post-production tasks, reducing turnaround time by 15% in one month.”
Don’t
- “Responsible for handling post-production tasks and making sure they went smoothly.”
Resume writer’s tip: Tailor your resume for each application
Align your resume with each position you apply for by incorporating target keywords and language similar to what is presented in the job description. This will increase the chances of capturing a hiring manager’s attention and landing an interview.
What if you don’t have experience?
Creating a photography resume can be challenging if you don’t have real-world experience. But you can still highlight relevant coursework and photo projects to demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning. Also, include volunteer roles, such as taking photographs for clubs or school events.
4. Include education and certifications relevant to photography
List relevant education and certifications you’ve earned to show you are a well-qualified photographer. For example, if you are certified through the Professional Photographers of America, it can lend some credibility to your skills. Include the title of the degree or certificate earned, institution’s name, and the completion date. Also include continuing education courses and professional development programs you’ve completed.
Education
Template:
[Degree Name]
[School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
Example:
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography
Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI | 2018
Certifications
Template:
[Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Example:
- Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), Professional Photographers of America (PPA), 2020
5. List photography-related skills and proficiencies
Display the specific photography skills that make you a strong candidate for the position. Select hard skills such as digital editing and Adobe and soft skills such as cross-departmental collaboration and artistic vision. Strategically choose which skill to include. Review which skills the company seeks to align your skills with the job description.
Here are some possible skills you can include:
| Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
|---|---|
| Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop | Artistic vision |
| Color correction | Digital editing and retouching |
| Lighting and composition techniques | Photoshoot coordination and management |
Resume writer’s tip: Use specific action verbs
Take a strategic approach with the words you use on your photographer resume. In the professional experience section, incorporate action verbs to communicate your job duties and accomplishments. Instead of listing responsibilities, start each section with an action verb to inject energy into your resume. Avoid the first person, such as, “I was responsible for,” and instead use some of the following words to showcase your experience.
| Action Verbs | |
|---|---|
| Analyzed | Captured |
| Collaborated | Conceptualized |
| Created | Edited |
| Executed | Managed |
| Marketed | Negotiated |
| Organized | Photographed |
| Researched | Retouched |
| Streamlined | Troubleshot |
How To Pick the Best Photography Resume Template
When seeking photography roles, choose a resume template that looks professional and clean so that your skills and accomplishments can stand out. While you might want to include photographic elements, it’s best to keep your resume plain text (and ATS-friendly) and include a link to a digital portfolio.
Photography Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples
Your Name
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
City, State Abbreviation Zip Code
LinkedIn | Portfolio
Profile
Dedicated photographer with strong background in technical photography skills, digital editing, and visual thinking. Recent BFA graduate known for excellence in post-processing, quality results, and visual storytelling.
Key Skills
- Adobe Photoshop proficient
- Camera and lighting equipment maintenance
- Digital editing
- Post-processing
- Technical photography skills
Professional Experience
Junior Photographer, Studio Creative, Providence, RI, August 2021 – present
- Operate and maintain various types of photography equipment, effectively ensuring minimal downtime and consistent image quality
- Shoot a broad range of subjects and themes as per project requirements, continuously improving framing and angle adjustment skills to achieve the best results
- Process and edit using Adobe Photoshop to further enhance and perfect images, improving aspects such as light and contrast
Photography Intern, The Providence Journal, Providence, RI, January 2021 – July 2021
- Experimented with different types of photography equipment like cameras, lenses, and lighting
- Photographed for a number of photojournalism projects, improving the ability to adjust angles and frames to capture superior shots
- Used Adobe Lightroom to improve light, contrast, and minor details in photographs taken
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Photography
Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI | 2021
Frequently Asked Questions: Photography Resume Examples and Advice
How do you align your resume with a photography description?
Photography jobs are expected to grow as fast as the average occupation through 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. To compete with your peers seeking the top roles in the field, match your resume as closely as you can to each specific organization’s job description. Listing the most relevant skills and accomplishments can help your resume stand out.
What is the best photography resume format?
A reverse-chronological resume format is most often the best option for job seekers, including photographers. The exception is if you’ve done nontraditional work, such as a number of freelance photography projects, rather than work for one employer. In that case, you might use a combination resume format.
Expert advice:
Include a cover letter with your resume
Crafting a cover letter to accompany your resume allows you to highlight how your skills match what a particular organization is looking for.
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Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach
Andrew Stoner is an executive career coach and resume writer with 17 years of experience as a hiring manager and operations leader at two Fortune 500 Financial Services companies, and as the career services director at two major university business schools.
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