How to craft a job-winning photographer cover letter
From family portraits to product photos, photographers are employed for many different purposes and specializations. When writing a cover letter as a photographer, it is crucial to not only highlight your specific talents but also your professional dedication to the field.
In this guide, we will cover 5 key steps on how to write a cover letter as a photographer. Keep reading to learn all about:
- How to format a photographer cover letter header & headline
- Why you need personalized greeting on your photographer cover letter
- What information to include in your photographer cover letter introduction
- Ways to showcase accomplishments and professional value as a photographer
- How to write an effective closing statement on your cover letter
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1. How to properly format a photographer cover letter header & headline
The first essential elements of any strong photographer cover letter are a well-formatted header and headline.
A cover letter header can vary in how it is formatted but should generally contain 3 to 4 lines of text detailing the necessary company and applicant information.
As for the cover letter headline, this is a brief statement that serves as a title for your cover letter, helping to grab employers’ attention and compel them to read further.
To help demonstrate how to write each of these cover letter elements, we have included more in-depth examples of each below:
Formatting the header
No matter how you choose to format your cover letter header, you should always include:
- The name of the company you are applying to (& the specific department, when applicable)
- Your name and professional title
- Your professional contact information (phone number, email address, website, etc.)
Here is an example of a well-formatted header on a photographer’s cover letter
To: Silver Lining Media, Photography Department
From: Jane Doe, Product Photographer
(123) 456-7890 | janedoe@email.com | janedoephotos.com
Writing the headline
When deciding how to write your cover letter headline, use magazine and newspaper headlines to draw inspiration from. Your headline should be compelling without being misleading, providing an honest preview of the information to come.
In your headline, you should always use a keyword related to the position, an eye-catching number or trigger word, a powerful adjective or verb, and a promise.
Here is an example of an effective headline from a photographer’s cover letter
My Top 3 Skills and How I Will Apply Them to Create Stunning Photographs for Your Company
Trigger Word/Number: Top 3 Skills
Keyword: Stunning Photographs
Adjective: Apply, Create
Promise: For Your Company – this statement implies that you will relate your skills directly to the company’s needs within your cover letter.
2. How to personalize greeting on your photographer cover letter
Anytime you write a photographer cover letter, it is highly important to opt for a personalized greeting.
Unliked generalized greetings – such as “To Whom It May Concern” – personalized greetings will address a specific person or department by name. By using this type of greeting, you show employers that you have taken the time to thoroughly research their company and have great attention to detail.
If you are unable to uncover exactly who will review your cover letter, try out one of the following alternatives:
To the [Company Name] Team
Or
To the [Company Name] Hiring Manager
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3. What is the best information to include in your photographer cover letter introduction
By the time an employer reaches the introductory paragraph of your cover letter, they should already have their attention hooked by your headline and greeting. To keep their attention and encourage them to read further, your introduction should include:
- A brief overview of your professional history and goals
- A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this company
- A mutual acquaintance (when possible)
Here is an example to help demonstrate how to write a photographer cover letter introduction
To the [Company Name] Hiring Manager,
I am a professional Wedding Photographer with over 5 years of experience working in the wedding industry. Our mutual acquaintance and esteemed wedding planner, John Smith, recommended I apply for this position with your company after a recent client reported their high level of satisfaction with my work to Mr. Smith.
4. How to showcase accomplishments and professional value as a photographer
Following the introduction of your photographer cover letter are the body paragraphs, where you will aim to showcase your professional value that qualifies you for the position.
An effective cover letter will typically contain between 2 to 4 body paragraphs that answer the following questions in detail:
- What excites you about working at this company?
- What do you hope to learn from working at this company?
- What accomplishments or qualifications make you stand out as an applicant?
- What key skills do you possess that are relevant to the position?
Accomplishments are especially important on any photographer’s cover letter, as they help illustrate to employers the real-life value you have to offer.
Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a photographer cover letter
As a freelance Lifestyle Photographer for Women’s Health, I planned and executed more than 30 photoshoots in the homes of A-list celebrities and social media influencers, resulting in more than 15 centerfold spreads in the magazine over a 3-year period.
5. How to write an effective closing statement on your cover letter
The final component of a well-written ohotographer cover letter is a strong closing statement that includes:
- An enthusiastic sentence saying you are looking forward to hearing from them
- An additional sentence stating you will follow up, including how you will contact them or how they can contact you
- A formal sign-off
Here is an example of how to write an effective closing statement on a photographer cover letter
With my years of experience working in advertising, I am certain I can take your company’s promotional and product photography to the next level. I would love to connect directly in the upcoming week to further discuss what I can contribute to your company’s success. You may reach me any weekday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (123) 456-7890 to set up a meeting.
Yours Truly,
[Applicant Name]
Follow this cover letter outline for maximum success.
