Every great photographer needs a photographer resume that communicates their skills and experience in a way that's impossible to resist. After all, the competition is stiff and you need to charm your potential employers as quickly as possible.

That's why we've prepared a comprehensive guide that will walk you through the whole process one step at a time. With our practical examples, real-life photographer resume samples, and professional templates, you'll have your resume ready in no time — faster than you can set up your camera.

RXinsider Multimedia Specialist CV Sample

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Hired by: RXinsider

Creative Photographer Resume Template

Photo Editor Resume Template

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Keep reading to find out how to:

• Navigate valuable photographer resume samples
• Pick the most suitable format for your photographer resume
• Craft an eye-catching photographer resume summary or objective
• Present your photographer skills effectively
• Showcase your most illustrious achievements in a photographer resume
• Boost your photographer resume with powerful action verbs 
• Make your education section stand out
• Choose relevant optional sections for your resume
• Steer clear of common mistakes in your photographer resume
• Pair your photographer resume with a matching cover letter
• Learn about the average salary and job outlook for photographers
• Access valuable job search resources for photographers

Still looking for a job? These 100+ resources will tell you everything you need to get hired fast.

Creative photographer resume template

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Why does this resume example work?

• Well-organized skills section: The skills section is further divided into categories like "Languages," and "Software Skills," which makes it easy to read and understand at a glance. By breaking down the skills this way, the candidate shows a well-rounded skill set that’s relevant to the job of a photographer. 
• Strong use of action verbs: This resume makes excellent use of action verbs such as "produced," "organized," "facilitated," and "managed." These verbs show the candidate's proactive approach and ability to handle various tasks independently. It also makes the resume more dynamic and engaging.

What could be improved?

• Inclusion of quantifiable data: This resume lacks specific numbers that could make the candidate's achievements more tangible. For example, instead of saying they "produced high-quality visual images," it would be more impactful to mention how many photoshoots they managed per month or how many clients they successfully completed projects for. 
• Generic expressions: Phrases like “keen eye for detail” and “exceptional communication abilities” are a bit overused and don't provide specific insights into what sets this photographer apart. 

RXinsider multimedia specialist CV sample

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Hired by RXinsider

Why does this resume example work?

• Listing specific software skills: For a multimedia specialist or videographer, these are crucial tools of the trade, and listing them directly communicates to potential employers that the candidate is well-equipped to handle the technical aspects of video production.
• Work experience section shows progression: The resume lists a solid range of relevant work experience in multimedia and video production roles, showing the candidate’s progression from videographer/editor to multimedia specialist. The experience section also reflects a wide range of skills, from pre-production to post-production tasks, making it clear that this candidate has hands-on expertise in all stages of video creation.

What could be improved?

• More detailed education section: The education section mentions a strong GPA and being on the Dean's List, which is great, but it doesn’t specify any relevant coursework or projects that could add value. Including relevant courses or specific projects could help demonstrate how the candidate’s education has formed their professional skill set.
• Hobbies lack relevance: While listing hobbies like music, sports, and cooking adds a personal touch, it would be more effective if the applicant could relate these hobbies back to his profession. For instance, if their interest in music includes audio production or sound design, mentioning these connections could demonstrate additional relevant skills and interests. 

1. Pick a resume format that works best for you 

As a professional who understands the power of a good composition, you won't be too surprised to discover that the first thing you need to decide on is the format of your resume.

Just like with photography, the layout of your resume has a significant impact on how its content is perceived. Not only does it influence the overall impression, but it also determines which information stands out and which takes the back seat.

If you don’t know which format is the one for you, ask yourself a simple question: What do I want the recruiters to notice first?

For the sake of clarity, we'll explore only the three most commonly used formats and what they can do for your job application:

1. Chronological format: The first option draws attention to your employment history. It organizes your past work experiences in reverse-chronological order, starting from the most recent one and working its way backwards. This format works best for those who want to emphasize the longevity and consistency of their work history.
2. Functional format: On the other hand, the functional format gives more weight to your skills and accomplishments. The section detailing your abilities is situated before your work experience section and is also the most robust. This format is a great choice in case you’ve just started your photographer journey, have gaps in your work history, or decided to switch careers from an unrelated industry.
3. Hybrid (combination) format: Lastly, as the name suggests, the hybrid format combines elements of the two previous formats. It balances the focus between your skills and your work history, providing a comprehensive view of both. The resume typically starts with a strong skills section, highlighting your core competencies and achievements. This is followed by a detailed chronological listing of your work experience, showcasing your career progression and relevant job roles.

Since the power of a good visual isn’t lost on you, you probably care a great deal about how your resume looks. If you want to save yourself some time and nerves, instead of torturing yourself with setting up margins and picking the best font, have a look at our resume templates which have been created with the help of professional designers and typographers.

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2. Craft an eye-catching photographer resume summary or objective

Every resume should start with a brief overview of its content in the form of either a resume summary or a resume objective. Both of these consist of 3-5 sentences that highlight your most notable achievements, skills, and qualifications.

But why do you need to create what is essentially a preview of your resume? 

Imagine this: the person reading your job application only has a few seconds to glance at your resume, so you need to make those moments count. Your resume summary or objective needs to grab attention, set the stage, and make the reader want to learn more about you. 

Writing a resume summary

If you have a few years of experience or a solid portfolio, a resume summary is your best bet. Start by thinking about the highlights of your career so far. Have you shot for any notable clients or publications? Have you mastered a particular style or technique? These are the kinds of details you want to include in your summary.

What should your photographer resume summary include?

• Professional identity: Clearly define who you are as a photographer — Portrait Photographer, Event Photographer, Freelance Photographer, etc.
• Experience: Highlight your years of experience in photography and mention the specific (but relevant!) types of photography work you've done.
• Key skills: Focus on the most important skills for the role, such as photo editing, studio lighting, or expertise in specific camera equipment.
• Achievements: Include a few quantifiable achievements if possible, like “Successfully managed and delivered 50+ wedding shoots per year.”

Let’s zoom in on these two contrasting examples: 

Why does this example feel so off? Phrases like "some experience" and "loves capturing beautiful moments" are too general and don't highlight any unique qualifications or strengths. The summary also lacks a clear professional identity (e.g., Portrait Photographer, Event Photographer) and doesn't mention any specific skills relevant to the job. 

Why does this look so much better? This example clearly states the candidate's professional identity (Portrait Photographer) and provides a solid overview of their 6 years of experience. It also mentions relevant skills supported by a quantifiable achievement. Overall, this summary is tailored, concise, and compelling!

Crafting a resume objective

A resume objective is great for those who are just starting out in their photography career or are looking to make a career switch. It’s more about what you’re aiming to do rather than what you’ve already done. Your goal is to show your enthusiasm for photography and your eagerness to bring your skills to the table. 

What should your resume objective include?

• Career goal: Clearly state the role you’re aiming for and how it fits within your career plans. 
• Relevant skills or experience: Highlight any relevant skills or experiences you bring to the table, even if they're from another industry.
• Focus on how you’ll add value: Explain how you plan to use your skills to benefit your potential employer.

Why doesn't this example work? This example is too vague and doesn’t highlight any specific skills or achievements. It focuses more on what the candidate wants rather than what they offer. Phrases like “use my skills” and “gain more experience” don’t provide concrete details or set the candidate apart from others. 

What makes this resume objective work? This resume objective hits the mark because it’s honest and specific. It shows that while the candidate is new to photography, they’ve got relevant experience from their internship and a solid grip on essential tools like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. This objective nicely bridges their background with their photography goals, making it easy to see their potential.

Whether you choose to start your CV with a summary or an objective, don't forget to enrich it with relevant keywords! Many companies use ATS to scan resumes for specific keywords related to the job. If your resume doesn’t have these keywords, it might not even make it to a human being!

3. Select and present the best skills for your photographer resume

When you're picking what to highlight on your resume, there's only one principle you need to remember: customization is key!

No two gigs are ever the same! Whether you're about to immortalize someone's wedding, document large events, or help businesses promote their new products, you need to pay close attention to the different skills these opportunities require.

When you're choosing which skills to showcase in your resume, read the job ad carefully. Then, take note of all the skills the employer/client is looking for. Match these to your own skillset and voila! You have a tailored list of skills that highlight your suitability for the job and make your resume stand out.

Based on their nature, skills can be further divided into these two categories:

• Hard skills: These are the technical abilities you’ve picked up over time. Think of things like knowing your way around a DSLR, being a pro at editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, understanding lighting setups, or even specialized skills like drone photography. 
• Soft skills: Conversely, soft skills are all about how you work with people and handle different situations. These might include things like communication, creativity, patience, problem-solving, and being able to work under pressure — because let’s be real, shoots don’t always go as planned! 

Photography isn’t just about taking pretty pictures. It's also about creating a great experience for your clients, understanding their needs, and delivering work that exceeds their expectations. By showing a mix of both hard and soft skills on your resume, you’re proving that you’re not just a technical whiz but also someone who’s easy to work with,

4. Show your most illustrious achievements in a photographer resume

Now, the work experience section of your resume is where you get to really show off! This is your chance to share the coolest projects you’ve worked on and highlight the moments you’re most proud of. 

So, what should the perfect entry in the work experience section look like? Here’s what you need to include:

• Start with your job title and the name of your employer. 
• Include the dates of employment, listed by month and year. 
• Briefly list your core responsibilities.
• Highlight your impact by mentioning your achievements. 
• Support your accomplishments with quantifiable data.
• Start your bullet points with action verbs (more on that later).

Take a look at these examples and see which one is more convincing: 

Why does it feel like something’s missing? This entry is super specific to the gig, but it’s missing something crucial: action verbs and details on what was actually achieved. It reads more like a boring list of tasks rather than a snapshot of your impact. It doesn’t highlight any standout moments or impressive outcomes from your work. 

Why is this so much better? Instead of just listing duties, it highlights the impact you made, like increasing client referrals and satisfaction. It shows how you handled specific tasks and the positive outcomes of your work. This approach makes it clear what you accomplished and how you went above and beyond.

Tips for newcomers to the profession 

If you’re new to the photography world (fresh graduate, career changer) and trying to fill out your work experience section, don’t sweat it! Even if you haven’t landed your dream gig yet, there are still plenty of ways to showcase what you’ve been up to and what you can bring to the table. Here’s how you can handle this section like a pro:

• Personal projects: Whether it’s a photography blog, a themed photo collection, or a personal gallery, these projects show your dedication and creativity. 
• Courses: This is a great way to show you’re serious about learning and improving your skills. 
• Workshops: These experiences often come with hands-on experience and networking opportunities that can be valuable.
• Internships: Internships offer real-world experience and show that you’ve worked in a professional setting, even if it was just for a few months. 
• Apprenticeships: Similarly, highlight any apprenticeships you’ve completed and what skills or techniques you picked up along the way.

In summary, when you’re detailing your work experience, the goal is to really spotlight the value you brought to your previous gigs. Think about what made you stand out — use specific numbers to show off your achievements and make those accomplishments pop. And remember, it’s all about tailoring each entry to highlight the skills and experiences that matter most for the job you’re aiming for.

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5. Boost your photographer resume with powerful action verbs 

If you want your work experience section to really hit all the marks, action verbs are your best bet at making your entries stand out. These words describe what you’ve done in a more dynamic and impactful way.

Why does this matter? 

Using strong action verbs can make a big difference in how your resume is perceived. They help transform a simple list of tasks into a compelling account of your accomplishments. 

For example, saying you “captured” images at events is more engaging than saying you “were responsible for taking photos.” It shows not just what you did, but that you actively excelled in that role.

Here's how action verbs look, well, in action:

As you can see, action verbs are a great tool to enhance your resume. They make your descriptions more vivid and compelling. So, when crafting your resume, make sure to pay attention to the vocabulary you choose to present your skills and accomplishments.

6. Tackle the education section on your photographer resume the right way

Including an education section on your resume — yes or no?

Let's be honest, only a tiny percentage of professional photographers have actually studied photography at a college or a university level. This profession attracts people from different walks of life who share the same passion for capturing fleeting moments.

Regardless of whether your formal studies have anything to do with photography or not, every education section entry has to include:

• The degree or certification earned
• The institution's name
• Dates attended

If you belong to the select few who have a degree related to photography, you should definitely consider fleshing out your education section to highlight how it’s relevant to the job. A degree in photography, visual arts, or digital media can add a lot of weight to your resume, especially if you’re applying for more technical or specialized photography roles. 

Here’s what you can include under your degree to make the most of this section:

• Relevant coursework
• Projects and portfolios
• Thesis or capstone projects
• Awards and honors
• Exhibitions and showcases
• Relevant extracurricular activities

But what if your diploma has absolutely nothing to do with your current occupation? Should you still include it on your resume?

Absolutely, yes! Even if your degree is in a completely unrelated field, including it on your resume is still a smart move: 

• First, having a diploma shows that you’ve got the ability to follow a structured program, meet deadlines, and maintain a strong work ethic. These are universal skills that apply to any job, including photography. 
• Second, it's simply expected. Most employers look for some indication of formal education when reviewing resumes. Even if your degree isn’t directly related to photography, omitting it can create a gap on your resume that might raise questions. 

Remember, even if your diploma is in an unrelated field, list it on your resume with pride. It reflects your ability to learn, adapt, and commit — traits every employer values.

7. Choose relevant optional sections for your photographer resume

Is there something amazing about your experience or skills that you can't quite fit into your education or work experience sections? Maybe it's something that would give you an extra edge over other candidates. If that's the case, don't worry — you can add optional sections to your resume! 

These extra sections are perfect for highlighting any unique qualifications or experiences that show off your talents as a photographer. Here are some optional sections you might want to consider adding to your resume:

• Certifications: Certifications show that you’ve taken the extra step to hone your skills and stay updated with industry trends. It also tells potential clients or employers that you’re serious about your craft and committed to professional development.
• Volunteering: Whether you volunteered to photograph a local charity event, a community gathering, or a non-profit organization’s promotional materials, these experiences can demonstrate your commitment to using your skills for a good cause. 
• Featured In: Have your photos been featured in any magazines, websites, or publications? If so, shout it from the rooftops — or at least from your resume. 
• Exhibitions/Showcases: If you've participated in any exhibitions or showcases, this is definitely something to include. Whether it was a solo show or you were part of a group exhibit, these experiences highlight your ability to create work that's compelling enough to be displayed publicly.
• Awards: Awards show that your work has been recognized by peers, judges, or professional bodies, which adds a lot of credibility to your resume.

Including these optional sections can give your photographer resume that extra oomph. However, no matter which extra section you decide to add, always make sure the information it displays adds to your appeal and clearly shows your value. Don’t include something just for the sake of filling space; everything on your resume should work toward making you the most attractive candidate for the job. 

8. Steer clear of common mistakes in your photographer resume

Creating a standout resume for a photographer can be a lot like setting up the perfect shot. You’ve got to get everything just right to capture the moment you want — whether that’s framing your subject perfectly or making sure every detail in your resume is on point. After all the effort you put into perfecting your resume, it would be a shame if all that hard work was undone by some common missteps.

• Being too vague: Avoid using vague language when describing your past roles. For example, saying “responsible for capturing photos” doesn’t provide much insight. Instead, be specific and include details about your achievements. For instance, you could say, “Photographed and edited over 100 high-profile events, resulting in a 20% increase in client referrals.” 
• Not linking your online portfolio: Your portfolio is like your best gallery show — it’s essential! Make sure to provide a link or clearly state where it can be found, and consider including a few standout images as attachments or in a digital portfolio.
• Neglecting to tailor the resume: For example, if you’re applying for a fashion photography position, emphasize your experience with fashion shoots and studio lighting, not just your general photography skills.
• Lack of quantifiable achievements: Numbers speak volumes. Whenever possible, quantify your achievements to provide concrete evidence of your impact. Instead of just saying, “Photographed various events,” try “Increased social media engagement by 40% through high-quality event photography.”
• Forgetting keywords: We've already talked plenty about the importance of keywords in the context of ATS. If the job posting mentions skills like "portrait photography," "photo editing," or "event documentation," make sure these terms are included in your resume. This helps ensure your resume is seen by the right people.
• Poor formatting and design: A cluttered or overly complex resume format can detract from your content. Opt for a clean, professional layout with a consistent font and plenty of white space. Use bullet points to break up text and make your resume easy to skim. 
• Neglecting proofreading: Just like you wouldn’t send out a photo with obvious flaws, don’t send out a resume with mistakes. Proofread carefully or have someone else review it to catch any errors you might have missed.
• Missing contact information: It might seem basic, but forgetting to include up-to-date contact information is a common mistake. Make sure your phone number and email address are clearly visible at the top of your resume. You want potential clients or employers to be able to reach you easily!

Just like in photography, where you measure your shot carefully before taking it, it's crucial to review and refine your resume to avoid common pitfalls. Double-check your details, tailor your content, and make sure everything is polished and professional. Remember, taking the time to correct these mistakes now will save you from missed opportunities later. 

9. Always pair your photographer resume with a matching cover letter

You know just how much a stunning shot relies on both the camera and the lens working in harmony. Your job application also consists of two essential parts that need to complement each other perfectly: your resume and your cover letter. If one is off, the whole image can fall flat.

So, what exactly is a cover letter? 

It’s your chance to introduce yourself in a more personal way, giving context to the experiences and skills listed on your resume. While your resume presents the raw data (your work history, education, and skills), the cover letter is where you get to tell your story, explain your passion for photography, and highlight why you’re the perfect fit for the job. 

A truly well-executed cover letter should provide employers with answers to the following questions: 

• Who are you?
• Why are you interested in this position?
• Why do you want to work for us specifically? 
• How can you contribute to our success? 

Visually, it’s just as important for your resume and cover letter to work together. Imagine trying to exhibit your best work with mismatched frames: one in black and white and the other in bright colors. It just doesn’t look right. 

Similarly, ensure that your resume and cover letter have a consistent design, tone, and format. This not only makes your application look professional but also underlines your attention to detail. 

Here's a list of quick tips that will help you achieve a unified look: 

• Use a matching header: Both your resume and cover letter should have the same header, including your name, contact information, and date. This immediately establishes a visual link between the two documents.
• Choose the same font size and style: Use the same font family for both your resume and cover letter. For example, common professional fonts include Arial, Times New Roman, Calibri, and Helvetica.
• Maintain the same margin size: Similarly, be careful to use the same margin sizes for both documents. Standard margins are 1 inch on all sides, but you can adjust them slightly if necessary.
• Keep your color scheme consistent: The colors you use should be limited to only three shades. Anything more extravagant could detract from the overall professionalism of your job application. 
• Use templates to achieve a unified look: For example, each of Kickresume’s professionally designed resume templates is paired with a matching cover letter template. The only problem you'll face is the dilemma of choosing which design you like the most! 

In short, when applying for a job, pair your resume with a matching cover letter to achieve a polished, impactful application. Like a perfectly coordinated photograph, both elements need to work together to showcase your skills and personality in the best light.

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10. Average salary and job outlook for photographers

When considering a career as a photographer, it’s important to get a clear picture of what you can expect in terms of salary and job prospects. Understanding these aspects can help you make informed decisions about your career path and set realistic goals. 

According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2023, the average annual salary for photographers reaches $40,760. Of course, your real salary may vary depending on several factors such as:

• Geographic location 
• Freelancer vs employee
• Years of experience
• Industry reputation

Looking ahead, the demand for photographers is expected to grow moderately. The BLS projects a 4% increase in employment for photographers over the next decade. Accordingly, the field of photography is likely to generate approximately 13,700 new job openings each year over the decade.

Besides this handsome financial reward, being a professional photographer brings about countless other benefits. 

For example, many photographers enjoy the freedom to set their own schedules, especially if they’re freelancing. This flexibility allows you to balance work with personal life and pursue various projects that interest you.

Also, photography can take you in many directions — weddings, commercial shoots, travel, and so much more. This variety keeps things exciting and helps you continuously grow and learn.

In a nutshell, photography is more than just a job; it’s a way to explore the world and share your vision with others. If you’re creatively inclined, tech-savvy, and patient, this might be the perfect profession for you. Plus, the benefits of flexibility, variety, and personal fulfillment make it a compelling career choice for many.

11. Where to look for valuable job search resources for photographers

Finding the perfect photography job can be as much about where you look as it is about what you offer. To help you on your job search journey, here are some useful resources and tools tailored specifically for photographers:

• Job search platforms: Websites like Indeed, Monster, SimplyHired, or Glassdoor boast an impressive collection of job postings collected from across all industries. All you need to do is lay with the search setting and filter through the listings. 
• Professional associations: Joining professional organizations such as The Professional Photographers of America (PPA) or The Royal Photographic Society (RPS) can give you access to networking opportunities, job boards, and professional development resources.
• Online portfolios: Don't forget to set up a website dedicated to showcasing all your best work and customer testimonials. Adding a link to your resume that can lead the employer right to your work is a definitive plus! Try platforms like Behance, SmugMug, or Format. 
• Freelance platforms: Thanks to the internet you now have countless freelancing platforms at your disposal. We recommend trying out trusted websites like Fiverr, Upwork, or Guru. 
• Social media groups: Networking on social media can open doors to new opportunities. Check out groups on LinkedIn and Facebook dedicated to photographers, where job postings, collaborations, and advice are frequently shared.
• Continuous education: The field of photography is constantly changing. If you want to remain at the top of the game, you might want to consider picking up some new skills. You can do so with the help of online learning platforms like Coursera, edX, or even LinkedIn Learning.

Remember that job searching can be a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but it’s all part of the journey. Sure, it can be challenging, and there’ll be moments of frustration, but don’t let that get you down. Each resume tweak and each portfolio update is a step closer to landing that perfect gig. Stay positive, keep honing your skills, and embrace the process.