Photographer Resume Example
Also known as: Professional Photographer, Portrait Photographer, Commercial Photographer, Wedding Photographer, Event Photographer
About This Photographer Resume
Your portfolio is the centerpiece of your photographer resume—it's the determining factor in whether hiring managers bring you in for an interview. Provide a prominent link in your contact section and ensure it's mobile-friendly. The resume itself should use a format that passes ATS systems while showcasing your technical and creative abilities. Combine technical skills (lighting setups, editing software) with soft skills (creativity, communication, adaptability). For those with limited experience, include personal projects, volunteer work, and freelance gigs—quality matters more than paid status.
Key Skills to Include
Hard Skills
Technical Skills
Soft Skills
Essential—Skills marked with a star are most important for this role
How to Write This Resume
Follow these 6 steps to create a compelling resume
Lead with your specialization, years of experience, and notable clients or publications. Highlight what makes your work distinctive.
Example
Award-winning Commercial Photographer with 9+ years capturing campaigns for fashion, lifestyle, and corporate clients. Published in Vogue, GQ, and Rolling Stone with 75+ editorial credits. Known for authentic storytelling and expert lighting.
Include a prominent link to your portfolio. Images speak louder than resume text. Use platforms like Squarespace, Format, or your own domain. Keep it curated and current.
Quantify where possible: clients served, publications, view counts, revenue impact. Show progression in types of clients or project complexity.
Example
• Photograph campaigns for major brands including Nike, Apple, and Netflix • Published in Vogue, GQ, and Rolling Stone with 75+ editorial credits • Secured high-profile contracts resulting in 30% annual revenue increase
List significant publications, brand clients (with permission), awards, and exhibitions. These validate your professional standing.
Organize by photography type (portrait, commercial, event), technical skills (lighting, retouching), and software (Lightroom, Photoshop, Capture One).
Include degrees in photography/fine arts, Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) credentials, and Adobe certifications if applicable.
Pro Tips
Expert advice to make your resume stand out
Portfolio First
Your portfolio is your resume. Keep it current, curated (8-12 best pieces per category), and easy to navigate on mobile.
Specialize for Focus
Wedding, commercial, editorial, portrait—specialization helps you target ideal clients and command higher rates.
Include Publications
Magazine features, brand campaigns, and editorial credits add credibility. List specific publications by name.
Quantify Results
"Secured contract increasing annual revenue by 30%" and "Images licensed by 500+ publications" show business impact.
Show Technical + Creative
Combine technical proficiency (lighting, post-production) with creative vision (storytelling, unique style) in your descriptions.
Include Video Skills
Video/motion capabilities are increasingly valuable. If you can shoot and edit video, highlight it as a differentiator.
Remember
These tips are guidelines, not rules. Adapt them to your unique experience and the specific job you are applying for.
Tools to Help You Succeed
Use our AI-powered tools to optimize your Photographer resume
Frequently Asked Questions
Not typically on a resume, but be prepared to discuss. Some jobs require specific gear—mention camera systems if relevant to the role. Focus on skills over equipment.