20 Photographer Resume Examples and Templates for 2025
-
Photographer Resume Examples and Templates [Download in App]
- Freelance Photographer
- Commercial Photographer
- Entry Level Photographer
- Event Photographer
- Fashion Photographer
- Food Photographer Resume
- News Photographer
- Photographer Assistant
- Portrait Photographer
- Real Estate Photographer
- Drone Photographer
- Wildlife Photographer
- Wedding Photographer
- Underwater Photographer
- Editorial Photographer
- Sports Photographer
- Medical Photographer
- Product Photographer
- Forensic Photographer
- School Photographer
- Photographer Text-Only Resume Examples
- How To Write a Photographer's Resume
- How To Select the Ideal Photographer Resume Template
- Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Resume Examples and Advice
Key Takeaways
- Brainstorm your career highlights in a separate document or blank sheet of paper. This free-form thinking will help you remember work details that speak to your target photography job.
- In the experience section, describe positive work outcomes (with numbers when possible) to illustrate your impact as a photographer.
- Add relevant skills and keywords from the job posting to ensure your resume passes through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and reaches hiring managers.
Photographer Resume Examples and Templates [Download in App]
Freelance Photographer Resume Example
Why this freelance photographer resume example is strong:
Chris’s resume shows entrepreneurial success in a competitive field. It highlights strong creative and business skills while quantifying client impact.
Key Tip:
Showcase measurable client results: If you’ve helped boost engagement or retention, mention it. Learn how to craft a result-oriented resume in this guide: How to Build a Resume
Commercial Photographer Resume Example
Why this commercial photographer resume example is strong:
Shawn clearly communicates specialization and leadership in commercial projects. The inclusion of quantifiable results (e.g., 15,000 images, 22% sales increase) adds credibility.
Key Tip:
Use concise bullet points with strong verbs like “directed” and “implemented” to show ownership of results. For more tips, see Best Resume Formats
Entry Level Photographer Resume Example
Why this entry-level photographer resume example is strong:
Avery’s resume leverages internship experience to show hands-on skills and readiness for full-time work. The clear structure helps employers quickly identify education and technical strengths.
Key Tip:
Use internships to showcase job-readiness. For more on resumes without experience, visit: How to Write a Resume with No Experience
Event Photographer Resume Example
Why this event photographer resume example is strong:
Jesse’s resume highlights a specialty in event photography with solid metrics that demonstrate reliability and speed. The client-focused summary is compelling for event work.
Key Tip:
Always include turnaround times or volume to showcase your dependability. Learn more in How to List Promotions on Resume
Fashion Photographer Resume Example
Why this fashion photographer resume example is strong:
Skyler’s resume emphasizes creative leadership and high-impact collaborations. The job titles, tasks, and client types align well with fashion industry expectations.
Key Tip:
Tailor your resume to your genre—this resume speaks directly to editorial fashion. Explore more ideas at Resume Objective Examples
Food Photographer Resume Resume Example
Why this food photographer resume example is strong:
Logan’s resume positions them as a niche expert. It combines creativity with technical food styling and includes a clear collaborative experience.
Key Tip:
Use niche keywords (e.g., “food styling”) to appeal to specialized roles. Find more formatting tips at Best Resume Formats
News Photographer Resume Example
Why this news photographer resume example is strong:
Devon’s resume stands out by clearly aligning with journalism standards—speed, ethics, and storytelling. It shows range and pressure-tested experience.
Key Tip:
Highlight unique conditions you’ve worked under—night shoots, protests, or travel. Check out How to Build a Resume
Photographer Assistant Resume Example
Why this photographer assistant resume example is strong:
Blake’s resume highlights support skills often overlooked. It’s organized, skill-focused, and realistic about early-career responsibilities.
Key Tip:
If you’re newer in the field, lean into reliability, adaptability, and technical precision. Learn how to present experience with minimal overlap: How to List Your Education on a Resume
Portrait Photographer Resume Example
Why this portrait photographer resume example is strong:
Reese’s resume demonstrates professionalism and high-volume experience. It shows clear career progression and client management.
Key Tip:
Include session types and annual volume—numbers help show your workflow scale. See more ideas here: How Long Should a Resume Be
Real Estate Photographer Resume Example
Why this real estate photographer resume example is strong:
Sam’s resume balances creative and technical skills—important in the real estate space. Metrics like 1,200 listings and engagement rates make this resume powerful.
Key Tip:
When targeting niche industries, speak their language—mention staging, twilight shots, or MLS. Dive into more strategies at AI Resume Builder
Drone Photographer Resume Example
Why this drone photographer resume example is strong:
Chris clearly defines a niche and includes relevant certifications and safety protocols. The bullet points emphasize technical accountability and production speed.
Key Tip:
In technical roles, show not only what you create—but how safely and efficiently you do it. Learn more here: How to List Your Education on a Resume
Wildlife Photographer Resume Example
Why this wildlife photographer resume example is strong:
Shawn’s resume balances photography and environmental science. His unique projects and fieldwork showcase a strong value alignment with mission-based organizations.
Key Tip:
When applying for specialized roles, add context to your assignments. Read more: How to Write a Resume with No Experience
Wedding Photographer Resume Example
Why this wedding photographer resume example is strong:
Avery’s resume stands out for its client-oriented language and workflow metrics. It also demonstrates versatility by including both freelance and studio roles.
Key Tip:
Highlight service-related outcomes like faster gallery delivery or client retention. Learn how here: How to List Promotions on Resume
Underwater Photographer Resume Example
Why this underwater photographer resume example is strong:
Jesse’s resume combines technical underwater photography skills with marine biology, adding depth to the qualifications.
Key Tip:
When roles involve unique certifications or environments, always list them. Explore formatting options: Best Resume Formats
Editorial Photographer Resume Example
Why this editorial photographer resume example is strong:
Skyler’s resume aligns creative storytelling with publication standards. Their involvement in concept development adds strategic value.
Key Tip:
Mention collaborative partners like writers or stylists to emphasize teamwork. Read: How to Build a Resume
Sports Photographer Resume Example
Why this sports photographer resume example is strong:
Devon’s resume shows control in chaotic environments, delivering fast and consistent visual content. The turnaround times and volume illustrate both reliability and stamina.
Key Tip:
When applying to deadline-driven roles, highlight speed and output. Learn how to emphasize urgency and structure here: How to Build a Resume
Medical Photographer Resume Example
Why this medical photographer resume example is strong:
Blake’s resume addresses both technical imaging and compliance, a rare combination in photography. This dual focus makes the resume uniquely effective.
Key Tip:
Show that you understand industry standards beyond your lens. Learn how to highlight regulated work at How to List Your Education on a Resume
Product Photographer Resume Example
Why this product photographer resume example is strong:
Reese’s resume nails technical expectations for product photography. The mention of SKUs, lighting precision, and e-commerce platforms adds credibility.
Key Tip:
Use your resume to mirror client deliverables. Clean formatting reflects clean work. Explore layout tips here: Best Resume Formats
Forensic Photographer Resume Example
Why this forensic photographer resume example is strong:
Skyler demonstrates high accountability and precision in a sensitive field. Legal-ready language and clarity make this resume well-suited for justice roles.
Key Tip:
In regulated fields, show technical and ethical alignment. Learn to format specialized experience: How Long Should a Resume Be
School Photographer Resume Example
Why this school photographer resume example is strong:
Sam’s resume effectively emphasizes speed, scale, and professionalism in high-volume settings. The inclusion of legal awareness adds value.
Key Tip:
If you’re working with children or institutions, mention privacy and safety procedures. Learn how to show experience in sensitive settings here: AI Resume Builder
Photographer Text-Only Resume Examples
How To Write a Photographer's Resume
1. Opt for a resume format that suits your photographer application
Use the combination (or hybrid) resume format to position yourself effectively for jobs as a photographer. (All resume examples on this page follow the combination format.) This format has two main parts:
- An introduction highlighting your top skills and qualifications for your target job. The resume intro usually comprises a brief summary paragraph and skills list, but may also have elements like a professional headline or client testimonial.
- An experience overview of your recent work or other career activities. This part of your resume often centers on sections for your work experience and education.
The following are tips and examples to help you create each standard section of your photographer’s resume.
2. Develop a powerful summary of your photographer credentials
In a brief paragraph, give the main reasons an employer can expect you to create compelling, high-quality images. These key points may include your related work experience, specialties, or certifications. (Note: Most job seekers find it easier to write this section last.)
Strong summary example for a photographer
Photographer with eight years of experience in portrait, fashion, and event photography. Expert in digital editing, lighting, and directing subjects to capture dynamic images. Proven ability to manage high-volume studio shoots and collaborate with creative teams to meet tight deadlines.
Weak summary example for a photographer
I’m a photographer who has worked with a lot of people and done many different kinds of shoots. I take high-quality pictures and like working with others. I have experience using cameras and editing.
As the above examples indicate, you should avoid using “I” statements in your summary. Or if you do use them, just remove the “I” phrase from the beginning of each sentence. For instance, change “I am a photographer with five years…” to “Photographer with five years…”
3. Highlight essential abilities and technical proficiencies for a photographer
List your skills beneath the summary to highlight your value as a photographer. Include hard skills like camera operation and image editing; soft skills like teamwork and client relations; and technical programs like Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and Capture One. This balanced approach demonstrates your versatility and can boost your resume’s appeal with both hiring managers and ATS.
| Common key skills for photographer resumes | |
|---|---|
| Adobe Lightroom | Adobe Photoshop |
| Art direction | Brand consistency |
| Camera maintenance | Client consultation |
| Color correction | Composition techniques |
| Digital asset management | Event photography |
| Exposure control | High-resolution editing |
| Lighting setup | On-location shooting |
| Photo editing | Portrait photography |
| Product photography | RAW processing |
| Retouching | Set design |
| Studio lighting | Visual storytelling |
4. Build a career history that highlights your key accomplishments
For each recent job you’ve held (both in and outside photography), take some time to brainstorm and jot down your duties and achievements separately. As job search expert Richard N. Bolles pointed out, “the act of simply writing things down is a powerful tool, whether you’re scribbling them on paper or typing in a notes app or a blank document. If you can, consider writing with pen and paper, retro as that may seem.”
When you’re done brainstorming, review each item through the lens of your target job. Choose the most relevant duties or highlights to present as bullet points in your experience section. Try to spell out your impact on the organization, and quantify in terms of a percentage or other hard data. This approach helps give your resume the right focus and detail.
Strong experience example for a photographer
Freelance Photographer, Chicago, IL | April 2017 to present
- Photograph over 120 portrait sessions annually, including family, engagement, and professional headshots
- Collaborate with wedding planners and clients to shoot and deliver full wedding albums within a three-week turnaround
- Increased Instagram engagement by 60% in one year through consistent visual storytelling and strategic photo editing
Weak experience example for a photographer
Freelance Photographer, Chicago, IL | April 2017 to present
- Take photos of different people and events
- Edit images and upload them online
- Talk to clients about what kind of pictures they want
5. Highlight your education and certifications relevant to a photographer
This information helps show you’re committed to the field and have the knowledge required to excel. When adding your education, include the degree you earned, the school you attended, and, optionally, the year you graduated. Follow a similar format for any certifications by listing the title, organization, and optionally the completion date. Below is an example of how to present your education and certifications as a photographer:
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography, Columbia College Chicago | 2023
Certification
Professional Photographer Certification, Professional Photographers of America (PPA) | 2022
How To Select the Ideal Photographer Resume Template
The resume templates above can help you clearly and effectively highlight your photography skills and qualifications. When choosing from these or other approved templates, trust your instinct. Often, the design you’re naturally most drawn to will best reflect your professional style and be the one you’re most confident sending to employers.
Resume.org offers free, HR-approved resume templates to help you create a professional resume in minutes.
Build Your ResumeFrequently Asked Questions: Photographer Resume Examples and Advice
Common action verbs for photographer resumes include:
| Action verbs | |
|---|---|
| Advertised | Analyzed |
| Archived | Automated |
| Built | Captured |
| Clarified | Compiled |
| Composed | Coordinated |
| Created | Demonstrated |
| Developed | Directed |
| Edited | Enhanced |
| Established | Evaluated |
| Framed | Improved |
| Increased | Integrated |
| Introduced | Launched |
| Maintained | Managed |
| Optimized | Organized |
| Photographed | Planned |
| Prevented | Produced |
| Raised | Reduced |
| Retouched | Shot |
| Streamlined | Styled |
| Visualized | Won |
A great way to tailor your photographer resume is by editing the skills section.
First, delete any terms from your skills list that don’t appear in the job post text. Then, take another look at the job requirements. Do they cover any skills you possess but haven’t added to your list yet? By including those terms, you’ll give a more complete picture of the value you can add.
For instance, if the job posting lists “studio lighting” and “product photography,” update your skills section to match. Swap out unrelated skills and add the required ones, like:
- Studio lighting
- Product photography
- Digital asset management
- Photo retouching
This targeted approach helps your resume align with the job posting and stand out to employers.
With resume design, less is more. The less visual information you add, the more attention you’ll draw to your relevant skills and achievements. Keep your format simple and polished. Avoid visual flourishes like elaborate borders, colorful logos, or unusual bullet symbols, which usually just distract the reader.
Head of Career Advising
Kara Dennison, SPHR, CPRW, EC is an Executive Career and Leadership Coach, Organizational Strategy Consultant, and CEO of Optimized Career Solutions. With certifications as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), and Encouragement Consultant (EC), Kara brings a unique blend of strategic insight, behavioral science, and personal development to her work. Her career began in corporate recruiting and HR leadership, where she partnered with C-suite executives to hire top performers and reviewed more than 500,000 resumes. That experience ignited her passion for helping high-achieving professionals clarify their path, tell their story with impact, and advance into roles they love.
Today, Kara coaches executives and consults with organizations on culture, communication, and leadership development. She’s been named a Top 101 Global Employee Engagement Influencer by Inspiring Workplaces for 2023, 2024, and 2025, and contributes regularly to Forbes on topics like career growth, leadership trends, and the evolving workplace. Her work has appeared in Fast Company, LifeHacker, Thrive Global, and other leading outlets. Through one-on-one coaching, brand strategy, and organizational consulting, Kara’s mission is simple: empower professionals and leaders to live impactful lives, showing up with clarity and confidence so they and their teams can thrive.
Resume.org offers free, HR approved resume templates to help you create a professional resume in minutes. Choose from several template options and even pre-populate a resume from your profile.