Photographer Resume Example & Writing Guide
Build a professional photographer resume. Includes photography portfolio tips, equipment skills, and examples for wedding, commercial, and portrait photographers.
Photographer Resume Example
Here's a professional photographer resume example that you can use as a reference. This example highlights the key sections and content that hiring managers look for.
Alex Johnson
Photographer
New York, NY | alex.johnson@email.com | (555) 123-4567 | linkedin.com/in/alexjohnson
Professional Summary
Professional Photographer with 7+ years of experience in commercial, portrait, and event photography. Expert in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop post-processing, studio lighting, and on-location shooting. Built a client base of 200+ with a 95% satisfaction rate and 60% repeat booking rate.
Work Experience
Senior Photographer
2022 – Present
ABC Corporation, New York, NY
- •Photographed 200+ events including weddings, corporate events, and product launches with 95% client satisfaction
- •Built a freelance photography business generating $120K annual revenue from 150+ annual bookings
- •Delivered 50,000+ edited images annually with a 48-hour average turnaround for post-processing
Photographer
2019 – 2022
XYZ Company, Chicago, IL
- •Created commercial product photography for 30+ brands, with images featured in national retail campaigns
- •Grew Instagram portfolio to 25K followers, generating 40% of new client inquiries through organic content
Skills
Digital Photography • Adobe Lightroom • Adobe Photoshop • Studio Lighting • Natural Light Photography • Portrait Photography • Event Photography • Commercial/Product Photography • Photo Editing • Color Correction • Composition • Client Relations • Photo Delivery & Proofing • Social Media Marketing • Equipment Maintenance
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography
Associate Degree in Visual Arts
Photography Certificate Program
Photographer Resume Summary Examples
Your resume summary is the first thing hiring managers read. Here's a strong example for aphotographer with 7+ years of experience:
“Professional Photographer with 7+ years of experience in commercial, portrait, and event photography. Expert in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop post-processing, studio lighting, and on-location shooting. Built a client base of 200+ with a 95% satisfaction rate and 60% repeat booking rate.”
“Hardworking photographer looking for a challenging position where I can utilize my skills and experience. I am a team player with excellent communication skills.”
Why the first example works: It includes specific years of experience, quantified achievements, technical skills, and certifications — all things ATS systems and hiring managers look for.
Work Experience Bullet Points
Here are powerful, metrics-driven bullet points for a photographer resume. Notice how each one starts with an action verb and includes specific numbers:
- Photographed 200+ events including weddings, corporate events, and product launches with 95% client satisfaction
- Built a freelance photography business generating $120K annual revenue from 150+ annual bookings
- Delivered 50,000+ edited images annually with a 48-hour average turnaround for post-processing
- Created commercial product photography for 30+ brands, with images featured in national retail campaigns
- Grew Instagram portfolio to 25K followers, generating 40% of new client inquiries through organic content
Pro Tip: Use the formula: Action Verb + Task + Quantified Result. For example: “Managed” + “team of 12 engineers” + “delivering project 20% under budget.”
Key Skills for a Photographer Resume
Include these skills on your photographer resume to pass ATS screening and impress hiring managers:
ATS Keywords for Photographer Resume
These are the most important keywords that Applicant Tracking Systems scan for in photographer resumes. Include them naturally throughout your resume:
Important: Don't stuff keywords. Use them naturally in your summary, experience, and skills sections. ATS systems can detect keyword stuffing and may flag your resume.
Education & Certifications
Education
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography
- Associate Degree in Visual Arts
- Photography Certificate Program
Certifications
- Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)
- Adobe Certified Expert – Photoshop
- FAA Part 107 Drone License
Expert Tips for Your Photographer Resume
Link to your online portfolio — it's more important than your resume
Quantify bookings, revenue, and client satisfaction
Include specific photography specialties and equipment
Show business skills (marketing, client management, invoicing)
Mention publication credits and notable clients
Photographer Salary & Job Outlook
Entry Level
$28K
Median Salary
$40K
Experienced
$80K
Job Outlook
4% growth (2022-2032), about as fast as average
Source: BLS 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
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