How to Create a Resume for a Job in Photography

So, you want to be a photographer? Awesome! The world needs more great photographers. But, it's a tough field. To get that dream job, you need a killer resume. This isn't just any resume. It's a photography resume that screams, "Hire me!" Let's get started.

Understanding the Photography Job Market

First, a quick look at the lay of the land. The photography world is big. You've got wedding photographers, portrait photographers, commercial photographers... It goes on and on. Each type of photography job might have its own specific needs. Keep that in mind!

What does a good photography resume look like? Simple. It needs to look good. It needs to be clear. And it needs to be made for that job you're after. Think of it as your first impression. Make it count. Show off your skills, your experience, and your portfolio. Let your work do the talking.

Key Pieces of a Winning Photography Resume

Here's what every great photography resume needs:

1. Contact Info: Name, number, email, and a link to your online portfolio. Make it easy for them to reach you!
2. Summary/Objective: A quick bit about you. What are you good at? What do you want? If you have lots of experience, use a summary. If you're just starting, use an objective.
3. Skills: What can you do? List all your technical and artistic skills.
4. Experience: Where have you worked? What did you do? Show them you can handle the job.
5. Education: Where did you go to school? What did you study? Did you take any cool workshops?
6. Portfolio: Your best work. This is the most important part. Show them what you've got!
7. Awards: Did you win any awards? Brag a little!
8. References: People who can say good things about you. (Make sure you ask them first!)

Let's Break it Down, Section by Section

1. Contact Information: Making Connections Easy

Keep it simple! Make sure your email is professional. Like, "[email protected]," not "[email protected]." You get the idea. Add links to your LinkedIn or Instagram if it showcases your work.

Example:

John Doe
(555) 123-4567
[email protected]
www.johndoephotography.com
linkedin.com/in/johndoephotography

2. Summary/Objective: Setting the Right Tone

This is your hook. Make it good! A summary is a quick look at your experience. An objective shows what you're aiming for. Which one is right for you?

Example (Summary):

"Creative photographer with 5+ years experience in commercial and portrait work. Gets great shots and makes clients happy. Knows Photoshop, Lightroom, and Capture One. Looking for a fun photography job."

Example (Objective):

"Eager photographer who loves taking pictures. Wants to learn and grow in a real job. Looking for an entry-level role at [Company Name] to use my skills."

3. Skills: Show Off What You Can Do

List your skills! Make it easy to read. Think about these categories:

• Technical Skills: Can you use a camera? What about lighting? Editing software?
• Artistic Skills: Composition? Posing? Do you have an eye for detail?
• Other Skills: Client communication? Marketing? Do you know the business side?

Example:

Technical Skills:

• Expert at Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and Capture One
• Knows DSLR and mirrorless cameras inside and out
• Great with studio and natural lighting

Artistic Skills:

• Amazing at composition and posing
• Tells stories through pictures
• Sees the details that others miss

4. Experience: What Have You Done?

Tell them where you've worked. What did you do? What were you responsible for? Did you increase your customer base? Give numbers and examples to prove what you can do!

Example:

Freelance Photographer, Self-Employed (2018 – Present)

• Took photos for people, businesses, and groups.
• Focused on portraits, events, and commercial work.
• Made clients very happy with the results.
• Increased business by 20% through marketing.
• Handled everything from talking to clients to delivering photos.

Photography Intern, [Company Name] (Summer 2017)

• Helped senior photographers set up lighting and pose people.
• Learned about shooting in the studio and on location.
• Picked up new skills from experienced pros.
• Helped finish several photography projects.

5. Education: Where Did You Learn?

List your degrees, certificates, and workshops. Most recent first.

Example:

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography, [University Name] (2014 – 2018)

• GPA: 3.8
• Studied Digital Photography, Studio Lighting, Photojournalism, and the History of Photography

Photography Workshop, [Institution Name] (Summer 2016)

6. Portfolio: The Star of the Show

This is the most important part. Your portfolio shows your style and skill. Link to your online portfolio. Make it easy to see and navigate.

Tips for a great portfolio:

• Only show your best work.
• Show different styles of photography.
• Organize your photos into galleries.
• Write a little bit about each photo.
• Keep it updated!

7. Awards and Recognition: Show Off Your Wins

List any awards you've won. It proves you're good!

Example:

First Place, [Photography Competition Name] (2019)

Honorable Mention, [Photography Exhibition Name] (2018)

8. References: Get a Good Word In

List people who can say good things about you. Ask them before you list them!

Example:

Available upon request.

Design and Style: Make it Look Good

Your resume should look good, too! A clean, modern look can help you stand out.

• Use a professional template.
• Pick one font and stick to it.
• Use white space to make it easy to read.
• Use bullet points.
• Proofread! No mistakes allowed.

Tailor It: Make it Fit the Job

Don't just send the same resume to every job. Change it for each job you apply for. Read the job description. What do they want? Make sure your resume shows you have it.

• Use keywords from the job description.
• Focus on the experience that matters most.
• Change your summary or objective to match the job.
• Show the right portfolio pieces.

Don't Do This! Common Mistakes

Watch out for these common mistakes:

• A generic, boring resume.
• Bad writing or mistakes.
• An unprofessional email address.
• A low-quality portfolio.
• Missing contact info.
• A resume that's too long.

More Than Just a Resume: Job Hunt Tips

A resume is important, but it's not the only thing. You also need a plan.

• Research the companies you want to work for.
• Apply online.
• Follow up after you apply.
• Practice your interview skills.

Networking can help you connect with other photographers! Here's how.

• Go to photography events.
• Join photography groups.
• Connect on LinkedIn and Instagram.
• Reach out to photographers you admire.

In Conclusion: Go Get That Job!

A great photography resume can help you get your dream job. Follow these tips to create a resume that shows off your skills and experience. Tailor it to each job. Show off your amazing portfolio. And network! With a good resume and a smart approach, you can get there. Your portfolio is the king, but a great resume gets you in the door. Go get that job!