A perfect photographer CV is clear and to the point, reflecting all relevant photography experience in a concise and organised manner. It will highlight areas of photography expertise but also showcase your other skills, including attention to detail, self-motivation, and communication – all of which are vital for the role.

Utilising a photographer CV example can help you to apply in a flash. Plus, there are plenty of ways to tailor your CV to suit your needs, whether that’s with a freelance photographer CV or a wedding photographer CV. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from the vital skills and qualifications you need to ideas for your personal statement.

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    Photographer CV sample - image plus text CV

    Photographer CV Sample

    Anna McDonald

    195 Crown Street
    London WC24TF
    987654321
    annamcdonald@example.com

    Professional summary

    Energetic and creative Photographer with 5 years of experience in capturing high-quality images for various purposes. Skilled in using professional photography equipment and editing software to produce stunning visuals. Strong attention to detail and ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to collaborate effectively with clients and team members to achieve desired results.

    Work history

    March 2022 – Current
    Snap Marketing – London
    Photographer

    • Captured and edited photographs for advertising campaigns and promotional materials.
    • Collaborated with clients to understand their vision and deliver high-quality images that met their requirements.
    • Managed and maintained photography equipment, ensuring it was in good working condition.
    • Stayed up-to-date with industry trends and techniques to continuously improve photography skills.

    April 2017 – February 2022
    Making Memories – Manchester
    Photographer

    • Photographed various events, including weddings, parties, and corporate functions.
    • Edited and retouched photographs using Adobe Photoshop to enhance their quality and visual appeal.
    • Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of final images to clients.
    • Collaborated with event organisers and clients to capture key moments and create memorable photographs.

    Skills

    • Photography
    • Adobe Photoshop
    • Image Editing
    • Attention to Detail
    • Communication
    • Time Management
    • Teamwork
    • Creativity

    Education

    December 2012
    University of Arts London London
    Bachelor of Arts Photography

    December 2010
    City College Manchester
    Diploma Photography

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    Photographer CV template

    A concise photographer CV template helps to format your experience, skills, and education in a neat and tidy manner. As a professional photographer, it’s key to present yourself in an aesthetically pleasing way – do this with thoughtful use of colour and the right font. Our cherry-picked CV templates can act as the ultimate photo-frame for your details.

    What is the best format for your photographer CV?

    The first step you should take is to choose an effective format. For a photographer, you’ll want to create the perfect image of yourself as a candidate – but what exactly should you be including about yourself?

    This is where CV formats can help. They are conventional structures which recruiters are familiar with. For a photography CV, we recommend one of two well-known formats.

    The first is the reverse-chronological CV. This uses your previous work experience as a photographer to highlight your suitability for the role you are applying for. It begins with your current or most recent job roles, then works backwards through time, giving a comprehensive snapshot of your work history.

    The second option you have is to go for a skills-based CV. This is a better choice if you are already an experienced photographer, but don’t have any work experience to draw on. It focuses on transferable skills, highlighting how these can apply to many different photography positions.

    So, which of these is the best? You should always try to lead with experience if you can. But if you have all the skills without any work history – a skills-based CV can work just as well.

    Here are some other important structural tips for you to keep in mind while designing your structure:

    • Keep your CV short, ideally one or two pages.
    • Write in a legible font such as Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial.
    • Use clear headings, section breaks, and bullet point lists to break up sections of text.
    • Always send your CV as a Word or PDF document.

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    How to write a CV for a photographer

    Now that we’ve covered structure, let’s consider the overall content of your CV. We’re going to outline a series of effective tips and formulas to kickstart the writing process.

    So, let’s learn how to write a CV for photographer, including:

    Adding contact details to your photographer CV

    Contact details on your CV are not to be missed. If you ignore this section, or don’t get it right, you could miss out on important opportunities. Quite simply, that’s because you’re making it harder for recruiters to get in touch.

    To make sure this section won’t be missed, place it near the top of your document, preferably in the header of your CV. You should use a large or bold font to make sure these details stand out. By doing this, potential employers will be able to easily locate it and find this critical information.

    Here’s a short list of what to include:

    • Your full name – no need to add your middle name.
    • Your location – specify your location so the recruiter knows where you’re based.
    • Phone – Include a mobile number whenever possible so you’re easier to reach.
    • Email – use a professional email address appropriate for work.

    Example of contact section for a photographer’s CV

    Toby Williams
    43 Iffey Road,
    Bristol BS1 9NR
    07912 345 678
    toby.williams@example-example.co.uk

    Photographer CV personal statement

    When writing a photographer CV, you need to provide recruiters with an instant snapshot of what makes you perfect for the role. That’s where a personal statement comes in. As a general rule, you should use 3-4 sentences and no more to cover your most important achievements and skills.

    Start your CV with a strong first line that grabs attention right away. Introduce yourself clearly, focusing on your experience as a professional photographer. Keep the tone formal yet approachable and save any broader career goals for another part of your CV or your cover letter.

    In the next sentence, highlight a standout achievement, using a specific number or statistic for more impact. For instance, talk about your role in a major photography project that lasted a year, including how many photos you helped to edit. This shows your skills in a concrete way and makes your experience more relatable.

    Then, in the third and fourth sentences, talk about what makes you different. Mention any special skills or areas of expertise you have, like software you’re proficient in or unique creative abilities. End your personal statement on a note that makes the recruiter want to learn more about you.

    Your personal statement shouldn’t be a rehash of your work history or qualifications. It needs to be a unique description of why you should be hired over every other candidate. Not sure where to start? Here are some additional tips:

    • Use keywords from the job ad.
    • Use a professional tone by writing in the third person.
    • Keep your personal statement brief, at a maximum of 100 words.
    • Stay formal and friendly throughout.

    Example of personal statement for a photographer CV

    Motivated, highly creative photographer with 11 years of experience in a variety of niche industries. Solid experience shooting weddings and head shots, as well as commercial assignments such as fashion shoots, product marketing, and event photography.

    OR

    Creative photographer with over 5 years of experience shooting in commercial settings. Took over 400 negatives for a year-long project, before editing and selecting the perfect ones. Highly skilled in documentary photography, landscapes and portraits.

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    Photographer CV work experience

    The work experience section is crucial in your CV, often being the first thing hiring managers look at to decide if you’re a good fit for a photography role. It’s your chance to prove how ready you are for the job, and that you are an experienced and talented photographer.

    Start with your most recent or current role as a photographer or photography assistant. Dive into the specific challenges you faced in each position and explain how you overcame them. This part of your CV gives a glimpse of what you bring to the table and how you’re the right choice for the position.

    Here’s what to include for each job you list in your work experience:

    • Your job title
    • The dates you worked there
    • The company’s name (if applicable)
    • Where the company is located
    • Your main duties and responsibilities

    Keep your language lively and positive, using adjectives like “experienced” or “creative” to paint a vivid picture of your capabilities. Also, favour action verbs over phrases like “responsible for”. Use words like “assisted” or “explored” to describe your past work more dynamically.

    Example of work experience for a photographer’s CV

    HEAD PHOTOGRAPHER | 05/2022 – Current
    Harborside Creative – Bristol

    • Photographed high-quality images for both print and online distribution.
    • Facilitated weekly studio appointments.
    • Improved company customer service rating by 35%

    WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | 11/2019 – 05/2022
    Avon Photography – Bristol

    • Shot more than 150 weddings over a period of four years.
    • Handled top-of-the-range cameras operating at several thousand frames per second.
    • Applied digital styling techniques to enhance photos.

    Photographer CV skills

    The section of CV skills is the next important area you’ll need to get right. It is often checked by employers early, to see if you meet the minimum photography requirements to be successful. This section should be short, but showcase a diverse range of abilities, reflecting your versatility as a photographer.

    When listing your skills, try to reach 12 in total, split between hard and soft skills. Hard skills are technical abilities you’ve acquired through work experience or education. These might include specific photography techniques or software proficiency. Soft skills are personal attributes that make you stand out, like your ability to communicate under pressure.

    It’s important to have a balance if you can. As a photographer, you’ll need to highlight any essential technical skills in photography alongside interpersonal qualities that demonstrate you’re a team player.

    If you’re wondering about skills for a photographer CV, then the list below will give you a clear picture of what recruiters will be looking for.

    Must-have skills for photographers

    • Advanced camera techniques
    • Location spotting
    • Using photo editing software
    • Networking and relationship building
    • Setting up equipment
    • Creative composition

    Nice-to-haves to set you apart

    • Organisation
    • Creativity
    • Patience
    • Focus
    • Confidence and communication
    • Attention to detail

    Get education right on your photographer’s CV

    Putting together a detailed education section is key to rounding out your CV. While hands-on experience holds significant value, your educational history paints a picture of your background as a candidate. This is especially true if you have taken any specific photography courses.

    Begin with your highest level of education and list the rest in reverse chronological order, mirroring the structure used in your work experience section. If you have a degree in photography, make sure to highlight it, as well as the specific field. It can be important to emphasise the type of photography you’ve studied, for example, documentary, art, or photojournalism.

    You should make sure to focus on relevant qualifications here. Being a photographer demands a specific skill set, one that you’ve honed through years of study and practice. Ensure that this section reflects the educational journey that has equipped you with these essential skills. Additional writing skills learned from English-based courses can also be great, depending on the specifics of the job you are applying for.

    Here is what you should always include:

    • Institution of study
    • Qualification level
    • Qualification subject
    • Dates attended
    • Any grades (if applicable)

    Example of education for a photographer’s CV

    Avon Institute For The Arts – Bristol | Bachelor of Arts
    Photography, 2020 – 2023
    Graduated with honours.

    South West Academy Of Photography – Bristol | NVQ Level 2
    Photo imaging, 2018 – 2020
    Graduated with distinction*

    Dos and don’ts for your photographer CV

    To give recruiters the best impression of your abilities, you need to set up a clear shot of your career with your professional photographer CV. Here are our top tips to stand out.

    Do

    • DO speak the language

      Catch a recruiter’s eye by using the right language for the role. These are often called keywords or buzzwords. Remember, a professional photographer CV may require a different set of skills and experience than a creative photographer CV. If the part calls for specialism in portraits or wedding photography, ensure you highlight these experiences. Using a specific lens? Better at close-ups? Macro? Make sure to be as detailed as possible.

    • DO focus on results

      A professional photographer knows that taking photographs is only half of the job. Editing and client liaison is just as key to success. If you’re writing a freelance photographer CV, then you should be aware that recruiters are looking to see that you can take pictures and deliver high-quality edited photos to clients on time and within budgets. Tell recruiters how quickly you can edit and return images to clients, the number of shots per client, and other measurable results.

    Don't

    • DON’T forget to save time with samples

      Writing a photographer CV can be a time-consuming process. To cut down on time and give yourself some clear direction, why not check out photographer CV examples for UK jobs. These will include the exact style, formatting, and content that you’ll need for your CV – you just need to personalise it to your skills and experience. You can tailor the examples to suit your specialisations. For example, a freelance photographer CV sample will need to include details about your ability to communicate with clients.

    • DON’T forget to show off your photos

      To showcase your work, you’ll want to create an outstanding portfolio to accompany your professional photographer CV. There are plenty of ways to do this. Many develop a PDF. Others choose to build a portfolio website, and some even send out physical booklets. The key is choosing images that speak for themselves and showcase your technical ability.

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    Your photographer CV questions answered

    What are the requirements to be a photographer?

    While qualifications are not essential for photographers, they will certainly be well received. If you’re wondering how to become a photographer, degrees in photography or art and design are particularly beneficial. Many employers will be looking for talent, creativity, and evidenced ability, so focus on your experience.

    What is the job description of a photographer?

    A photographer job description will usually include a specific set of tasks, including:

    • Discussing and working on project briefs
    • Liaising with clients, models and team members
    • Carrying out research, including location research
    • Setting up and managing equipment
    • Taking high-quality photographs
    • Post-production editing using software
    • Preparing physical copies, if required

    However, this can vary depending on the type of photography you specialise in. For example, an online photographer will need to be aware of photo transferring software. Looking at a photographer job description sample in your specialism can help you stand out.

    What skills does a photographer need?

    Skills for a photographer CV should include technical skills like using advanced photography equipment and techniques, utilising photo editing software, and design composition. You’ll also need to include soft skills like creativity, attention-to-detail, and organisation.

    How do I write a CV for a photographer?

    A photographer CV format follows a specific set of guidelines. Generally, you’ll need to follow this format:

    • Professional summary or statement – Include some key details about your work achievements to grab recruiters’ attention.
    • Work history – Detail of your main duties and achievements. Work experience and assignments are the most critical aspect of any photographer’s CV. Recruiters want to know the specific types of assignments you’ve handled, and the results delivered to clients.
    • Relevant qualifications – However, if your work history is extensive, this may not be required.
    • A list of key skills – You should aim to include both practical and soft skills.
    • Contact details – These help recruiters to get in touch for an interview.

    The best file type for a photographer CV is usually a PDF to avoid any issues with formatting. Alternatively, using a photographer CV template in Word can make your CV more compatible with ATS scans.

    What should a photography CV look like?

    As described above, there is a clear format for creating a CV for a photographer. To structure and develop your CV, it can help to take a look at photographer CV samples. These will include ideas for the outline and organisation of your CV, as well as inspiration for the content. Specifically, photographer CV examples for UK jobs will give you a clear impression of what British employers are looking out for.

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    Showcase your skills with a photographer CV

    Create a perfect picture of everything you have to offer employers with a photography CV. In need of some inspiration before you begin? Take a look at our extensive library of CV examples and CV templates. Looking at professional CVs could be exactly what you need to inspire your own CV.

    Then, when you’re ready, create your CV online with a CV builder. With pre-written content based on photography skills and experience – you can easily create an effective CV for a photographer.

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