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Whether it’s for weddings, news agencies or freelance gigs, photography assistant jobs are always in high demand. Now is as good a time as ever to kickstart your photography career. When it comes to your CV, there are a couple of challenges to consider – from applying for photography assistant jobs with no experience to tailoring your CV to the photography assistant job description.
That’s where myPerfectCV can help. If you follow our top-notch CV writing advice, you’ll be able to put together the perfect photography assistant CV in no time. That’s paired with advice on the personal statement, customisable templates and a ready-made photography assistant CV example to guide the way.
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Photography assistant CV templates
The best tips for your photography assistant CV
Follow our expert tips to put your application in the spotlight:
Show flexibility and patience
Photography assistants work out of love for their art. If what you’re looking for is a steady 9-to-5, you should probably start searching elsewhere. Put simply, photography assistant jobs require a higher degree of flexibility than your average office job. From customers being late to their own wedding to poor weather conditions, there is a high number of uncontrollable factors that can alter your working hours. Ensure that your CV example shows that you’re ready for this by mentioning that you have been happy to work overtime in previous roles.
Stick to the job description
There is no such thing as an average photography assistant job description. Every business will have its specific requirements, from being patient enough to work with children to having a sufficiently steady pulse to capture the biggest moment of a football game. If you really want to impress your potential employer, make slight adjustments to your CV that relate to the sector in which they work.
Know your gear – and your jargon!
Tripod, aspect ratio, exposure, chimping – the world of photography uses very specific vocabulary. Including a few technical words in your CV and personal statement will prove your employer that you’re not starting from square one. This also applies to all the gear you will be using as a photography assistant, so name a few cameras and lenses that you particularly like. You can offset this by keeping language as simple as possible elsewhere, so your CV is still easy to read.
Assemble a photography portfolio
Now that we all have a decent camera in our pockets, everyone and their dog claim to be capable photographers. Even if you’re just starting out as a photographer, you need to prove that you are serious about your craft – this is especially important when applying for photography assistant jobs with no experience. Compiling a strong portfolio that showcases your main skills is a great way to complement your CV. You can then add a cover letter to expand on some of your work and how it relates to the job at hand.
Photography assistant skills to include in your CV
Find out about the skills that will appear in practically every photography assistant job description.
Essential photography assistant skills
- Photo and video editing
- Good knowledge of Adobe software packages
- Creative flair
- Hardware knowledge
- Attention to detail
- Patience
Complementary skills to improve your CV
- Willingness to learn
- Interpersonal skills
- Set design
- Customer service
- Good scheduler
- Own transport
Turn your personal statement into a snapshot of your character
Your photography assistant CV should be topped off by an outstanding personal statement that highlights your desires and expectations for the role.
Because photography assistants will spend most of their working day under the supervision of senior photographers, your personal statement should emphasise your willingness to learn. Remember to show flexibility, an understanding for common photography terms and – most importantly – a love for photography.
Top FAQs about your photography assistant CV
How to become a photography assistant?
Although there are no qualifications needed, it’s almost impossible to find photography assistant jobs with no experience whatsoever. The first thing that you need to prove is that you can take a good photo and that you are a capable video and photo editor. There are different ways you can go about it. You can take a photography course whether online or in-person or even search for photography apprenticeships to soak up some expert knowledge. Although you could theoretically become a self-starter, you should lean on more experienced photographers as you take your first steps.
What does a photography assistant do?
Photography assistants help senior photographers with the planning, setup and editing of a photoshoot or filming session. Their role can include tasks such as ensuring that the lightning is right, getting the studio ready or liaising with customers. Depending on the business, a photography assistant might even be asked to take over a photoshoot.
How much does a photographer assistant make?
The money made by a photography assistant in the UK will depend entirely on experience. Normally, a photography assistant UK salary can go from £20,000 to £30,000.
How do I put photography skills on my CV?
Putting yourself forward for photography assistant jobs is very different from applying for an office-based or retail position. When listing your skills, make a specific section for your best qualities as a photographer. These can include the ability to focus a lens or to maintain a steady hand. As usual, ensure that your list of skills fits each photography assistant job description.
What are some common interview questions for photography assistant jobs?
These are some of the most popular questions you will be asked during a photography assistant interview:
- What steps do you follow in order to take a good photo?
- Have you ever dealt with a disgruntled customer?
- Talk me through the best photo you’ve ever taken
- Family events are a big part of this business – what do you think makes a good wedding photography assistant?
- How would you edit a digital picture to make it look burnt?
How to find photography assistant jobs
This will depend on whether you would like to be self-employed or have steady work with a company. For the latter, check the usual job search websites such as Indeed or FindAJob. You can also contact smaller photography businesses directly and show them your portfolio. If you would like to work as a freelance photography assistant, you should build a strong profile on websites like Fiverr or LinkedIn.
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Make a photography assistant CV worth capturing on camera
Kickstart your career as a photography assistant here and now. With our online CV builder, you’ll be able to put together an application that wipes out all your competition. Once you have gone through all our tips, use a customisable CV template for a professional and personable look – then select pre-written content to make it your own.
