Skip to main content

Creative & Design

Photographer Resume Example

A photographer resume needs to prove technical range and business results — ATS scans for software and shoot-type keywords, while reviewers judge primarily on the linked portfolio and client volume.

Photographer Resume Sample

A complete, recruiter-approved example you can use as a starting point. Open it in the builder to edit every line.

ISABELLA MORETTI

Commercial Photographer

New York, NY · i.moretti@email.com · (555) 675-3312

Summary

Commercial photographer with 5 years shooting product, portrait, and editorial work for brand and agency clients. Runs a freelance practice generating $95K in annual bookings alongside contract work for Getty Images.

Experience

Freelance Photographer · Self-Employed

2022 - Present

  • Booked and shot 60+ commercial and editorial projects annually, generating $95K in yearly revenue
  • Built a repeat-client base with a 65% rebooking rate through consistent delivery and studio lighting expertise
  • Managed the full post-production workflow in Lightroom and Photoshop, delivering final assets within 48 hours

Contract Photographer · Getty Images

2020 - 2022

  • Produced editorial and lifestyle image sets licensed across 30+ publications, generating recurring royalty income
  • Directed talent and crew on location shoots, completing 4-6 shoots per month on tight production timelines

Education

B.F.A. PhotographySchool of Visual Arts · 2019

Skills

Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop, Studio Lighting, Portrait Photography, Commercial Photography, Photo Retouching, Client Direction, Location Scouting, Post-Production Workflow

Must-Have Keywords for Photographer Resumes

These are the keywords ATS systems and recruiters search for. Include them naturally in your Skills, Summary, and Experience sections.

Adobe LightroomAdobe PhotoshopStudio LightingPortrait PhotographyCommercial PhotographyPhoto RetouchingClient DirectionLocation ScoutingCamera EquipmentPost-Production WorkflowDigital Asset Management

The Right Resume Structure for Photographer Roles

ATS systems parse your resume top to bottom. The order of your sections matters — here is the order that works best for Photographer applications:

  1. 1Contact Information
  2. 2Portfolio Link
  3. 3Professional Summary
  4. 4Work Experience
  5. 5Skills
  6. 6Equipment & Software
  7. 7Education

ATS Optimization Tips for Photographer Resumes

  • Lead with a portfolio link — photography is judged on images first, resume second.
  • Quantify client and project volume: number of shoots, campaigns, or clients served per year.
  • Specify photography genre and technical range: studio, location, product, portrait, editorial.
  • Mention post-production workflow and retouching software explicitly for ATS matching.
  • Note any usage-rights, licensing, or stock-photography revenue if freelance or self-employed.
  • Include equipment and lighting expertise (strobes, continuous, natural light) relevant to the role.
  • If self-employed, treat it like a real job: list revenue, client retention, or repeat-booking rate.

Ready to Build Your Photographer Resume?

Start from this pre-filled Photographer example — it already has the right keywords, format, and structure. Edit every line in the builder.