Are you looking for your next photographer role?
If only you could submit some of your best photos for consideration. After all, your work does the talking for you.
As that’s not possible, you need to use your words, and our comprehensive guide below will teach you how to write a clear and candid application.
We’ve also created some photographer cover letter examples to inspire you.
Contents
Photographer cover letter example 1
Photographer cover letter example 2
Photographer cover letter example 3
These 3 Photographer cover letter examples should provide you with a good steer on how to write your own cover letter, and the general structure to follow.
Our simple step-by-step guide below provides some more detailed advice on how you can craft a winning cover letter for yourself, that will ensure your CV gets opened.
How to write a Photographer cover letter
A simple step-by-step guide to writing your very own winning cover letter.
Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message
You should write your cover letter in the body of the email (or messaging system if sending via a job board) and never attach it as a document.
The reason for this?
You want your cover letter to start connecting with the recruiter from the moment they open your application.
If they have to open a document to read it, it will slow things down and they may not even bother to open it.
Start with a friendly greeting
Start you cover letter with a greeting that is professional but friendly.
This will build rapport with the recruiter whilst showing your professionalism.
- Hi, hope you’re well
- Hi [insert recruiter name]
- Hi [insert department/team name]
Avoid overly formal greetings like “Dear sir/madam” unless applying to very traditional companies.
How to find the contact’s name?
Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try these methods to find it.
- Check out the company website and look at their About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
- Head to LinkedIn, search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.
Identify the role you are applying for
Once you have opened the cover letter with a warm greeting, you need to explain which role you are interested in.
Sometimes a recruitment consultant could be managing over 10 vacancies, so it’s crucial to pinpoint exactly which one you are interested in.
Highlight the department/area if possible and look for any reference numbers you can quote.
These are some examples you can add..
- I am interested in applying for the role of Photographer with your company.
- I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 40f57393)
- I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
- I saw your advert for an IT project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.
See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles
Highlight your suitability
The sole objective of your cover letter is to motivate recruiters into to opening your CV. And you achieve this by quickly explaining your suitability to the roles you are applying for.
Take a look at the job descriptions you are applying to, and make note of the most important skills and qualifications being asked for.
Then, when crafting your cover letter, make your suitability the central focus.
Explain why you are the best qualified candidate, and why you are so well suited to carry out the job.
This will give recruiters all the encouragement they need to open your CV and consider you for the job.
Keep it short and sharp
A good cover letter is short and sharp, getting to the point quickly with just enough information to grab the attention of recruiters.
Ideally your cover letter should be around 4-8 sentences long – anything longer will risk losing the attention of time-strapped recruiters and hiring managers.
Essentially you need to include just enough information to persuade the reader to open up your CV, where the in-depth details will sit.
Sign off professionally
To finish off your cover note, add a professional signature to the bottom, stating your important contact details and information.
This not only provides recruiters with multiple means of contacting you, but it also adds a nice professional appearance to the cover letter, which shows that you know how to conduct yourself in the workplace.
Include the following points;
- A friendly sign off – e.g. “Warm regards”
- Your full name
- Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
- Email address
Optional
- Profession title
- Professional social network – e.g. LinkedIn
Here is an example signature;
Warm regards,
Aaron Smith
Customer service professional
075557437373
Aaron@smith.com
LinkedIn
Quick tip: To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate document that you could copy in.
What to include in your Photographer cover letter
So, what type of information should you write about in your Photographer cover letter?
The specifics will obviously depend on your profession and the jobs you are applying to, but these are the key areas you should be covering.
- Your industry experience – Tell recruiters the types of companies you have been working for and the roles you have held in the past.
- Your qualifications – Highlight your most important relevant qualifications to show employers you are qualified to do the roles you are applying for.
- The impact you have made – Demonstrate the positive impact you have made for employers in previous jobs. Have you saved money? Improved processes? Made customers happy?
- Your reasons for moving – Employers will want to know why you are leaving your current/previous role, so provide them with a brief explanation here.
- Your availability – When will you be able to start a new job? Check your current contract to find out your notice period if you are in a position already.
Photographer cover letter templates
Copy and paste these Photographer cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.
Template 1
Good morning, Felicity
Given Leavesden Studio’s reputation for delivering exceptional visual content, I would like to apply for the Junior Photographer position advertised on the company’s website. With a passion for visual storytelling, a creative eye, and a drive to learn from senior professionals, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team’s success.
As a recent graduate with a BFA from the University of Bristol, I have gained a solid foundation in both technical skills and artistic expression. My coursework and projects have provided me with hands-on experience in camera operation, lighting techniques, and post-processing software. During my studies, I completed a 3-month internship at Concept Agent Ltd, where I collaborated with peers on various creative projects and helped increase client satisfaction ratings by 20% through effectively organising and executing numerous photo-shoots, capturing engaging images, and completing post-production processes.
My portfolio showcases my ability to snap moments that evoke emotions and tell compelling narratives. Please feel free to contact me via email or by phone to schedule an interview, as I am available immediately.
Kind regards
Greg Hilton
Template 2
Good afternoon, Kelly
I am excited to apply for the Photographer position at Life Realisations Limited, as advertised on Totaljobs. With over 8 years of experience in capturing captivating portraits and a strong artistic vision, I am eager to bring my unique perspective to your creative team.
Throughout my career working for Appear Ltd, I have developed a deep understanding of lighting techniques, composition, and post-production procedures. My portfolio showcases my ability to snap authentic emotions and create memorable images that resonate with diverse clientele. Additionally, my proficiency in retouching and editing ensures that final products consistently meet the highest standards.
I also understand the importance of taking candid shots that reflect the energy and atmosphere of the occasion, with a proven track record of executing large-scale photo projects for 42 clients over the past 12 months, which resulted in a 15% boost in repeat business and referrals. Furthermore, I produced images that contributed to a 30% growth in social media engagement and a 10% rise in website traffic.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me to schedule an interview at your earliest convenience, to discuss my competencies, qualifications, and additional achievements.
Kind regards
Michael Yates
Template 3
Hi Gabby
I am writing in response to the Senior Photographer vacancy at River Island. With 15 years of experience capturing the energy and emotion of diverse events, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute my leadership, creativity, and proven track record of success to your team.
My career has been defined by my ability to shoot authentic moments which tell captivating stories. From international conferences to high-profile red-carpet gatherings, I have delivered stunning pictures that have been featured in major publications and attracted the attention of industry influencers. Additionally, my lead role at SQ Professional has resulted in a 25% increase in client referrals due to the exceptional quality and impact of my images, while I have also played a significant role in generating £2M+ annually through showcasing my capacity to drive marketing campaigns across numerous digital platforms.
All my colleagues recognise my capabilities to thrive in a fast-paced environment, with a keen eye for detail and a dedication to delivering exceptional visual content.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me to schedule an interview at your earliest convenience.
Kind regards
Brandon Wright
Writing an impressive cover letter is a crucial step in landing a Photographer job, so taking the time to perfect it is well worth while.
By following the tips and examples above you will be able to create an eye-catching cover letter that will wow recruiters and ensure your CV gets read – leading to more job interviews for you.
Good luck with your job search!