Photographer CV examples

A Photographer CV is more than just a list of jobs. It’s your chance to prove that your creativity, technical expertise, and eye for detail are exactly what employers are looking for.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to write a CV that highlights your portfolio, technical skills, and experience – helping you land roles that let your talent shine.

Think of your CV like a photo gallery: it should be well-organised, showcase your best work, and leave recruiters scrolling for more. A clear CV structure helps employers see your talents at a glance.

Here’s how to structure your Photographer CV:

• Name and contact details – Your contact details belong at the top so potential clients or employers can easily reach you. Including a picture of yourself is optional, but you’re already good at those!
• Profile – Start with a compelling summary of your style, technical skills, and experience.
• Core skills – Then, highlight your abilities, such as editing software expertise or studio lighting.
• Work experience – Share your projects and roles in reverse chronological order, focusing on your impact.
• Education – Show off any academic qualifications, photography courses, and certifications in your CV.
• Additional info – Another optional section lets you state your hobbies and interests that reflect creativity or a passion for storytelling.

A messy CV format is like an overexposed photo – no matter how much potential is there, it’s hard to see the value. Keep the layout as sharp and well-composed as the final edit for the best results. Make sure your design is clean, professional, and easy to read to ensure recruiters focus on your achievements, rather than visual mistakes.

Here’s how to format your Photographer CV effectively:

• Bullet points – A good CV should break down information for quick reading and clarity.
• Divide sections – Use headings to guide readers through your CV effortlessly.
• Use a clean font – Choose a professional font that’s as easy to read as your portfolio is to admire.
• Keep it the right length – No more than 2 pages is plenty of length to showcase your talent without losing the reader’s interest.

Your profile is your introduction to the employer – a snapshot of why you’re the best choice for their project or team. It should quickly cover everything from your experience to your enviable expertise.

Here are some tips on what to put in your Photographer CV profile:

• Where you’ve worked – Note the types of studios, publications, or freelance projects you’ve been part of.
• Your top qualifications – Talk about any formal training, such as photography degrees or certifications.
• Your style and expertise – Quickly mention your niche, like portraiture, landscapes, or editorial photography.
• Notable projects – Tell the recruiter about any high-profile shoots or unique assignments.
• Tools of the trade – Discuss your specific proficiency with cameras, editing software, or other photography gear.

Your core skills section is your CV’s contact sheet – a quick overview of the talents you bring to the table. 

This section is the lens through which recruiters see your potential – zoom in on the technical and creative skills that make you a standout photographer. Tailor your CV skills section to reflect the specific requirements of the job or client.

Your work experience section is where you showcase the projects you’ve completed and the value you’ve brought to clients or employers. A recruiter will want to see how you’ve applied your skills in practical settings.

Even if your most recent gig was shooting your friend’s wedding, it still counts – every project tells a story about your experience and passion.

• Outline – Describe the project, your role, and the scope of your work.
• Responsibilities – Highlight your key contributions, such as setting up shoots, managing teams, or editing photos.
• Achievements – Include outcomes, such as awards, client satisfaction, or published work. Include numbers wherever possible to further cement the value you provided.

Whether you’ve got a formal degree or learned the ropes from YouTube tutorials, this is the place to show how you’ve developed your eye for photography. The education section is where you show off the foundational education that backs up your undeniable skill.

Include degrees, certifications, and workshops that have honed your skills. For those without formal qualifications, highlight self-directed learning or online courses.

Always list qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.