Photography on Resume

Should You List Photography on Resume

In most professional contexts, listing photography as a skill or experience on your resume can demonstrate versatility, creativity, and technical abilities that are increasingly valuable in today's digital-first world. However, it is crucial to consider the industry, job role, and regional differences when deciding whether to include this skill on your resume.

In the United States, for example, highlighting photography skills can be beneficial across various industries, including marketing, graphic design, journalism, event planning, real estate, and more. In contrast, other regions might have different expectations regarding the importance of listing photography skills, so it is essential to research the industry norms of your target country or region.

Why to List Photography on Resume

• Demonstrates creativity: Highlighting your photography skills showcases your ability to think creatively and solve problems visually, which is valued in many professional settings.
• Technical expertise: A strong understanding of photography techniques, equipment, and software can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your technical proficiency.
• Versatility: Photography skills are transferable across various industries and job roles, showcasing your adaptability as a candidate.
• Communication abilities: Photographs can tell stories effectively, making it an essential tool for communicating ideas or concepts clearly and concisely.

Where to List Photography on Resume

• Professional Summary/Objective: Briefly mention your photography skills in the opening statement of your resume, demonstrating how they contribute to your overall professional goals.
• Skills Section: Create a dedicated section for photography-related skills, such as camera handling, photo editing software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom), composition techniques, etc.
• Experience Section: Include any relevant photography experience in the work experience section of your resume, detailing projects you've worked on and the results achieved. For example:
• Graphic Designer at XYZ Company (2018-Present)
• Collaborate with marketing team to create visually appealing graphics for social media campaigns, increasing engagement rates by 35% within six months of implementation.

Examples of How to List Photography on Resume

Example 1: Entry-level Candidate

Skills

• Basic photography techniques
• Adobe Photoshop & Lightroom
• Portrait and landscape composition

Experience

• Freelance Photographer (2019-Present)
• Provided high-quality photos for various clients, including family portraits, events, and small businesses.

Example 2: Experienced Professional

Skills

• Advanced photography techniques (long exposure, HDR, etc.)
• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Experience with large format cameras

Experience

• Senior Photographer at ABC Studio (2010-2018)
• Led a team of photographers in creating stunning visual content for high-profile clients, such as fashion brands and luxury product launches.

What to Avoid While Listing Photography on Resume

• Generic statements: Avoid using overly generic or vague phrases to describe your photography skills or experience; instead, focus on specific techniques, software, and projects.
• Lack of examples: Provide concrete examples of your photography work in the form of a portfolio or link to an online gallery if possible.
• Focusing too heavily: If you are applying for a role unrelated to photography, it is essential to ensure that the skills and experience section does not overwhelm other relevant qualifications.

How to List Fashion Photography on Resume

Best Practices for Listing 'Fashion Photography' Under 'Photography'

• Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasize your proficiency in capturing high-fashion and editorial images, understanding color palettes, textures, and patterns, and the ability to work with models and stylists.

  Example 1: Fashion Photography on Photography Resume

  • Mastery of fashion photography techniques

• Proficient in capturing high-fashion and editorial images

• Skilled in utilizing color palettes, textures, and patterns effectively

• Experienced in collaborating with models and stylists

• Showcase Your Portfolio: Demonstrate your fashion photography portfolio by including a link to an online gallery or attaching a few samples directly to your resume.

  Example 1: Fashion Photography on Photography Resume (continued)

• Showcased fashion photography portfolio through online gallery link

  • Portfolio highlights editorial and high-fashion images
  • Gallery showcases color, texture, and pattern understanding

• Quantify Your Achievements: If possible, provide numbers or percentages to quantify your success in the fashion photography field, such as the number of shoots completed, the increase in followers on social media platforms, or the publications featuring your work.

  Example 2: Fashion Photography in Photography Context

  • Completed 50 fashion photography shoots for various clients within the last year

• Increased social media following by 30% as a result of fashion photography posts

  • Secured feature in renowned fashion magazines such as Vogue and Elle

• Tailor Your Resume to the Job Description: Customize your resume to match the job requirements, focusing on relevant skills and experiences that align with the position you are applying for.

  Example 2: Fashion Photography in Photography Context (continued)

• Applied for the role of fashion photographer at a luxury clothing brand

  • Highlighted experience working with high-end brands and models
    • Showcased portfolio demonstrating editorial and high-fashion images

• Use Relevant Keywords: Incorporate keywords related to fashion photography, such as 'high-fashion,' 'editorial,' 'modeling,' 'styling,' and 'color palette' throughout your resume to increase the likelihood of being detected by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

  Example 2: Fashion Photography in Photography Context (continued)

• Incorporated fashion photography-related keywords, such as high-fashion, editorial, modeling, styling, and color palette throughout the resume

  • Increased chances of being detected by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

How to List Studio Photography on Resume

Listing your experience in studio photography on your resume requires a strategic approach to highlight your skills, expertise, and the unique value you bring to a potential employer in the field of photography. Here are four best practices to help you list studio photography effectively:

1. Highlight Relevant Skills

• Mention specific technical skills you possess that are pertinent to studio photography, such as proficiency in using lighting equipment, understanding color correction and post-processing techniques, and mastery of various camera settings to capture high-quality images in a controlled environment.

2. Emphasize Artistic Style and Approach

• Showcase your creative style and approach to studio photography by briefly describing the types of projects you've worked on (e.g., portraits, product shots, or still life), the concepts behind these projects, and any awards or recognition you've received for your work.

3. Quantify Your Achievements

• Provide measurable results of your studio photography projects, such as the number of shoots you've completed, the size of your client base, or the impact of your work on a specific campaign or initiative.

4. Use Keywords and Action Verbs

• Utilize keywords relevant to studio photography, like "studio setup," "lighting design," "post-production," and action verbs such as "conceptualized," "executed," and "optimized" to make your experiences stand out and ensure they are easily readable by applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Example 1: Studio Photography on Photography Resume

• Studio Photography - [Company Name], [Location] ([Duration])
• Conceptualized and executed a variety of studio photography projects for clients, including fashion, product, and portrait shoots.
• Proficiently used studio equipment to achieve desired lighting effects and color correction.
• Managed post-production workflow, optimizing images for print and digital media.
• Maintained a diverse client base of over 50 clients, contributing to a successful brand image and increasing sales by 12%.

Example 2: Studio Photography in Photography Context

• Studio Photography - [Company Name], [Location] ([Duration])
• Collaborated with art directors to create compelling visual stories for various studio photography projects.
• Utilized technical skills, such as knowledge of camera settings and lighting techniques, to capture high-quality images in the studio.
• Demonstrated creativity and adaptability by adapting to different artistic styles and themes required by clients.
• Managed all aspects of studio shoots, including setup, prop acquisition, model casting, and retouching, ensuring a smooth workflow and high-quality final product.

How to List Wedding Photography on Resume

Best Practices for Listing 'Wedding Photography' under 'Photography'

• Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize your experience in wedding photography by mentioning the number of weddings you have photographed, the types of settings (e.g., outdoor weddings, church weddings), and any notable clients or events. For example:

  • Extensive experience capturing stunning moments at over 50 weddings, from intimate garden ceremonies to grand church weddings.

• Showcase Your Unique Style: Describe your photography style in a way that sets you apart from other photographers. Highlight any unique approaches or techniques you use during wedding shoots. For example:

  • Specializes in capturing candid, emotional moments with a cinematic, storytelling approach.

• Detail Post-Production Skills: Discuss your post-production skills and how they contribute to the final wedding photography product. Mention any software you are proficient in and any specific editing techniques you use. For example:

  • Skilled in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, able to enhance colors, correct lighting, and apply subtle edits that preserve the natural beauty of each image.

• Mention Awards or Recognition: If you have received any awards or recognition for your wedding photography, be sure to include this information. This can help validate your skills and dedication to your craft. For example:

  • Awarded 'Best Wedding Photographer' by XYZ magazine in 2019.

• Include Testimonials or Client Feedback: Positive feedback from previous clients can help demonstrate the quality of your work and your ability to satisfy customers. For example:

  • Repeatedly receives glowing testimonials from clients, with comments such as 'Your photos captured our special day perfectly' and 'We couldn't be happier with our wedding album.'

Example 1: Wedding Photography on Photography Resume

Extensive experience capturing stunning moments at over 50 weddings, from intimate garden ceremonies to grand church weddings. Specializes in capturing candid, emotional moments with a cinematic, storytelling approach. Skilled in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, able to enhance colors, correct lighting, and apply subtle edits that preserve the natural beauty of each image. Awarded 'Best Wedding Photographer' by XYZ magazine in 2019. Repeatedly receives glowing testimonials from clients, with comments such as 'Your photos captured our special day perfectly' and 'We couldn't be happier with our wedding album.'

Example 2: Wedding Photography in Photography Context

Proficient in a variety of photography styles, with a focus on capturing the emotions and story of each wedding. Has photographed over 30 weddings, including outdoor ceremonies, church weddings, and cultural events. Skilled in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop for post-production editing, ensuring each image is beautifully balanced and vivid. Recently received recognition as a rising star in the field of wedding photography.

In both examples, the focus remains on the 'Wedding Photography' subcategory within the broader context of 'Photography', while maintaining consistency in formatting and providing practical tips for job seekers.

How to List Landscape Photography on Resume

When listing landscape photography on your resume, follow these best practices to make it stand out and effectively showcase your skills:

1. Highlight Relevant Experience

• Emphasize any experience that directly involves landscape photography. This may include freelance work, personal projects, or contributions to group exhibitions. Explain the specific tasks you were responsible for and the outcomes of those experiences.

Example: "Landscape Photography - Freelance work for local travel magazines, capturing and editing images that showcase natural scenery in various destinations."

2. Incorporate Keywords

• Utilize keywords related to landscape photography, such as "landscape," "nature photography," "panoramic," "wildlife," or "outdoor photography." This helps recruiters quickly identify your specialization within the broader field of photography.

Example: "Photography - Landscape and Nature Specialist with extensive experience in capturing panoramic views and documenting wildlife in their natural habitats."

3. Quantify Achievements

• Whenever possible, include specific numbers to demonstrate the scope of your work. This could be the number of locations you've photographed, the size of your prints, or the amount of engagement your photos have received online.

Example: "Documented and published over 50 landscape photographs from various national parks, achieving a combined 20,000 likes on social media platforms."

4. Showcase Your Skills

• Explain any technical skills or software you use in your landscape photography work, such as Adobe Lightroom for post-processing or drone operation for capturing unique angles. This can help demonstrate your versatility and professionalism to potential employers.

Example: "Equipped with expert knowledge of Adobe Lightroom for image editing, ensuring consistently high-quality results in my landscape photography."

5. Use Visual Examples

• If possible, include a link to an online portfolio or examples of your work on the resume itself. This can give employers a tangible idea of your capabilities and help you stand out from other candidates.

Example: "Visit [website/portfolio link] for samples of my landscape photography."

Example 1: Landscape Photography on Photography Resume

In this example, we'll create a fictional resume for a professional photographer who specializes in landscape and nature photography.

• Name: John Doe
• Position: Senior Photographer (Landscape & Nature)
• Employer: [Travel Magazine]

Experience

* Landscape Photography - Freelance Work for Travel Magazines

• Captured and edited landscape images of various destinations, focusing on natural scenery.
• Collaborated with editors to select the best images for publication in print and online media.
• Utilized Adobe Lightroom for post-processing to achieve consistent high-quality results.

Skills

• Landscape and Nature Photography
• Adobe Lightroom
• Drone Operation (for capturing unique angles)

Example 2: Landscape Photography in Photography Context

In this example, we'll create a fictional resume for a photographer who has recently graduated from college with a focus on landscape and nature photography.

• Name: Jane Smith
• Position: Entry-Level Photographer (Landscape & Nature)
• Employer: [Wildlife Conservation Organization]

Experience

* Landscape Photography - College Thesis Project

• Conducted a year-long research project focusing on documenting endangered wildlife habitats in various national parks.
• Used a variety of techniques, including long exposures and drone photography, to capture unique perspectives.
• Documented the process through blog posts, receiving over 10,000 views and comments from interested parties.

Skills

• Landscape and Nature Photography
• Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop
• Drone Operation (for capturing unique angles)
• Blogging and Social Media Management

How to List Portrait Photography on Resume

Best Practices for Listing 'Portrait Photography' in Your Photography Resume

Highlight Relevant Skills and Experience

• Emphasize your proficiency in capturing unique, expressive, and flattering portraits. Explain how you utilize various lighting techniques, poses, and camera settings to bring out the best in your subjects.
• Detail any specialized equipment or software you are comfortable using for portrait photography, such as studio lighting, professional cameras, retouching software like Adobe Photoshop, or digital backdrops.

Showcase Your Portfolio with Examples

• Include a link to an online portfolio showcasing your best portrait photography work. Be sure to provide context about the shoot and explain what makes each image stand out.
• Highlight the range of your work, whether it's studio portraits, outdoor sessions, or lifestyle shots, demonstrating your versatility as a portrait photographer.

Quantify Your Achievements

• Specify the number of successful portrait photography projects you have completed, along with any notable achievements such as receiving positive client feedback, being published in magazines, or winning awards.
• Provide statistics about your work, like the average number of hours spent on a single shoot and the turnaround time for retouching and delivering finished images.

Emphasize Your Communication Skills

• Mention how you collaborate with clients to understand their vision and ensure they are comfortable during the photo session. Explain any strategies you use to guide subjects, such as directing poses or offering suggestions for wardrobe choices.
• Detail your ability to connect with people of various ages, backgrounds, and personalities, showcasing your adaptability as a portrait photographer.

Example 1: Portrait Photography on Photography Resume

In this example, the candidate highlights their technical skills, versatility, and ability to work with diverse clients in their portrait photography resume:

• Proficient in capturing high-quality portraits using various lighting setups, such as natural light, studio strobes, and softboxes.
• Experience working with subjects of all ages, backgrounds, and personalities, showcasing adaptability and versatility.
• Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop for retouching and enhancing portrait images.
• Completed over 50 successful portrait photography projects, including family portraits, headshots, and lifestyle sessions.
• Average turnaround time of 24 hours for delivering finished images to clients.

Example 2: Portrait Photography in Photography Context

In this example, the candidate emphasizes their communication skills and ability to work closely with clients:

• Collaborate with clients to understand their vision and ensure they are comfortable during portrait photography sessions.
• Direct subjects to strike flattering poses, utilizing body language and facial expressions to bring out their unique personality.
• Offer suggestions for wardrobe choices to complement the subject's appearance and personal style.
• Worked with various lighting setups, including natural light, studio strobes, and softboxes, to create visually stunning portraits.
• Delivered over 30 finished portrait photography projects within a week, demonstrating efficiency and reliability.