Your photography resume is a final product. The way you present it speaks volumes about your work ethic. Potential employers and clients use it as an indicator of how seriously you will take your assignments. Formatting errors, typos or a lackluster layout could indicate that you will not submit quality work on time. Ensuring that your resume conveys creativity and professional competence can lead to greater picture-taking opportunities.

Resume Mediums

Photography is a visual art. Employers and clients want to see what you can do as quickly and vividly as possible. Creating a digital portfolio or photography website can satisfy this desire. Additionally, digital products are easy to update and reduce paper and ink usage. However, it is still advisable to create tactile versions of your photography resume to wow employers and clients during in-person meetings. The Fstoppers.com website advises every photographer to make at least one print photography portfolio, especially when dealing with magazine publishers or large ad agencies. Remember to include attachments of or links to your work when submitting photography resumes by email and color prints of your work when making snail mail submissions.

Resume Style

Photography resumes need to balance flash and substance effectively. They should reflect the professional image and landing intentions of the owner. For example, photographers wishing to work for specific magazines should match the aesthetics of the publication. While photographers don’t have to reinvent the wheel when choosing layouts, they should deliver polished efforts. Using programs such as InDesign or Illustrator can produce eye-catching results while demonstrating technical abilities.

Section Arrangements

Flow is a critical aspect of a photography resume. Section arrangement should reflect the strengths of the photographer. For example, inexperienced photographers should lead with an education and training section instead of a practical experience section. This also means highlighting the most relevant, poignant information and downplaying shortcomings. Seasoned photographers lacking formal education should focus attention on special assignments they have completed.

Artist Statements

An effective artist statement describes an artist’s work using expressive, concise language. It helps readers understand the motivations and intentions of the artist. The Abundant Artist website recommends wowing the reader from the first sentence. Simply stating your subject area and artistic inspiration is not good enough. Photography is a highly competitive field and failing to capture attention early could ruin your chances of being hired. Using a critical eye and a trusted second opinion can help you better market yourself to employers and clients.

Selecting Experiences

It is your job to prove that you are not an amateur merely pressing a button. Photography resumes should list personal stats to include types and total number of pictures taken and history using specific camera equipment. They also should include details about special projects, internships, unusual photography assignments and specialized training. Packaging experiences creatively can pique reader interest. Perhaps you managed a mobile pet photography studio or helped market a wedding photography business. Namedropping mentors and past clients or employers also can boost your appeal.

Selecting Photos

For a photographer, the proof is in the pictures. Potential employers and clients need to see how you apply your skills to your work. Photos need to be an outstanding representation of your work. The PopPhoto website recommends only selecting photos that make people go “WOW.” The Getty Images blog advises photographers only to submit their best work and to get help when making final selections. Seeking input from fellow graphic artists can help you eliminate subpar, off-topic or stale work. However, the Digital Photography School website advises photographers to follow their instincts in the end, as photography is a subjective field. Each photographer must decide what makes sense for her professional image and creative well-being.