Photographer Resume Example and Template
A photographer resume demonstrates expertise in a specific genre, technical mastery of lighting and composition, and the ability to meet client briefs consistently. Highlight your specialties, brands worked with, and the range of your published or exhibition work.
Clients prioritize portfolio quality, understanding of their market or industry, reliability, and strong post-processing skills. Include any clients, publications, or awards alongside technical capabilities.
Also searched as
Freelance Photographer, Assistant Photographer
Alexandra Okonkwo: Photographer
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Summary
Commercial photographer with 10 years specializing in product, hospitality, and lifestyle photography for national brands. Expertise in lighting setup, digital retouching, and visual storytelling. Produced 300+ shoot assignments for clients including luxury brands, restaurants, and travel publications. Proficient in Adobe Lightroom and Capture One.
Work Experience
Freelance Photographer, Independent Commercial Photography Practice
Jun 2021 – Present. Self-employed since 2021
- Managed 25-35 annual client projects ranging from product catalogs to lifestyle and hospitality shoots for luxury hotel and restaurant brands
- Built long-term retainer relationships with 6 corporate clients, providing monthly content for social media and marketing campaigns
- Specialized in food and beverage photography; 40% of work featured restaurant and culinary clients with average project value $3,500
- Maintained 98% client satisfaction rating across 120+ projects with zero missed deadlines
Photographer, Catalyst Creative Studios
Sep 2018 – May 2021. 35-person agency handling brand photography and video production
- Shot 180+ commercial assignments for corporate clients, including product launches and lifestyle content for national brands
- Collaborated with creative directors and art buyers to translate briefs into compelling visual narratives
- Specialized in on-location food and hospitality photography; managed complex shoots with tight schedules
Assistant Photographer, Studio Atlanta Photographs
Mar 2016 – Aug 2018. 15-person commercial photography studio
- Assisted experienced photographers on 80+ commercial shoots, learning lighting, composition, and client management
- Developed skills in studio setup, equipment handling, and digital workflow
- Participated in post-processing and retouching on commercial product photography
Education
Georgia Institute of Art and Design
Certificate, Commercial Photography. Sep 2015 – Feb 2016
Skills
Product and still life photography, Food and hospitality photography, Lighting design and studio setup, Outdoor and on-location shooting, Adobe Lightroom and Capture One, Digital retouching and color grading, Client communication and project management, Shot composition and visual storytelling, Camera equipment maintenance, Social media content optimization
Languages
English, Igbo
Why this look works
Photographers work in visual media, so your resume should be visually compelling but not overshadow your work. Use clean, minimal design with high-quality typography and let your portfolio do the talking. The resume should feel professional and contemporary.
Resume tips for this job
- Lead with a portfolio link; photography is visual, and your work is the only credential that truly matters.
- Specify your photography specialty: product, food, portrait, lifestyle, or commercial work. Generalists struggle; specialists command better rates.
- Quantify shoot volume and client types; 300+ assignments or luxury brand clients shows productivity and caliber.
- Highlight retainer relationships or repeat clients; recurring work is more valuable than one-off shoots and shows client trust.
Common questions
Do I need formal photography education to work professionally?
No, but a certificate program or structured apprenticeship helps you learn technical fundamentals quickly. Many successful photographers are self-taught with strong portfolios. Build your portfolio first; it matters infinitely more than credentials.
What should be in my photography portfolio?
Include 15-20 of your absolute best shots showing your specialties and range within your niche. If you shoot product, show different product types and lighting approaches. For food, show variety in dishes and settings. Quality over quantity; 15 excellent images beat 50 mediocre ones.
How do I transition from personal projects to commercial work?
Start by assisting established photographers, building your portfolio through assisting work. Then begin taking small freelance projects from friends or local businesses. As your portfolio grows and clients recognize your style, you can raise rates and be more selective.
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The person, employers and numbers in this example are fictional, written to show what a strong resume for this job looks like.