In the competitive world of art, your freelance photographer resume is your first opportunity to make a compelling impression on clients or employers.

This guide provides comprehensive professional resume examples for various types of self-employed artists, with unique skills and additional sections tailored to highlight strengths for specific photography niches.

Freelance photographer resume examples

Freelance portrait photographer resume

Freelance portrait photographer resume template

Portrait Photographer Resume
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Freelance portrait photographer resume sample | Plain text

Emily Harper

Chicago, IL
Email: emily.harper@gmail.com
Phone: (312) 555-9463

Resume Objective

Detail-oriented Portrait Photographer with years of experience capturing candid and posed moments for families, individuals, and corporate clients. Skilled in creating personalized and creative compositions that showcase clients’ unique personalities.

Experience

Freelance Portrait Photographer

Self-Employed, Chicago, IL, May 2018 – Present

  • Specialize in family, newborn, and professional headshot photography.
  • Manage client consultations to understand unique preferences and goals for each session.
  • Edit and retouch images using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop to enhance quality and consistency.
  • Successfully build strong client relationships, resulting in a 90% customer return rate.

Photography Assistant

Focus Studios, Chicago, IL, June 2016 – April 2018

  • Supported lead photographers during portrait sessions by setting up lighting, props, and backdrops.
  • Managed client bookings and scheduling to ensure a seamless workflow.
  • Assisted in post-production editing, learning advanced retouching techniques.

Education

Certificate in Portrait Photography

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Graduated: May 2016

Skills

  • Expertise in studio and natural lighting techniques.
  • Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Lightroom, Photoshop).
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Experienced in print and digital photo delivery systems.
  • Strong understanding of composition and framing.

Certifications

Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)

Professional Photographers of America (PPA)

Certified: June 2020

Advanced Photoshop Certification

Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)

Certified: March 2019

Awards

Best Portrait Photographer

Chicago Photography Awards, 2021

Professional Development

  • Attended Portrait Masters Conference, 2022: Gained advanced techniques in lighting and posing.
  • Completed Advanced Lightroom Workflow Workshop, 2021: Improved post-production efficiency and quality.

Volunteer Work

Photography Workshop Instructor

Chicago Youth Arts Program, 2020 – Present

  • Teach underprivileged youth the fundamentals of photography, including camera operation, composition, and editing.
  • Provide mentorship and inspire creativity through hands-on sessions and projects.

Why this sample resume for freelance photographer works?

How to format a resume of a photographer?
  • Use common fonts such as Arial, Helvetica, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
  • Font size should be 10–12 points for the body text and slightly larger (14–16) for headings.
  • Avoid overly decorative fonts that might distract from the content.
  • Utilize 1-inch margins on all sides. Ensure consistent line spacing.
  • Add a blank line between sections to improve readability.
  • Keep the resume concise: ideally one page. But two pages are acceptable for extensive experience.
  • Add bullet points instead of paragraphs to make information on your freelance photographer resume skimmable.
  • Minimal use of color is acceptable.
  • Showcase your work through a portfolio link.
  • Start sentences with dynamic, action-oriented verbs such as "captured," "designed," "edited," "enhanced," or "published."
  • Steer clear of overly technical or niche terms that might confuse potential clients.
  • Include keywords from the job description or industry trends.

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Freelance event photographer resume

Freelance event photographer resume example

Daniel Perez

Austin, TX
Email: daniel.perez@gmail.com
Phone: (512) 555-6789

Summary

Experienced Event Photographer with 12+ years of expertise capturing weddings, corporate events, and live concerts. Known for an artistic eye and the ability to document spontaneous moments in fast-paced environments. Skilled in collaborating with clients and teams to deliver high-quality, customized imagery under tight deadlines.

Experience

Freelance Event Photographer

Self-Employed, Austin, TX

January 2015 – Present

  • Photographed over 200 events, including weddings, festivals, corporate conferences, and private parties, earning consistent 5-star client reviews.
  • Partner with event planners and clients to understand creative visions and ensure alignment with brand or personal themes.
  • Edited and retouched 2,000+ images annually using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop for sharpness, color balance, and aesthetic appeal.
  • Design and market unique photo packages, resulting in a 25% increase in repeat clientele.

Concert Photographer

Live Nation Entertainment, Houston, TX

June 2013 – December 2014

  • Documented high-energy live performances for national and international artists, emphasizing unique stage angles and vibrant lighting techniques.
  • Coordinated with performers, stage crews, and media teams to adhere to event regulations and highlight promotional aspects.
  • Published photos in marketing campaigns, social media platforms, and event programs, driving audience engagement.
  • Built strong relationships with music industry professionals, leading to freelance opportunities post-employment.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Photography

University of Texas at Austin

Graduation Date: May 2013

Skills

  • Skilled in event and candid photography, with specialization in weddings, corporate events, and concerts.
  • Proficient in Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro for photo and video editing.
  • In-depth knowledge of DSLR cameras, telephoto lenses, external flashes, and studio lighting setups.
  • Adept at visual storytelling and capturing dynamic shots that highlight emotion and detail.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with experience in negotiating contracts, customizing packages, and managing expectations.
  • Proven ability to meet deadlines in high-pressure environments, delivering top-quality work consistently.

Certifications

  • Advanced Lightroom Techniques – LinkedIn Learning, 2021
  • Wedding Photography Masterclass – CreativeLive, 2019

Awards

  • Featured in Wedding Wire’s Best of Photography List, 2018 and 2019
  • Photography showcased in Texas Monthly and Houston Chronicle

Portfolio

Website: www.yourbestphotography.com

Languages

  • English (Fluent)
  • Spanish (Intermediate)

Strong sides of this self-employed photographer resume:

  • The Awards section adds prestige and further credibility, showcasing recognition in respected platforms.
  • A personal website shows professionalism and makes it easier for clients to assess the photographer's style and skill.
  • Languages highlight proficiency in both English and Spanish, which is a valuable asset in diverse markets and for attracting a broader clientele.
How to choose between freelance photographer resume summary and objective?

A resume summary is a concise statement that highlights your professional experience, key skills, and accomplishments. It's ideal for photographers who want to present a snapshot of their expertise and the value they bring.

Example of freelance photographer resume summary:

Energetic and creative Concert Photographer with 6+ years of experience documenting live performances. Skilled in capturing dynamic shots in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Published work featured in music magazines, online platforms, and promotional materials for major events. Adept at collaborating with artists, producers, and media outlets to create impactful imagery.

A resume objective focuses on your goals and what you hope to achieve in the future. It’s best for entry-level photographers or those transitioning into a new niche or industry. It outlines what you're looking for in terms of opportunities and what you bring to the table.

Example of freelance photographer resume objective:

Dedicated Wedding Photographer seeking to capture couples' most special moments. Looking to expand my expertise in destination weddings and create timeless photographs that reflect the unique love stories of each couple.

How to show academic history on a freelance photographer resume?
  • Always place your most recent education first, followed by older qualifications.
  • List the credential type you earned.
  • Mention your major, specialization, or area of study.
  • Add the name of the school, university, or college you attended.
  • Outline the city and state (or country) where the institution is located.
  • Write the month and year you graduated or the expected date.
  • You may want to include relevant honors, GPA (if notable), coursework, or extracurricular activities.

Freelance wildlife photographer resume

Freelance wildlife photographer resume template

Freelance Wildlife Photographer Resume
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Freelance wildlife photographer resume sample | Plain text

James Wilson

Denver, CO
Email: james.wilson@gmail.com
Phone: (303) 555-9876

Resume Objective

Passionate Wildlife Photographer with 3 years of experience capturing stunning images of animals in their natural habitats. Dedicated to showcasing the beauty of wildlife and promoting conservation efforts. Adept at leveraging a deep understanding of animal behavior and environmental factors to create compelling visual narratives.

Experience

Freelance Wildlife Photographer

Self-Employed, Denver, CO

January 2023 – Present

  • Document wildlife in diverse environments, from national parks to remote wilderness areas, focusing on rare and endangered species.
  • Publish work in prestigious outlets, including National Geographic, Outdoor Photographer, and Wildlife Conservation Magazine.
  • Build and maintain a comprehensive portfolio of images for potential clients, sponsors, and gallery exhibitions.
  • Provide photography workshops and mentorship to aspiring photographers, emphasizing conservation-focused storytelling.

Photography Intern

Rocky Mountain Wildlife Reserve, CO

May – December 2022

  • Assisted senior photographers in documenting wildlife behavior, including rare species in both natural and controlled environments.
  • Managed equipment logistics for field expeditions, ensuring all gear was prepared for unpredictable conditions.
  • Coordinated with park rangers to document seasonal wildlife migrations and behavior changes due to environmental shifts.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography

University of Colorado Boulder

Graduated: May 2022

  • Coursework focused on wildlife photography, environmental studies, visual storytelling, and digital image manipulation.
  • Honors: Photography Award for Outstanding Wildlife Series

Skills

  • Proficient in DSLR and mirrorless camera systems.
  • Expertise in long-lens photography, low-light shooting, and capturing fast-moving subjects.
  • Advanced knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and Capture One.
  • Skilled in wildlife image manipulation and creating compelling visual stories.
  • Strong ability to convey stories through visual imagery, focusing on animal behavior and conservation issues.
  • Proficient in using social media platforms to share work and engage with followers.

Certifications

  • Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) — Professional Photographers of America, 2024
  • National Geographic Photography Grant — Awarded for a wildlife conservation-focused photo series, 2023

Awards

First Place, International Wildlife Photography Competition

Wildlife Photographer of the Year, 2023

Volunteer

Conservation Volunteer, 2023 - Present

World Wildlife Fund

  • Assist in organizing wildlife photography campaigns and educational outreach programs to raise awareness about endangered species and ecosystems.

Portfolio

Available upon request or visit james.wilson@gallery.com

Why this resume of freelance photographer sample will attract recruiters?

  • Freelance work demonstrates self-driven initiative and ability to handle diverse projects, which indicates entrepreneurial skills and adaptability.
  • A Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography, paired with coursework in wildlife and environmental studies, emphasizes specialized knowledge.
  • Providing a clear call-to-action to view the portfolio ensures HRs can easily access and evaluate the applicant’s impact, further substantiating their claims.
How to list experience on a resume of a photographer?
  • Begin with your most recent or current place and go backward.
  • Outline your job title. Include the organization’s name.
  • Specify the city and state (or country) where the role was based.
  • Give the month and year for the start and end of each occupation.
  • Highlight specific contributions, using bullet points to keep it organized.
  • Emphasize accomplishments rather than just writing responsibilities.

Account for time gaps in your employment, if possible, by including internships or relevant projects.

What are the key freelance photographer resume skills?
  • Hard skills are measurable and job-related technical abilities or knowledge that are typically learned through education, training, or experience. They are tangible and can often be certified or assessed.
  • Soft skills are personal traits that influence how you work, interact with others, and adapt to different environments. They are harder to measure but are crucial for team collaboration and personal effectiveness.

Hard skills for freelance photographer resume:

  • Proficient in DSLR and mirrorless camera systems
  • Expertise in long-lens photography and low-light shooting
  • Advanced knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and Capture One
  • Skilled in wildlife image manipulation
  • Strong understanding of animal behavior and tracking techniques
  • Proficient in video editing and post-production
  • Drone photography and videography operation
  • Studio lighting and equipment setup
  • Image cataloging and archival management
  • Social media content creation and scheduling

Soft skills for freelance photographer resume:

  • Creativity and artistic vision
  • Excellent time management
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to work in remote and high-stress environments
  • Adaptability to unpredictable situations
  • Problem-solving and quick decision-making
  • Collaboration with teams and clients
  • Self-motivation and discipline
  • Storytelling through visual mediums

Conclusion

Crafting a compelling freelance photographer resume is your gateway to showcasing your creative talents and professional accomplishments.

Tailor your application to align with the specific needs of the industry. Highlight your most impactful projects, certifications, and collaborations to make a lasting impression.

Remember, a well-structured resume not only reflects your professionalism but also sets you apart in a competitive field, positioning you as the ideal choice for future opportunities.

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