As a wedding photographer, you see people at their most joyous. Whether you are documenting the happy couple’s day on your own or for a large photography studio, you need a wedding photographer resume that puts your skills and personality in sharp focus.
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Resume.io can help with some tips and tricks that will set you apart in the hiring manager’s viewfinder. Our online job search tools include more than 350 occupation-specific writing guides, matched with resume examples.
This writing guide, backed by a corresponding resume example, is designed for wedding photographers seeking new employment or freelance opportunities. Read on to find out how to:
- Write a wedding photographer resume that captures your expertise and experience in the best overall light.
- Optimize the impact of each resume section from the correct angle: header, summary, employment history, education and skills.
- Choose the skills that will get you your next job
- Get creative with resume design elements that showcase your creativity and professionalism.
What does a wedding photographer do?
Wedding photographers have an eye for all the memorable moments that couples dream of coming true on their special day, along with many spontaneous ones. But the job doesn’t begin and end with the wedding event itself. Whether you work for a photo studio or independently, customer service interactions come with the territory, and often the need to sell your ideas and showcase your portfolio to get hired. Then come the planning sessions with the bride and groom, and possibly coordinating arrangements with other event service providers.
How to write a wedding photographer resume
Adeptness at planning and organizing can help you get started with your wedding photographer resume. This is the framework of components:
We’ll be taking a closer look at each section step by step. But first, here are some basic guidelines.
- Economy of words is essential to keep your resume to one page. Concise and precise language, devoid of repetition, is the key.
- Be sure to include enough of the right keywords to pass through the commonly used digital filter used to screen online document submissions, known as applicant tracking systems (ATS).
- Scrutinizing the job requirements posted with the application details is crucial for two reasons:
- To identify the above-mentioned keywords
- To customize each version of your resume to the specific hiring situation
For more ideas and inspiration, take a look at more resume examples and writing guides for creative occupations in our other category:
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Choosing the best resume format for a wedding photographer
If your professional background has been in employee positions, such as with photography studios, the commonly used chronological resume format is preferred to describe your work experience. Make sure you include specific transferable skills.
But you may not have a conventional employment history, especially if you are a freelancer. In that instance, consider a functional resume format. This is suitable for listing the types of photography you do and services you offer to clients.
A hybrid resume format is even more adaptable, combining chronological and functional elements.
Resume header
As a creativity showcase, your wedding photographer resume needs to get noticed for the right reasons. An eye-pleasing header displaying your name, occupation and contact information can achieve that, while making it easier for employers or clients to get in touch.
This is also the place to provide links to your website and professional social media such as Instagram or Facebook.
The extra effort it takes to create visually attractive application documents — ideally a matching cover letter and resume pair — is highly worthwhile.
Wedding photographer resume summary example
Let’s start with the 100-200 words that show who you are: the resume summary. This section, also known as the a profile or personal statement, should be artfully highlight your professional photographer’s know-how and your artistic personality.
You want potential clients and employers to know that you have the technical ability to make beautiful images. But you also need to show off your style, flair and work ethic — after all, you will be attending weddings even if your job is to melt into the background once the formal portraits are complete. If you don’t have an artist’s statement in your portfolio, you should consider adding a sentence or two about your philosophy here.
Be sure to also emphasize your creative mind and passion for your craft as these attributes make you a more appealing candidate. Remember, this is also a stressful time for the couple, who need things to go smoothly. So highlight your excellent customer service and business skills as well.
Below is a wedding photographer resume example summary you can customize.
Passionate wedding photographer with over 13 years of experience photographing weddings and providing clients with precious visual memories. Dedicated to working closely with clients to understand their photography goals and desires prior to their wedding. Superior photography skills, knowledge of various photographic styles, editing expertise and excellent customer service skills.
Employment history sample
The art of a persuasive work experience section lies in spotlighting your most desirable attributes while showing versatility.
If a client or job listing calls for heavy photo editing, make sure you mention your experience doing just that. Hiring managers want to see a variety of photography skills because that means you will be able to serve more clients.
Think through all the abilities, talents, skills and achievements that have served you well in your wedding photography career. Try to get in as many as possible. This means you should save space by listing a skill only once even if you have done it in multiple jobs. Also try to incorporate facts and figures for quantifiable context. Frame your work history as achievements, not merely job duties.
Don’t shy away from including portrait photography, a fine arts background, or any other experience that adds to your skills as a wedding photographer.
Below is a wedding photographer employment history resume sample.
Wedding Photographer at Jane Doyle Photography, New York
March 2014 - February 2023
- Provided consultations with wedding clients to discuss photography desires and expectations prior to entering into a contract.
- Created slideshows and visual presentations to educate clients on styles, options, and inspirations.
- Used my advanced photography skills to produce high-quality photographs.
- Photographed events in a professional manner, without disrupting the ambience of the space.
Wedding Photographer at Marriott Events, New York
June 2008 - April 2014
- Served as a staff photographer for 28 weddings per year on average, working alongside other staff to provide optimal customer service.
- Organized and coordinated engagement and wedding shoot schedules.
- Used advanced techniques and methods to edit and maximize the visual presentation of images.
- Uploaded final images to private web galleries for client use and enjoyment.
- Worked to maintain positive client relationships, resulting in 22 client referrals.
Wedding photographer resume education example
While wedding photographers don’t need a formal art education, many have some postsecondary training or an art degree. This information should be listed in reverse chronological order, from highest to lowest level.
On-the-job training should also be listed in your education section.
Be sure to mention any photography or art classes you have taken, especially if you are at the beginning of your career. Certifications have an important place here, along with any honors or distinctions you have earned as a photographer. Those could also go in a separate subsection instead under the heading "Honors" if there are more than one or two.
Below is the education section from a wedding photographer resume you can modify.
Bachelor of Communications, Molloy College, New York
August 2004 - May 2008
Studio Lighting Course, NYC Photo Workshops, New York
September 2019
CV skills example
Your CV’s skills section is a convenient way for recruiters and clients to see what you can do. Consider all your talents and choose the five to 10 that best distinguish you from other candidates. Tailor your list to the targeted position.
If you want to move into a senior photographer’s role, make sure you list your management and organizational skills. Make sure they match those skills to the ones listed in the job description, especially if you are applying for a job through a studio. This is also the place to include keywords for ATS-optimization purposes.
Consider listing specific hard skills, knowledge of various photographic styles, digital image handling, image manipulation, and excellent communication skills. Always be specific. Instead of “digital editing” say “Adobe Photoshop” or “Lightroom.” Your post-production skills are important, so make them stand out.
Check out our wedding photographer CV sample for the skills section below.
- Excellent Communication Skills
- Wedding and Portrait Photography
- Lighting Design
- Artistic Vision
References or Portfolio
Your best advertising comes from your former clients and work samples! In addition to your portfolio and social media accounts where you highlight your work, you should ask happy customers if they will give you a written review you can add to your social media or if you can give their names to potential clients.
This resume section should provide a link connecting potential employers or clients to an online gallery. There, they should also have access to a strong reference section of clients who will firmly attest to the quality of your work and your reputation. In this business, professionalism and customer satisfaction are key.
Below is an example
Visit Tracy Schultz Photography to view wedding gallery and references.
Resume layout, design and formatting
You’re a creative professional and we certainly don’t want to stifle that! So start out by using one of the templates from our creative layout category. Creatives are the only professionals who should consider putting a headshot on their resume. Feel free to personalize the template, but keep these guidelines in mind:
- Use a dedicated resume builder tool, such as Resume.io’s, to avoid formatting errors.
- Your headshot can have personality, but your face should be unobstructed.
- Artistic flair should never be at the expense of legibility.
- Ensure that job titles, contact information, and all section headings stand out.
- Keep bright colors to a minimum: Recruiters scan dozens of resumes and you don’t want to be the one to give them eye strain.
Key takeaways for a wedding photographer resume
- Strive for a perfect marriage of artistic and businesslike elements in your wedding photographer resume.
- Whether you’ve worked primarily as a studio employee or freelancer will influence your decision about the best resume format for structuring your employment history while highlighting specialized expertise.
- The photography skills and talents you emphasize should always be tailored to each specific position and hiring situation, whether it’s a potential employer or client.
With Resume.io, your next photographer’s job is in the frame!
