How to Create a Picture-Perfect CV: Step-by-step Guide with Examples

In today’s digital age, where visual content dominates industries from medical to fashion design and events, skilled photographers are in high demand. Photography requires an evolving blend of creativity and technical expertise, whether capturing events, producing marketing campaigns, or creating artistic portfolios. Suppose you're an experienced professional looking to advance your career or are just starting a freelance business; knowing the latest industry trends and showcasing your skills is essential to know how to write a good CV.

With the increasing demand for visual content, photographers face a competitive industry to get noticed by potential employers. Have you heard of application tracking systems (ATS)? An ATS-friendly CV ensures your application stands out to recruiters using advanced software. This guide outlines the essential sections to include in a modern CV tailored to the photography industry for both experts and beginners.

In this article, we cover:

• The importance of showcasing your photography expertise across various industries

• How to highlight critical skills and experience

• Examples of ATS-friendly CV templates tailored to photographers

• Tips for entry-level and seasoned professionals to create impactful CVs.

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Photographer CV example 

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In this photographer CV example, Isabella Harrington showcases over five years of broad expertise and photography skills. Her photographer introduction example emphasises her dedication to the industry, career progression and notable achievements. She highlights her expertise in camera equipment operation, technical abilities, and image editing. This photographer CV format includes her portfolio, website, and courses, which illustrate her diverse knowledge, work projects and styles.

What to include in a photographer CV? 

Designing an effective photographer CV begins with including essential sections that showcase your professional background. Start by creating a master CV, a comprehensive document summarising your entire career history and helps you create tailored CVs for specific jobs.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to include in your CV:

• Personal details: include your full name, phone number, address, and professional email address. A link to a creative portfolio or personal website will help employers view your work.

• Personal profile: write a concise and compelling photography personal statement summarising your soft skills, expertise, and career goals. 

• Work experience: highlight your work experience in photography, detailing roles like events, fashion, or product photography. Focus on achievements such as awards, successful campaigns, or client satisfaction.

• Education: list relevant qualifications in photography or related fields.

• Skills: include photography technical skills (e.g., proficiency in Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom) and interpersonal skills like collaboration and bullet point coordination.

Additional sections to enhance your photographer CV:

• Social media profiles: include relevant social media channels like Instagram or LinkedIn to highlight your network and showcase your projects. 

• References: list references on a CV only when requested or testimonials from past clients to add credibility and validate your skills.

• Hobbies and interests: mention creative hobbies like art or music or interests like attending exhibitions, networking and competitions.

• Courses and certificates: highlight photography courses in lighting, composition post-production, and editing to demonstrate your technical skills and knowledge.

If you’re transitioning from another field, check out our career change CV example or browse related roles like an artist, designer, or actor to inspire your creative photographer bio sample.

How to write a photographer CV: 5 easy steps with examples

1. Capture the moment with your personal profile 

A well-crafted personal profile in your photographer CV is your opportunity to make a solid first impression. It should convey your expertise, career goals, and key attributes. Revise your personal profile to match the specific role you're pursuing, whether you specialise in taking photos for weddings or in the fashion sector, are entry-level, a student, or aspire to be a self-employed freelance photographer.

Read our article on making your CV personal profile stand out for more tips.

2. What are the key skills for a photography CV? 

The skills section of a CV is vital for demonstrating technical photographer expertise (hard skills) and interpersonal (soft skills) like attention to detail, creative vision, and client communication that demonstrate your ability to understand client needs, create compelling narratives and stories and execute stylistic visuals.

List photography technical skills such as editing software, studio lighting, or drone operation tailored to niche trends like fashion, event, or product photography. If you’re not yet a skilled photographer or are pursuing a junior role, consider creating a skills-based CV if you have yet to gain experience. Highlight transferable skills like creative thinking, time management, and social media content creation. 

For more inspiration on aligning your creative photography skills with online industry trends, read our digital marketing, social media and UX designer examples.

Essential skills for a photographer CV:

• Photography composition: showcasing balance and creativity in your shots

• Lighting techniques: mastery of natural and artificial lighting setups

• Image editing software: expertise in tools like Photoshop and Lightroom

• Camera equipment proficiency: handling advanced tools for photography technical skills

• Portfolio development: building a diverse portfolio for your photography job application.

Need help deciding what skills to list in this section? Read our article to discover key skills to add to your CV. 

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3. Get creative with work experience on your CV 

Adding work experience to your CV is crucial, whether you're an aspiring graduate or a skilled photographer with years of experience. A creative photographer CV with a robust portfolio and relevant achievements will significantly increase your chances of securing opportunities.

How to gain experience in this photographer field:

• If you have little to no work experience, volunteering or completing relevant internships or part-time work can enhance your CV. 

• A Level 3 photography apprenticeship as an assistant will also provide practical training opportunities to develop photography technical skills like composition, editing, and lighting.

• A photography career pathway can lead to positions in creative studios such as art functions or beauty and fashion to larger commercial jobs like events or sales industries.

• if you're a student or recent school leaver, highlight any freelance or school work, even if they’re small.

• Engage with local photographers on social media or join online communities to expand your network and stay updated with industry trends. Refer to our career tips for school leavers to help expand your job search.

Work experience examples for a photographer CV

Photographer | Classic Captures, London | 2020 - Present 

Create timeless and artistic photographs, specialising in classical themes and styles. Collaborate with clients to understand their vision and preferences. Utilise advanced lighting techniques and equipment to achieve desired aesthetics.

• Compose and capture classical photographs, resulting in a 30% increase in client satisfaction.

• Successfully conducted 50+ photoshoots, consistently meeting or exceeding client expectations.

• Employed advanced lighting techniques, leading to a 25% reduction in post-processing time.

Photography Intern | Focus Photography Studio, Manchester | 2021

Gained hands-on experience in photography through an internship. Assisted with equipment setup and breakdown, observing and learning photography techniques. Supported post-processing and editing tasks to enhance skills.

• Assisted in setting up and breaking down equipment for 20+ professional photoshoots.

• Gained practical experience in photo editing, enhancing proficiency in Adobe Lightroom.

• Played a pivotal role in managing studio organisation, resulting in a 15% increase in workflow efficiency.

Wedding Photographer | Forever Moments Photography, Birmingham | 2018 - Present

Specialise in capturing the essence of weddings, from candid moments to posed shots. Coordinate group photos efficiently while ensuring a seamless flow during wedding events. Expertise in editing and delivering cherished wedding albums.

• Captured and edited photographs for 50+ weddings, achieving a 95% client approval rate.

• Streamlined group photo coordination, reducing setup time by 20 minutes per wedding.

• Expertly edited and delivered wedding albums within strict deadlines, resulting in 100% client satisfaction.

Fashion Photographer Assistant | Vogue Studios, London | 2019 - 2021

Assisted the lead fashion photographer in creating stunning imagery. Managed lighting and equipment setup for studio and on-location shoots. Collaborated with models and stylists to bring creative concepts to life for successful fashion campaigns.

• Efficiently managed lighting and equipment setup for 75+ studio and on-location shoots.

• Collaborated with models and stylists to bring 30+ creative concepts to life for successful fashion campaigns.

• Assisted in producing high-quality imagery that contributed to a 40% increase in client bookings.

For more tips, read our blog about the CV work experience section and how to add action verbs to your professional photographer CV to create more impact.

4. Give perspective with the education section on your CV

While practical experience and a strong portfolio are essential in photography, including your educational background using a professional photographer CV template can strengthen your application. 

UK employers often look for evidence of technical skills and creativity, so if you’re unsure what qualifications are required to find a job, here are some educational pathways to pursue:

• College courses: vocational qualifications, such as BTEC or HND courses or certifications from the Royal Photographic Society, provide hands-on training in photography technical skills, including equipment use, photo editing software, and composition.

• University degrees: a BA in Photography or related fields like visual arts can open opportunities for specialised roles. These programs span three to four years and equip you with advanced photography skills and theoretical knowledge.

• Online courses and workshops: digital photography courses and self-directed learning options are cost-effective ways to develop niche skills. Platforms offering photographer experience certificates in tools like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop are ideal for building a professional photographer CV

• Postgraduate studies: advanced qualifications such as postgraduate courses or a PGDip can refine your expertise and bolster your career prospects. Programs range from a few months for a PGCert to two years for a Master’s degree.

If you are still studying or have just graduated and need more experience, read our tips on applying for your first job and learn 10 easy steps to improve your CV. 

5. Zoom in on additional CV sections

On your photographer CV sample, your additional sections should offer enough information to highlight your strengths without overwhelming potential employers. 

These sections provide extra context, such as references, awards, project details or technical skills. Still, this section should remain brief and relevant to your target job, so always check your CV’s length before sending your CV via email to recruiters. 

a. Hobbies interests 

Create more impact by including hobbies that reflect your creativity, personality and passions. Interests such as the following showcase interests in creating and how you draw inspiration photo projects:

• music

• painting

• travelling

• outdoor activities

• cooking

• cultural or community engagement.

Get involved in photography clubs, photo competitions, and art exhibitions. Stay updated on photography technical skills learned in workshops or networking with influencers on platforms like Instagram to enrich your creative photographer CV more. Explore our article on showcasing hobbies on a CV for more tips.

b. Courses & certificates

For aspiring or entry-level photographers, listing courses and certificates is a powerful way to upskill and demonstrate commitment. Photographer experience certificates and courses like the NCFE Level 2 Certificate and British Academy of Photography for various levels offer hands-on and practical training in photography technical skills online and in the classroom.

Key takeaways 

• Crafting a compelling photography CV requires focusing on your technical, soft skills and creative abilities. Highlight your photographic education and any specialised courses.

• Showcase any practical experience, whether it’s editing, photoshoot coordination, or working with clients in real-world settings.

• Emphasise your proficiency in leading photography software and list any part-time or freelance work.

• Remember creating a diverse portfolio is your most vital asset to showcase potential employers.

Next steps? 

Explore our range of job-specific CV examples and templates designed for photographers at all stages of their careers. Use our dedicated CV Writing Service and CV Builder to kickstart your photography job application process. Opt for our tailor-made cover letters that perfectly align with your career goals. Alternatively, explore our career blog for invaluable insights and advice on interview techniques and the most common interview questions when shortlisted for your ideal job.

FAQs 

What qualifications do I need to be a photographer in the UK? 

In the UK, formal qualifications are not mandatory, but they can be helpful. It’s common to start as self-taught or take photography-related courses. Pursuing a BA in Photography, a diploma, or other specialised courses will enhance your skills and job prospects. Check that courses are accredited and can lead to more job opportunities.

How do I get a photography licence in the UK?

Unlike some professions, photography in the UK typically doesn't require a specific licence. If you're starting a photography business, you should register your business and have contract agreements in place for using images. You may also need a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) licence to use a drone for aerial photography in specific locations.

Do photographers need a CV? 

Yes, a well-crafted CV is essential in the UK. A professional photographer CV template that is ATS-approved will help recruiters read and scan your skills, experience, and qualifications more easily. Your CV is like a visual portfolio and must include essential sections highlighted in this guide to attract potential employers.

What is a photographer CV personal statement?

A photographer CV personal statement is a concise introduction at the top of your CV, summarising your expertise, experience, and photography skills. Tailor it to the job description and employer requirements. Use a strong personal statement that mentions your career goals, achievements, and top skills to potential employers or clients.

Do freelance photographers need a business license in the UK?

In the UK, you can use a specific business licence. However, if you’re a sole trader or a limited company, you must register with HMRC for Self-Assessment to handle taxes and National Insurance contributions. Additional business regulations may apply if you hire staff or rent studio space​.

What sort of photography jobs are there?

The job you decide to pursue depends on your interests and expertise. Photographers have a wide range of specialisation options, including industries in fashion, portrait, wedding, sports, product, events, press and PR photography to wildlife and travel photography.