What should a Freelance Event Photographer Put on a Resume?

By Author and Professional Photographer Orlando Sydney Post Modified October 2, 2023 @ 2:36 pm Last Updated on 1 week by https://orlandosydney.com/

Resume Intro and Perspectives

Resumes, do event photographers like to write them? not really. Do studio managers like to read them, probably not, but they are a great tool to introduce yourself, show off your skills or passion for the craft of providing people with great imagery they would not otherwise be able to capture themselves. Hence they hire profession photographers.

The market place is very, very competitive in the event photography genre, even more so in the corporate event photography niche.

If you’re still keen to get into the craft, your resume will need to look polished and well structured.

If you’re a newer photographer with no experience you’ll benefit from these basic descriptions before starting on the content and structure of your resume.

Descriptions and Definition’s of Industry Jargon

What Does Photography Resume mean?

For our purpose a Resume means a structured document that an applicant creates to itemize their experience and qualifications for a position. Similar to a CV but more concise.

Freelance Photographer meaning

An person who makes money on a per-job basis is a very simple description. For a full description see our long and informative page What is Freelance Photography all About?

Photography Brief meaning

A photography brief is a simple outline of what the photographer needs to focus on during the event.

What Does Shot list mean?

A shot list for event photographers means a document that lists out which photos are key moments that they must get at each photoshoot booking.

Event Photographer meaning

Event Photography is about capturing people and their connection at events.

Table of Contents – Jump to Headings

Tailor Your Resume to the Event Photography Industry

As a budding freelance event photographer, your role is crucial in capturing special moments and preserving memories for your future clients.

To secure lucrative opportunities in the very competitive event photography sector, it is essential to create a standout resume that showcases your skills, experience, and artistic flair. But don’t go over the top, keep it to the point. Let’s get into the long form detail.

Emphasize Relevant Skills and Expertise

Highlight the key skills that are particularly important for event photographers. These may include proficiency in capturing;

Candid shots
Formal posed shots of small groups
Managing lighting in different environments
Indoor photography
Working with diverse subjects
Photographing with speed lights / flash
Delivering quality images under tight deadlines

Use your resume to demonstrate your ability to handle the unique challenges of event photography.

Showcase Event-Specific Experience

Detail your experience in photographing different types of events, such as;

Weddings
Conferences
Concerts
Corporate gatherings
Street Parades
Private parties

Include specific details about the size of the events, notable clients or venues, and any significant achievements or challenges you encountered. This helps potential clients understand your level of expertise in capturing the essence of various events.

Describe your understanding of a photography brief

Write in your own words but this is a general example;

“As an event photographer, I possess a strong understanding of photography briefs and their importance in delivering exceptional results. I have a proven track record of carefully reviewing and analysing client briefs to grasp their vision, objectives, and specific requirements. By effectively interpreting client needs and asking relevant questions for clarification, I ensure that I align my creative vision and technical skills with their expectations. My ability to communicate effectively with clients helps establish a collaborative relationship, enabling me to deliver photographs that capture the desired mood, style, and essence of each event. With my comprehensive understanding of photography briefs, I consistently exceed client expectations and deliver exceptional event photography experiences.”

Demonstrate your understanding of a shot list

Write in your own words but this is another general example;

“As an experienced event photographer, I recognize the importance of a shot list in capturing every important moment and detail. I have a keen eye for identifying key shots and planning the best approach to document each event effectively. By studying the provided shot list meticulously, I ensure that I capture all the essential images while allowing room for creative spontaneity. My strong organizational skills and attention to detail enable me to prioritize my workflow, ensuring that no crucial shots are missed. By adhering to a shot list, I consistently deliver comprehensive event photography collections that capture the essence, emotions, and highlights of each occasion. With my understanding of shot lists, I guarantee client satisfaction and create lasting memories through my exceptional event photography services.”

Create an Engaging Portfolio Section

Curate a Diverse Selection of Your Best Work

Include a dedicated portfolio section in your resume to showcase your talent and versatility. Select a diverse range of images that highlight your ability to capture different types of events, emotions, and moments. Ensure that the images are of high quality and represent your unique artistic style.

Provide Captions and Context

This is one we think is important. Accompany each image in your portfolio with brief captions that provide context and highlight your role in capturing the moment. Describe the event, the emotions captured, and any notable aspects of the image. This demonstrates your ability to tell a story through your photographs and enhances the viewer’s understanding of your work.

Highlight Your Professionalism and Client Satisfaction

Include Testimonials from Satisfied Clients

Incorporate testimonials or positive feedback from clients you have worked with. These testimonials serve as social proof of your professionalism, reliability, and ability to exceed client expectations. Choose testimonials that specifically mention your skills in event photography and emphasize the positive impact you made on their events.

Mention Professional Associations and Memberships

If you are a member of any professional photography associations or organizations. This demonstrates your commitment to the field and your dedication to staying updated with the latest trends and practices.

Contact Information

Provide your professional contact details at the top of the resume, including your name, phone number, email address, and website/portfolio (if applicable).

Consider adding some of the following headings to your resume, depending on your specific experience and qualifications:

Specializations: If you have a particular area of photography that you specialize in, such as portraiture, weddings, or festival photography, you can list this in a separate section of your resume.

Publications: If your work has been published in any magazines, newspapers or websites, you can list this in a separate section of your resume.

Speaking Engagements: If you have spoken at any photography conferences or workshops, you can list this in a separate section of your resume.

Volunteer Work: If you have volunteered your photography skills to any organizations, you can list this in a separate section of your resume.

Formatting and Presentation Tips for a Freelance Photographer Resume

Design and Layout

Choosing an appropriate resume format Selecting fonts, colours, and overall visual presentation.

Photography Elements

Incorporating photography elements into the resume design. Displaying samples of your work with an appropriate groupings within the document.

Organization and Structure

Arranging resume sections in a logical order. Using bullet points and concise descriptions

Tailoring the Resume for Different Clients and Opportunities

Customizing the resume based on client preferences and job requirements, Don’t go overboard but tweak and adapt the resume for different photography genres or niches.

Tips for Writing a Compelling Resume Summary and Bullets

Craft an Attention-Grabbing Resume Summary
Using a strong opening statement to captivate the reader
Showcasing your unique selling points and areas of expertise
Writing Impactful Bullets for Professional Experience
Utilizing action verbs and quantitative data to demonstrate achievements
Tailoring each bullet point to highlight relevant skills and outcomes

Resume Dos and Don’ts for Freelance Photographers

Dos

Using industry-specific keywords and phrases
Proofreading and editing the resume for accuracy and clarity
Keeping the resume concise and targeted

Don’ts

Including irrelevant personal information
Using overly complicated language or jargon
Neglecting to update the resume regularly

Create an Impressive Online Presence

Optimizing social media profiles for professional networking
Showcasing your work through photography-focused websites

Should the resume match the brand look and feel of their online portfolio?

Yes, it is recommended for the resume to match the brand look and feel of the photographer’s online portfolio. Consistency in branding creates a cohesive and professional image for the freelance photographer. When a potential client or employer views both the online portfolio and the resume, having a consistent visual identity helps reinforce the photographer’s personal brand.

Aligning your resume with your brand look and feel with your online portfolio can be achieved through the following steps:

Colours and Fonts: Utilize the same or complementary colours and fonts used in the online portfolio. This creates a visual connection between the two and enhances brand recognition.
Logo and Branding Elements: Incorporate the your logo or branding elements, such as icons or patterns, into the resume design. This reinforces the brand and helps create a memorable impression.
Imagery: Include quality images that reflect the your style and expertise. These could be thumbnails or small samples strategically placed within the resume to provide visual examples of your best work.
Layout and Design: Consider the overall layout and design of the online portfolio and replicate the same aesthetic in the resume. This could involve using similar grid structures, margins, or overall visual hierarchy.

By ensuring that the resume matches your brand look and feel of the online portfolios, as freelance photographer, you can present a cohesive and professional image to potential clients or employers. This consistent branding helps establish trust and credibility, making a positive impact on your career prospects.

Association and Business Chamber Memberships

Australian Business Events Association

Photography for Corporate Events, Exhibition & Conventions

Sydney CBD Chamber of Commerce

National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA)

Restaurant & Catering Industry Association of Australia

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should I include every event I have photographed in my resume?

It is not necessary to include every single event you have photographed. Instead, focus on selecting the most impactful and diverse events that highlight your skills and expertise. Choose events that align with the type of work you want to pursue in the future.

How should I organize my portfolio section?

Organize your portfolio section in a visually appealing manner. Consider arranging your images by event type or create subsections for different categories of events. Ensure that the images flow cohesively and tell a compelling visual story. For example, don’t put indoor warm light photos next to outdoor midday photos as the tone and mood might be very different.

Can I include non-event photography work in my resume?

While we think it is beneficial to focus on event photography, if that’s what you’re aiming for, you can include other relevant photography work if it showcases your skills or artistic vision.

For example, if you have experience in portrait photography or photojournalism, include a separate section that highlights these skills and you’ll no doubt be taking photos of people at event and there’s a nice connection between the two genres.

Should I include a photo portfolio with my resume?

Yes, it is highly recommended to include a link to your online portfolio or attach a tightly curated selection of your best work along with your resume. This allows potential clients or hirers to assess the quality and style of your photography.

How should I format my resume for online applications?

When submitting your resume online, save it as a PDF to ensure that the formatting remains intact across different devices and platforms. PDFs are universally compatible and maintain the visual integrity of your resume. Whereas .doc etc can change depending on the application that opens them.

Should I customize my resume for each client or project?

While it’s not necessary to completely overhaul your resume for every application, it’s beneficial to tailor certain sections or highlight specific skills and experiences that align with the client’s requirements. This customization shows your attention to detail and genuine interest in the project.

Wrapping up

Remember, your freelance photographer resume is a representation of your artistic vision, technical skills, and professionalism. Craft it with care, regularly update it, and let it shine as your gateway to exciting photography opportunities.

By following these tips, you can create a resume that effectively communicates your expertise, captivates potential clients or studios, and with a bit of lucky with timing it can open doors to exciting event photography opportunities. We wish your every success.