As a Self Employed Photographer, your CV is a visual showcase of your artistic talent, technical skills, and business acumen. It should highlight your ability to capture compelling images, manage your own business, and deliver exceptional service to your clients. Your CV should reflect your unique style and vision, as well as your ability to consistently deliver high-quality work on time and within budget.
Whether you specialize in portraits, weddings, commercial photography, or photojournalism, these guidelines will help you create a CV that captures the attention of potential clients and employers.
Showcase Your Portfolio: Include a link to your online portfolio. This is your chance to show off your best work and demonstrate your unique style and vision.
Highlight Your Technical Skills: Detail your proficiency with photography equipment and software, such as DSLR cameras, lighting, Adobe Photoshop, and Lightroom.
Emphasize Your Business Skills: As a self-employed photographer, you're also a business owner. Highlight skills like marketing, client relations, and project management.
Quantify Your Success: Use numbers to illustrate your success, such as the number of clients you've served, projects completed, or awards won.
Detail Your Specializations: If you specialize in a certain type of photography, such as weddings or commercial shoots, make sure to highlight this in your CV.
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Dynamic Self Employed Photographer with a proven track record of expanding client base by 30% through strategic marketing and networking. Expert in streamlining digital photo editing processes, reducing editing time by 40%, and implementing successful social media strategies that boost online engagement by 50%. With a knack for creating unique photo concepts and a strong brand identity, I am committed to delivering high-quality visual content that increases customer satisfaction and drives business growth.
CAREER Experience
Self Employed Photographer• 01/2024 – Present
Pixel Analytics Solutions
Expanded client base by 30% through strategic marketing and networking, leading to a significant increase in annual revenue.
Developed and implemented a streamlined digital photo editing process, reducing editing time by 40% and increasing client satisfaction with final product.
Collaborated with clients to create unique and personalized photo concepts, resulting in a 20% increase in repeat business.
Photography Business Manager• 03/2023 – 12/2023
The Editorial Engine
Managed all aspects of business operations, including marketing, client relations, and financial management, leading to a 15% increase in profitability.
Implemented a new online booking system, improving client experience and increasing bookings by 25%.
Developed a successful social media strategy, resulting in a 50% increase in online engagement and a 20% increase in bookings.
Freelance Photographer• 11/2021 – 03/2023
Absolute Consulting
Launched a successful freelance photography business, securing 10+ clients within the first six months of operation.
Established a strong brand identity through a consistent and high-quality visual style, resulting in a 30% increase in website traffic.
Implemented a customer feedback system to improve service quality, leading to a 15% increase in customer satisfaction ratings.
SKILLS
Expertise in Digital Photo Editing
Strategic Marketing and Networking
Client Relationship Management
Financial Management
Online Booking System Implementation
Social Media Strategy Development
Brand Identity Establishment
Customer Feedback Analysis
Business Operations Management
Conceptual Photography
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography
Rochester Institute of Technology
2016-2020
Rochester, NY
CERTIFICATIONS
Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)
04/2024
Professional Photographers of America (PPA)
Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) in Photoshop
04/2023
Adobe
Master of Photography (M.Photog)
04/2023
Professional Photographers of America (PPA)
Self Employed Photographer CV Template
1.) Contact Information
Full Name
[email protected] • (XXX) XXX-XXXX • linkedin.com/in/your-name • City, State
2.) Personal Statement
Creative Self Employed Photographer with [number of years] years of experience in [specific photography genres, e.g., portrait, event, commercial photography]. Looking to leverage my expertise in [specific photography techniques or tools] to create compelling visual narratives for [Client Name]. Committed to delivering high-quality results that capture unique moments and exceed client expectations.
3.) CV Experience
Current or Most Recent Title
Job Title • State Date • End Date
Company Name
Worked with [clients/brands] to capture [type of photography, e.g., product, event, portrait], resulting in [outcome, e.g., increased sales, memorable event documentation, enhanced brand image], demonstrating strong [skill, e.g., creativity, technical expertise].
Managed [business aspect, e.g., client relations, marketing campaigns], optimizing [process or task, e.g., booking process, social media engagement] to boost [business outcome, e.g., client satisfaction, brand visibility].
Implemented [technique or process improvement, e.g., new editing software, streamlined photo delivery system], leading to [quantifiable benefit, e.g., 20% time savings, improved client feedback].
Previous Job Title
Job Title • State Date • End Date
Company Name
Played a pivotal role in [project or initiative, e.g., brand launch, wedding ceremony], which led to [measurable impact, e.g., increased client referrals, repeat business].
Conducted [type of analysis, e.g., market trends, client needs], using [analytical tools/methods] to shape [business strategy/action, e.g., service offerings, pricing structure].
Key contributor to [task or responsibility, e.g., post-production, client consultations], ensuring [quality or standard, e.g., image quality, client satisfaction] across all projects.
4.) CV Skills
Expertise in Digital Photo Editing
Strategic Marketing and Networking
Client Relationship Management
Financial Management
Online Booking System Implementation
Social Media Strategy Development
Brand Identity Establishment
Customer Feedback Analysis
Business Operations Management
Conceptual Photography
5.) Education
Official Degree Name
University Name
City, State • State Date • End Date
Major: Name of Major
Minor: Name of Minor
6.) Certifications
Official Certification Name
Certification Provider • State Date • End Date
Official Certification Name
Certification Provider • State Date • End Date
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In the world of photography, especially for those who are self-employed, the formatting of your CV can significantly influence your professional opportunities. A well-structured CV not only demonstrates your creativity—a key attribute for photographers—but also makes your CV more engaging and easier to understand for potential clients. A well-formatted CV can effectively showcase your skills and experiences, making a significant difference in securing new projects.
Start with a Creative Profile
Begin your CV with a creative profile that encapsulates your photography style, areas of expertise, and career goals. This should be a concise yet engaging summary that reflects your passion for photography and your unique approach to capturing images. This sets the tone for the rest of your CV and immediately gives potential clients an insight into your work.
Highlight Your Portfolio
As a self-employed photographer, your portfolio is your most powerful tool. Include a link to your online portfolio at the top of your CV, or if possible, incorporate a few select images into the document itself. This allows potential clients to see your work immediately, showcasing your skills and style.
Detail Relevant Experience and Projects
Detail your photography projects, whether they were for clients, personal work, or volunteer initiatives. Use bullet points to describe the nature of each project, your role, and any specific challenges you overcame. This not only demonstrates your experience but also your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
Emphasize Technical Skills and Equipment Proficiency
Technical skills are vital in photography. Include a section that highlights your proficiency with different types of photography equipment, software (like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom), and techniques. This shows potential clients that you have the technical expertise to execute a project successfully.
Include Testimonials
Including testimonials from previous clients can add credibility to your CV. Select a few positive reviews or feedback and include them in a separate section. This can provide potential clients with a sense of your professionalism and the quality of your work.
Personal Statements for Self Employed Photographers
Self Employed Photographer Personal Statement Examples
Strong Statement
"As a Self Employed Photographer with over 7 years of experience, I specialize in capturing unique and compelling images for a diverse range of clients. My expertise lies in portrait and event photography, with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling through visual imagery. I am adept at managing all aspects of my business, from client relations to post-production editing. I am seeking opportunities to leverage my creative and technical skills to create captivating photographs that resonate with clients' visions."
Weak Statement
"Dynamic and creative Self Employed Photographer with a proven track record in commercial and editorial photography. My work has been featured in various publications, demonstrating my ability to create visually striking images that engage audiences. With a strong understanding of lighting, composition, and editing techniques, I consistently deliver high-quality results that exceed client expectations. I am eager to bring my artistic vision and professional expertise to new and challenging projects."
Strong Statement
"Dynamic and creative Self Employed Photographer with a proven track record in commercial and editorial photography. My work has been featured in various publications, demonstrating my ability to create visually striking images that engage audiences. With a strong understanding of lighting, composition, and editing techniques, I consistently deliver high-quality results that exceed client expectations. I am eager to bring my artistic vision and professional expertise to new and challenging projects."
Weak Statement
"I have experience in taking photos for different purposes, including commercial and editorial. I know how to use lighting and composition to create good images. I am looking for new projects where I can use my photography skills."
What Makes a Strong Personal Statement?
A strong personal statement for a Self Employed Photographer CV effectively showcases the candidate's technical skills, creativity, and business acumen. It highlights specific areas of expertise, such as portrait, event, or commercial photography, and provides evidence of professional achievements. The statement should also convey the photographer's unique artistic vision and commitment to delivering high-quality results, demonstrating how these qualities align with the needs and expectations of potential clients.
Compare Your CV to a Job Description
Use Matching Mode to analyze and compare your CV content to a specific job, before you apply.
How long should Self Employed Photographers make a CV?
The ideal length for a Self Employed Photographer's CV is 1-2 pages. This allows enough room to showcase your skills, experiences, and unique photography style without overwhelming the reader. Prioritize content that highlights your most impressive photography projects and client testimonials. Remember, your CV should reflect your creativity and professionalism, making you stand out in the competitive photography field.
What's the best format for an Self Employed Photographer CV?
The best format for a Self Employed Photographer CV is a combination format. This highlights both your skills and work experience. Start with a strong summary of your photography skills and specialties, followed by a detailed portfolio section showcasing your best work. Then, list your work experience in reverse-chronological order, emphasizing any notable clients or projects. This format allows potential clients to quickly understand your abilities and see evidence of your photographic expertise.
How does a Self Employed Photographer CV differ from a resume?
To make your Self Employed Photographer CV stand out, showcase your unique style and creativity through a portfolio link. Highlight specific projects, clients, or publications where your work has been featured. Emphasize technical skills, like proficiency in editing software, and soft skills like client communication. Tailor your CV to each job, mirroring the language in the job description. Include any photography-related awards, certifications, or professional development courses to demonstrate your commitment to the craft.
