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Commercial Photographer Resume Samples
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10+ years of experience
- Produced high-level advertising photography for major retailers and magazines.
- Consulted directly with clients and built solid work relationships to understand their expectations and business needs.
- Partnered with team members to recommend creative photographic solutions including set design and props.
- Prepared set and lighting for product photography shoot to match company image, styles and standards.
- Provided clear and patient direct supervision to support staff for preparation and assembly of sets and photo shoots as needed.
0-5 years of experience
- Produced four print lookbooks for marketing assets, web & trade shows
- Casted talent, hired full production team, sourced locations & dictated art direction
- Created budgeting guidelines and handled all negotiations with production team and casting
- Photographed, directed and handled post production of all content including video
0-5 years of experience
- Collaborated with senior photographers and clients to create portfolios for commercial and industrial properties
- Retouched and organized image proofs using Adobe Creative Suite along with proprietary software to create biometric ID cards
- Managed photography set design, spearheading installation of lighting, props, and heavy equipment on client sites
6-10 years of experience
- Photograph corporate events, headshot, E-Commerce and commercial shoots.
- Perform photographic work under extreme pressure and limited time schedules.
- Excellent collaboration with creative teams of assigned commercial projects.
- Provide photographs in timely manner.
- Utilize Adobe programs to cull, edit and export large amounts of photos for clients.
6-10 years of experience
- Provided photography services; for weddings, special events, family shoots and models.
- Edited images as needed.
- Process photographs by resizing and retouching.
- Ensure appropriate photo quality.
- Provided quality customer service and maintained loyal client.
Commercial Photographer Duties and Responsibilities
The subject matter and working conditions vary widely depending on the pictures a commercial photographer is taking. However, common core job duties include:
Capture Images with Photographic Equipment Commercial photographers take photographs of a variety of subjects, including people, places, and things, using both film and digital camera equipment.
Work with Digital Photography Commercial photographers work with digital imaging equipment, which includes uploading photographs to digital and online databases and posting photographs on the internet.
Process Photographs Commercial photographers edit and retouch digital photographs, adding filters and other effects after images have been captured. They also process photo negatives in darkrooms.
Maintain Studio and Shoot Environments Commercial photographers keep photo studios and on-site environments clean and organized, arranging props and people as needed to capture the desired images.
Return Props and Products When photo shoots are over, commercial photographers return all props and products to their proper locations and clean up all equipment and materials used.
Commercial Photographer Skills and Qualifications
Employers prefer commercial photographers who have a firm grasp of the following skills:
- Photography – commercial photographers expertly operate cameras and associated accessories, such as lenses, tripods, and external flashes
- Creativity – commercial photographers have strong creative skills and artistic abilities to capture images and compose still photographic shoots
- Attention to detail – commercial photographers have a keen eye for detail and notice even the smallest imperfections that may compromise images
- Time management – commercial photographers use good time management skills to meet tight deadlines
- Multitasking – because commercial photographers work on multiple projects at once and manage many people and tasks simultaneously, they are strong multitaskers
- Communication skills – commercial photographers give instructions and explanations to human photographic subjects, which requires strong verbal communication skills
- Physical stamina – commercial photographers carry heavy equipment, stand, walk, squat, and crouch to get into position to take photos, all of which requires physical strength and ability
- Interpersonal skills – commercial photographers know how to put people at ease and help them feel comfortable in front of a camera
Commercial Photographer Education and Training
There are no special education or training requirements to become a commercial photographer, though many employers seek candidates who have a high school diploma or GED. Commercial photographers must have a professional portfolio that showcases a wide body of work. Employers also look for commercial photographers who have previous experience working in a professional photography studio. No on-the-job training is typically provided to commercial photographers; they must acquire the skills to compose photos and learn to use photographic equipment on their own.
Commercial Photographer Salary and Outlook
Photographers in all fields earn a median annual salary of $34,070, or $16.38 an hour. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that photography jobs will decline by 6 percent through 2026. Commercial photographers do not typically receive benefits, though some full-time employees may be provided with basic health insurance coverage. Many employers provide commercial photographers with travel reimbursement, and some companies supply photographic equipment, lighting equipment, and film. Commercial photographers who work on an independent contractor basis receive no benefits and must manage their own healthcare, vacation, retirement, and life insurance needs.
Helpful Resources
Learn the skills and strategies needed to become a commercial photographer using the following resources:
American Society of Media Photographers – stay up-to-date on photography news, find webinars, look for upcoming photography events, and discover career opportunities at the ASMP website
Commercial Photographer’s Master Lighting Guide: Food, Architectural Interiors, Clothing, Jewelry, More – use this photography handbook to learn strategies for lighting subjects in outdoor and indoor environments, find information for using various types of lighting equipment, and get tips for working with a variety of photographic subjects
American Photographic Artists – this website is full of inspiring images and content for professional photographers in all fields. APA also provides information about upcoming events, news updates, and space for photographers to display their online portfolios
Business Basics for the Successful Commercial Photographer – learn the business basics of being a commercial photographer, including information about copyrights and other important business concerns
Photographic Society of America – find upcoming photo exhibitions, learn about photography events and professional competitions, view online portfolios and photo galleries, and discover education resources for photographers of all kinds at the PSA website
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Commercial Photographer
Last edited by: Gabriela Barcenas, CPRW, Content Writer II -
Gabriela Barcenas
CPRW, Content Writer IIGabriela is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and career adviser. With 10 years of digital media experience and five years of resume writing expertise, her publication history includes fashion, education, travel, social justice, equitable design and career advice.
