Photographer
Cover Letter Example

If your resume is the perfect portrait of yourself, consider your cover letter the touchup and editing process that takes the initial image and puts it into the best possible light.

A well-crafted photographer cover letter connects the substance of what you can do with a little bit of salesmanship, with the goal of convincing hiring managers that you’re the perfect person for the job.

Here are some tips for putting together a great cover letter for a photography position:

1. Showcase your portfolio

There’s no better way to convince an employer or client that you’re the right fit for the job than showing them your photography. Even if you can’t put photographs in your cover letter, you can still use the letter as an opportunity to connect employers with your work.

Ideally you should have your own website to showcase your work, and include the link to it in your cover letter. Many modern cover letter templates include a section in the header where you can add a link.

If you don’t have a website yet, you can use a site like Flickr to have something up while you get your own website sorted out. It’s highly recommended that you spend a little bit of time and money to get your own website set up, because having a personal website will come across as more polished and professional to a hiring manager.

There are some great photography website templates out there on the WordPress platform that are inexpensive and easy to update. If you’re serious about a career in photography, investing in your own website is an absolute must.

2. Highlight your technical photography skills

As a photographer, knowing what to include in a cover letter and how to highlight your technical skills could be what lands you the job.

Your technical skill set includes specific equipment you use, training you’ve done, or editing software you’re proficient in, such as Photoshop and Lightroom.

Employers want to hire a photographer who can readily handle both the photography and the editing. By highlighting any relevant video editing or computer skills, you show employers that you can take care of all their needs.

Additionally, if employers mention a particular technical requirement in the job description of the ad, be sure to highlight your competence in that area. By looking closely at a job listing, you can pick up on all of the important keywords that employers will be looking for in your application.

3. Don’t Forget to Add a Bit About Who You Are

The subject behind the lens is important too!

Your cover letter is an opportunity for you to give employers an insight into who you are both personally and professionally. Let them know about your passion for photography and why you’re an awesome photographer to work with.

Employers may also be looking for specific personality traits or soft skills like the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment or time management skills, so use the space to present yourself as the person they are looking for.

Make sure to mention your interest in the position, and why you want to work with a specific employer or client. Giving employers an idea of how your values align with the work they are offering will help them connect with you as a candidate.