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Beginner Photographer
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Freelance Photographer
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You’re there, camera at the ready, to capture all the most important moments at an event. You work with models or object compositions, and there’s always plenty of post-production work to be done using specialized software!
But what should you put when creating a cover letter and accompanying photographer resume to showcase what a great photographer you are? How can you show your niche and what an ideal candidate you are?
We’ve composed five photographer cover letter examples to help you figure out which way is up. After years of guiding photographers toward their dream jobs, our time-tested advice is bound to help!
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123 Fictional Avenue
Memphis, TN 37501
(123) 456-7890
Noah Johnson
Pyramid Films
123 Fictional Lane
Memphis, TN 37501
Dear Mr. Johnson,
I have long admired Pyramid Films’s commitment to delivering high-quality educational media, and I am excited to further your mission by utilizing my specialist skills in exposure control, and focus and depth of field as a photographer. I share your goal of providing powerful visual narratives to institutions across the spectrum.
At PhotoSpace, I successfully controlled exposure levels, balancing them with the proper lighting techniques to capture over 897 distinct photographs annually. This directly impacted the quality of our portfolio, spiking client satisfaction by 34%.
In Z Photog Studio, my mastery of focus and depth of fields helped address complex visual needs, enhancing the aesthetic quality of our clients’ media and bolstering client retention by 29%. In addition, these techniques contributed to a 22% rise in our annual sales.
In a quest to further refine my photography abilities, I pioneered a specialized training program focused on the practical application of exposure control, lighting techniques, focus, and depth of field skills. Post-implementation, the team’s overall technical photography skills improved by 27%.
Understanding the importance of precision, aesthetics, and visual storytelling in your line of work, I am eager to bring a creative and technical edge to Pyramid Films. I look forward to exploring further how my qualifications match your requirements at your earliest convenience. Thank you.
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123 Fictional Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85001
(123) 456-7890
William Lewis
Rick Miller Photography
123 Fictional Lane
Phoenix, AZ 85001
The visual splendor of our surroundings has always intrigued me. This fascination, coupled with my emerging talent in camera operation, has transformed into a compelling urge to capture the world’s aestheticism through the lens of a camera. As an entry-level photographer with skills in exposure control, composition, and more, I am excited about the prospect of contributing to Rick Miller Photography’s vision, delivering impressive visuals in the bustling photography industry of Phoenix, AZ.
I have honed my skills in exposure control, working at Everlasting Cinema during a six-month internship. Here, I successfully implemented exposure variance of 33% for over 80% of our capture tasks, ensuring optimal detailing and richness in our resultant images. My results have had a considerable impact, contributing to an increase in company portfolio requests by an impressive 27%.
In addition to exposure control, my understanding of composition and digital image concepts has played a crucial role in enhancing the visual storytelling experience in my projects. While interning at Tavits Photography, I utilized advanced composition techniques on various projects, raising the firm’s project satisfaction rate by 29% in three months.
My expertise extends to lighting techniques integral to capturing picturesque and high-quality images. With my penchant for innovative lighting setups, I improved photo quality and customer satisfaction at Studio Kristi by 41%, solidifying my commitment to quality and our clients’ vision.
Committed to continuous learning, I thrive in environments that challenge my creativity and technical photography skills and stimulate growth. I am eager to contribute to your portfolio while expanding my skills and experiences.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited to discuss how my skills and potential can benefit Rick Miller Photography.
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123 Fictional Avenue
Houston, TX 77003
(123) 456-7890
February 26, 2024
Abdullah Al Futtaim
The Missing Sock
123 Fictional Lane
Houston, TX 77003
Dear Mr. Al Futtaim:
From the moment I held my first camera, I was excited to capture the world through a lens and this is when I was certain that this was not just a hobby, but my calling. Photography has always been my way of communicating the unseen beauty and stories around us. Having completed my bachelor of Fine Arts, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team as a photographer assistant.
In my most recent role as a photographer assistant at Strawbridge Studios, my desire to learn helped me gain a variety of skills including photo set arrangement, prop handling, and customer interaction, aligning with the responsibilities outlined in your job description. Furthermore, my bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish allows me to communicate with a diverse clientele, enhancing the positive customer service reviews by 26%.
At The Lumen Room and through my personal project, Wanderlust Lens, I developed a keen eye for detail and a profound ability to connect with subjects, ensuring their comfort and capturing their natural smiles and attitudes, a skill crucial for working with children. Also, my proficiency with tools like Adobe Suite and Photo Mechanic has streamlined photo editing processes and saved 13 hours previously spent on manual tasks.
My experience working at Scott Wilson Photography elevated my skills in scheduling, cost reporting, and launching social media campaigns which prepared me to smoothly coordinate with the production manager, account managers, and customer support, ensuring a seamless workflow.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to your response.
Enclosures:
Resume
2 letters of recommendation
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123 Fictional Avenue
Miami, FL 33101
(123) 456-7890
Mia Anderson
Miami Herald
123 Fictional Lane
Miami, FL 33101
Dear Ms. Anderson,
With an enriching 7-year journey across multiple facets of professional photography, I am genuinely excited about leveraging my skills at the Miami Herald, South Florida’s premier source for news and information. As a freelance photographer with an immense passion for storytelling, I am motivated to bolster Miami Herald’s illustrious stature, already graced with 22 Pulitzer Prizes. I aim to add my distinctive touch to the visual narratives, further intensifying the bond with your diverse readership.
At the Orlando Sentinel, I managed diverse photography assignments ranging from lifestyle features to sports, resulting in an estimated 43% user engagement in digital platforms. My proficiency in post-processing techniques using advanced tools such as Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop was crucial in elevating the visual aesthetic of several high-performing online articles. At the Tampa Bay Times, I have extensively used my expertise in exposure control to capture over 242 crucial events and human interest stories in vibrant detail, leading to an audience growth rate of 27% over my two-year tenure.
A challenging and enlightening project with National Geographic allowed me to delve into the dynamic domain of high-speed photography. My focus on capturing the breathtaking marine wildlife of South Florida became a celebrated body of work, causing a significant surge in our website’s viewer retention by 32%.
At Miami Herald, I aspire to integrate my photography skills with the narrative excellence your esteemed platform is known for. Producing compelling visual elements to augment Miami Herald’s stories across various sections, such as politics, culture, and sports, I aim to make it even more engaging and relatable to the reader base.
Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to contribute to Miami Herald and would appreciate an opportunity to discuss further how my photography skills could enhance your team’s output. Please don’t hesitate to contact me for any additional information or materials.
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123 Fictional Avenue
La Mirada, CA 90638
(123) 456-7890
February 26, 2024
Jeremy Taylor
Living Spaces
123 Fictional Avenue
La Mirada, CA 90638
I’ve always admired Living Spaces’ aim to help everyone create a better home and couldn’t help but feel a profound connection to this mission. When I discovered the opening for a product photographer position, I knew this was an opportunity to help contribute to a company that aligns with my personal beliefs.
In my previous role at Home Depot, amongst others, I had the chance to expand my skills in implementing advanced lighting, set design, and capturing images that engage audiences. As a team of 16, we produced images that consistently met high-quality standards, aligning perfectly with the responsibilities outlined in your job description.
Besides this, my time at AutoZone helped me gain expertise in Adobe Photoshop and was further recognized through achieving the Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) certification, ensuring I can deliver on the editing and retouching needs at Living Spaces. In addition to my technical skills, my work has always been driven by passion and creativity. Here, I also learned to work with cross-functional teams to adhere to brand guidelines and marketing efforts.
Furthermore, in my experience with Hobby Lobby, I specialized in color correction techniques — a testimony that I can deliver the dynamic imagery and consistent results your brand aspires to. My ability to work independently, and manage high-volume projects efficiently, along with keeping abreast of the latest photography trends, mirrors your search for a dedicated and innovative team member.
Thank you for considering my application. I hope we can connect soon.
When you sit down to write a cover letter that’s fresh and engaging, always consider the job description you’re responding to. You don’t want to pitch your freelance event photography specialties to a company that’s looking for an in-house brand photographer! Research and demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm for that job.
Check out the company website and always keep the original job ad handy so you can reference it for keywords like “wedding photographer” or “studio experience.” Seemingly small details can make or break an effective cover letter—and determine whether you’re called back for more info on your qualifications!
Don’t even think about typing “To whom it may concern”! Your cover letter is headed for a specific reader; you need to find their name. Any company research you’ve done can help you here and give you an idea of where to look for the hiring manager you’re addressing. An eye for detail is crucial for a polished photo, too.
Use the opening paragraph to sprinkle in a couple more photography-related skills while you connect with the company over some of your shared values. If you can briefly mention an accomplishment demonstrating your readiness to overcome hurdles for the company, do so!
Make sure you have a good hook in there for your reader, too. Don’t lay all your cards on the table at once (you don’t want to end up repeating yourself later anyway). Just share a couple of highlights that imply your ability to provide solutions for the company.
Don’t write a sloppy, low-effort intro like this one that features vague, unsubstantiated claims:
I really like taking pictures so I’m already excited to get a phone call. But first I’ll tell you about some photography stuff I’ve done before because I’m really good.
This opening paragraph is way more enthusiastic, creative, and thoughtful in tone, making their connection to the company feel natural:
The visual splendor of our surroundings has always intrigued me. This fascination, coupled with my emerging talent in camera operation, has transformed into a compelling urge to capture the world’s aestheticisim through the camera lens. As an entry-level photographer with skills in exposure control, composition, and more, I am excited about the prospect of contributing to Rick Miller Photography’s vision, delivering impressive visuals in the bustling photography industry of Phoenix, AZ.
In photography, every detail matters—demonstrate your understanding here by composing experience points that align yourself with your potential employer’s mission. Did you read about any particular issues the organization hopes to solve with a fresh photographer’s perspective? Have you overcome engagement slumps that would help them expand their brand reach?
Just keep each paragraph centered around one major topic, even while your cover letter tells a story of success and advancement. Your achievements are most impactful when you think “quality over quantity” and pick just a few excellent points to boost with effective context and metrics.
You need those metrics to skyrocket your credibility. Quantifiable data just looks more impressive, making each accomplishment look more solid. Think of feedback ratings, percentages, and hours or dollars you’ve saved. If you need any other ideas, check back with that job description!
In Z Photog Studio, my mastery of focus and depth of field helped address complex visual needs, enhancing the aesthetic quality of our clients’ media and bolstering client retention by 29%. In addition, these techniques contributed to a 22% rise in our annual sales.
Now that your tales of beautifully documented events and increased online engagement rates have sold your depth of knowledge as a photographer, it’s time to enter the “post-production” phase of your cover letter!
Start your closer paragraph by reiterating how your creative utilization of various lenses or your eye for crowd compositions will benefit the company. Reconnect with the organization by touching upon their objectives and expressing your capabilities and desire to solve them.
Don’t forget a good call to action. After all, you want to hear from your reader again! And make sure you write politely by thanking them for their time. You can either write the thank-you into your closing paragraph, or you can use it as your formal signoff. Either way, keep your signoff professional and use your full, real name.
Don’t write a closer that’s informal, weak, and totally lacking in enthusiasm:
Yep so as you just read I’ve taken lots of pictures, even just by myself in parks and stuff like that. You can call me back whenever as long as it isn’t weekends.
You’d have much better luck with a closer displaying existing job skills alongside a passion for the job, like this one does:
Understanding the importance of precision, aesthetics, and visual storytelling in your line of work, I am eager to bring a creative and technical edge to Pyramid Films. I look forward to exploring further how my qualifications match your requirements at your earliest convenience. Thank you.
What tone should I write in?Whatever tone they write in! Check the job description, browse the company website, and take some notes on how they come across. Is their company culture super artsy and fun? Are you getting more of a serious, high-fashion vibe? Tweak your tone to match!
Where can I find out how to connect with the organization?Keep those tabs from the last question open! The website and the original job ad are always great places to start—especially the job description since it should clearly outline what the company currently needs. Find what they’re asking for, and answer with your own traits and experiences.
How long should my cover letter be?Don’t ramble: stick with one page only! Your reader will thank you since they probably have quite the stack to get through. Besides, short and sweet cover letters tend to be more memorable, especially if you craft each paragraph to elicit strong imagery related to your achievements.
