Photojournalist Resume Example (Free Guide)

Are you a photographer looking to break into the world of photojournalism? If so, our comprehensive guide on how to craft a winning photojournalist resume is a must-read. We'll provide you with all the tools and tips you need to create a stunning resume and secure the job of your dreams. From industry-specific keywords to showcase your skillset to highlighting your top accomplishments, we'll cover everything you need to know.

We will cover:

How to write a resume, no matter your industry or job title.
What to put on a resume to stand out.
The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
How to build a resume fast with our professional Resume Builder.
What a resume template is, and why you should use it.

Plus, we will provide expert resume writing tips and professional examples to inspire you.

What does a Photojournalist do?

A photojournalist is a type of journalist who captures images of events and people to tell stories in the media. They often work on assignment for newspapers, magazines, and websites, and may also work freelance for a variety of outlets. Photojournalists are responsible for taking high-quality photos, editing them, and providing captions and other contextual information. They may also need to research and write stories to accompany the photos.

We’re about to begin, but first, here are some other Photojournalist related resume examples:

What are some responsibilities of a Photojournalist?

Capture photographs of newsworthy events or people in a timely manner
Edit, adjust and process photographs
Write captions and short stories to accompany photographs
Submit photographs to publications or websites
Attend press conferences and briefings
Conduct research for stories
Develop contacts in the field
Ensure the accuracy of photographs
Organize and store photographs
Update website content

Sample Photojournalist Resume for Inspiration

Personal Details:
Name: John Doe
Address: 123 Main Street, Anytown, ST 12345
Phone: (123) 456-7890
Email: john.doe@example.com

Summary:
John Doe is an experienced and talented Photojournalist with over 10 years of experience in the field. He is passionate about capturing the true essence of the stories he documents and telling them to the world. He is a creative and organized problem solver who is quick at adapting to any situation.

Work Experience:

ABC News, Photojournalist, Anytown, ST (2016 - Present)
XYZ Pictures, Photojournalist, Anytown, ST (2012 - 2016)

Education:
University of Anytown, Anytown, ST (2008 - 2012)
Bachelor of Arts in Photojournalism

Skills:

Photojournalism
Photography
Editing
Storytelling
Adobe Creative Suite

Certifications:
Adobe Certified Expert in Adobe Photoshop

Languages:
English (fluent)
Spanish (conversational)

Resume tips for Photojournalist

Creating a perfect, career-launching resume is no easy task. Following general writing rules can help, but it is also smart to get advice tailored to your specific job search. When you’re new to the employment world, you need Photojournalist resume tips.
We collected the best tips from seasoned Photojournalist - Check out their advice to not only make your writing process easier but also increase your chances of creating a resume that piques the interest of prospective employers.

Highlight any awards or recognition you’ve received as a photojournalist.
Include a portfolio of your best photos with your resume.
Describe any experience you have with specialized cameras, editing software, and lighting equipment.
Include any experience you have in a foreign country or with a different culture.
List any additional skills you have related to photography or journalism, such as writing, editing, and interviewing.

Photojournalist Resume Summary Examples

A photojournalist resume summary or resume objective gives potential employers a quick overview of your qualifications and experience. It can help them quickly decide whether you're a good fit for the job, and it can be tailored to each position you apply for. By highlighting your most relevant skills, education, and experience, a summary or objective can demonstrate to employers that you have the knowledge and skills they are looking for.

For Example:

Highly motivated Photojournalist with 5 years of experience in professional photography and retouching. Proven track record in capturing compelling images and creating stories.
Experienced Photojournalist with an expertise in image editing, digital media, and videography. Passionate about creating visually compelling content for various media outlets.
Accomplished Photojournalist with 7+ years of experience in capturing and editing images for newspaper, magazine, and online publications. Proven success in telling stories through compelling visuals.
Creative Photojournalist with a strong background in developing visual stories. Skilled in retouching, shooting, and editing images for print and web publications.
Dynamic Photojournalist with 10+ years of experience in creating and editing multimedia content. Skilled in capturing compelling images and stories while meeting tight deadlines.

Build a Strong Experience Section for Your Photojournalist Resume

Building a strong experience section in a photojournalist resume is essential to demonstrate a track record of successful projects and show potential employers that the applicant has the right skills and experience for the job. A strong experience section will provide employers with a clear understanding of the applicant's capabilities and the types of projects they have completed. It will also show employers the applicant's ability to work with different types of equipment and his or her understanding of the photographic process. Additionally, it will provide valuable insight into the applicant's knowledge of photojournalism and the types of stories they have told.

For Example:

Assisted with the development of story ideas and content for publication.
Successfully captured and edited photographic content for a wide variety of publications.
Developed comprehensive understanding of photographic equipment, software and techniques.
Collaborated with editors and other photographers to ensure accuracy and quality of content.
Photographed events, news stories, and feature pieces for print and digital media.
Led several successful photojournalism projects from conception to completion.
Compiled and archived photos on a daily basis for future use.
Cultivated relationships with other media outlets and organizations to source stories.
Conducted research to enhance photojournalism stories.
Researched and edited photos for media campaigns, campaigns, and other projects.

Photojournalist resume education example

Photojournalists typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a field related to photography or photojournalism. Courses in journalism, photography, and digital media are essential, as well as classes in ethics, communication, and marketing. Many programs also offer hands-on experience with classes in photojournalism, multimedia production, and visual storytelling.

Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a Photojournalist resume:

Bachelor of Arts in Photojournalism, University of California, Los Angeles, 2018
Certificate in Advanced Visual Storytelling, New York Institute of Photography, 2020
Beginner's Photography Course, Harvard Extension School, 2015

Photojournalist Skills for a Resume

It is important to add skills for a Photojournalist Resume because employers are looking for specific skills and qualifications in potential candidates. The skills you include should demonstrate your knowledge and proficiency in the field of photojournalism. Examples of skills to include may be technical skills (e.g., proficiency with Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, DSLR camera operation, etc.), communication skills (e.g., writing, public speaking, interviewing, etc.), and creative skills (e.g., composition, storytelling, visualizing, etc.). Additionally, employer may be looking for other skills such as research, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Including these skills on your resume will help demonstrate to employers that you have the abilities and experience needed to be successful in the job.

Soft Skills:

Organizational Skills
Creative Thinking
Time Management
Communication Skills
Adaptability
Critical Thinking
Research Skills
Storytelling
Networking
Leadership

Hard Skills:

Photography
Video Editing
Lighting
Storytelling
Editing Software
Camera Operation
Image Processing
Graphic Design
Social Media
Content Writing

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Photojournalist Resume

In this competitive job market, employers receive an average of 180 applications for each open position. To process these resumes, companies often rely on automated applicant tracking systems, which can sift through resumes and eliminate the least qualified applicants. If your resume is among the few that make it past these bots, it must still impress the recruiter or hiring manager. With so many applications coming in, recruiters typically give each resume only 5 seconds of their attention before deciding whether to discard it. Considering this, it's best to avoid including any distracting information on your application that could cause it to be thrown away. To help make sure your resume stands out, review the list below of what you should not include on your job application.

Not including a cover letter. A cover letter is a great way to explain why you are the best candidate for the job and why you want the position.
Using too much jargon. Hiring managers do not want to read a resume full of technical terms that they do not understand.
Omitting important details. Make sure to include your contact information, educational background, job history, and any relevant skills and experiences.
Using a generic template. Take the time to customize your resume to the job you are applying for. This will show the employer that you are serious about the position.
Spelling and grammar errors. Always double-check your resume for typos, spelling mistakes, and grammar errors.
Focusing too much on duties. Make sure to include accomplishments and successes to show the employer that you are a great candidate.
Including personal information. Avoid including any personal information such as age, marital status, or religious beliefs.

Key takeaways for a Photojournalist resume

Highlight any awards or recognition you have received
Demonstrate your knowledge of photo-editing software
Include a portfolio of your best work
Show your ability to work independently
Detail your experience in shooting on location
Mention any special skills you have, such as foreign language fluency
Outline your experience with different types of photography
Highlight any special projects you have worked on

It's time to begin the job search. Make sure you put your best foot forward and land your next job with the help of Resumaker.ai.