This entry-level photographer CV guide helps you present relevant experience even if you have limited paid work. You’ll find clear examples for job titles, a profile, duties, and portfolio presentation so UK hiring managers can see your skills and creative eye within seconds.
Building a Photographer resume?
Skip the blank page. Start with a template built for this role, then tailor it for each job you apply to.
Tip: use the template as a starting point, then swap in your own numbers and project names.
Job Title and Profile for an Entry-Level Photographer CV
Begin with a precise job title and a brief profile. For example: "Entry-Level Photographer, Portraits and Events." Follow with a two-sentence profile that highlights your strongest relevant experience, such as internships, freelance shoots, or coursework, and the kinds of photography you wish to pursue.
The profile should explain what you can deliver for the employer rather than focusing on your personal goals.
Contact Details and Portfolio Link
Place your full name, UK mobile number, professional email address, and city near the top. Include a single link to an online portfolio or a curated PDF.
Use a short, memorable portfolio URL (vanity link) so it’s easy to open from desktop or mobile. The portfolio should load to a clean landing page with a selection of your best images.
You may also include links to professional social profiles (e.g. Instagram or Behance) only if they are curated and show your best work.
If relevant, add a short note about your right to work in the UK.
Work Experience for a CV
List paid or unpaid photography roles in reverse chronological order, including internships, freelance gigs, volunteering, and relevant assistant positions. For each entry, include the project name, location, dates, and two to four bullet points that quantify your work and results, such as the number of images delivered, turnaround times, or positive client outcomes.
Use action verbs and specific tools, e.g. "shot and edited 150 event images using Adobe Lightroom, delivered within 48 hours" to demonstrate both production and speed.
Education, Qualifications, and Relevant Coursework
List your highest UK qualification first. Include photography-related coursework, workshops, or certification programmes that demonstrate technical grounding.
If you completed a capstone project, dissertation, or a notable exhibition, mention the project title and give a brief one-sentence description of scope and impact. Include GCSEs and A-levels where helpful, and reference UCAS if you are a recent graduate.
If applying to healthcare settings (e.g. NHS trusts), be aware of NHS pay bands and relevant standards.
Skills, Equipment, and Software
Create a concise skills list that covers photography genres you specialise in (portraits, events, product), editing (Lightroom, Photoshop), colour management, and any studio or on-location techniques. List key gear you are proficient with (camera bodies, lenses, lighting, backdrops) and any software you routinely use.
Keep the items relevant to the roles you’re targeting and avoid overloading the reader.
Portfolio Presentation and References
Explain how you plan to present your portfolio (online gallery, PDF, or both) and how many images you typically feature per project. Include a note about references: 'Available on request' is standard.
You may also add brief client endorsements if space allows, but prioritise strong, diverse examples of your work.
Additional Tips
- 1Name files and portfolio images clearly, for example "Smith_Jane_Portrait_01.jpg" so reviewers can reference specific pieces.
- 2Use consistent verb tense: present for current roles and past for completed projects, to avoid confusion.
- 3Include short captions for portfolio images that list gear and settings only when relevant to the role.
- 4Back up your CV and portfolio versions, and check links on desktop and mobile before applying.
- 5Request one or two brief endorsements from clients or tutors and include a short quote if space allows.