9 Professional Photographer Cover Letter Examples for 2024

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Your photographer cover letter must immediately capture attention with a strong opening line about your unique photography style or a notable achievement. Demonstrate your expertise by mentioning specific genres you excel in or high-profile projects you've completed. In the second paragraph of your photographer cover letter, convey your technical skills and familiarity with different photography equipment and editing software. Don't forget to express your creative insight and how it aligns with the vision and needs of the potential employer or client you are addressing.

All cover letter examples in this guide

Embarking on your job search, you've polished your resume and started applying, only to realize that a compelling photographer cover letter can truly set you apart. It's not just about listing skills—it's about weaving the story of your proudest professional achievement. This is your chance to showcase your unique value without falling into the trap of clichés, all while maintaining a professional tone in a concise one-page narrative. Let's guide you through crafting a standout cover letter that complements your portfolio.

Check out our photographer cover letter guide to find out how to:

  • Write a photographer cover letter that helps you stand out (and get the job);
  • Understand how to start and end your photographer cover letter with the appropriate greeting;
  • What to include in the body of your photographer cover letter to put your best foot forward;
  • Your most important achievements - how to present them as part of your photographer cover letter.

And if you want to make your life even easier, simply drag and drop your photographer resume into Enhancv's AI cover letter generator, and it will write your cover letter for you in just a few moments.

Photographer cover letter example

ZOEY WALKER

San Francisco, California

+1-(234)-555-1234

help@enhancv.com


Dear Hiring Manager,

I was truly impressed by your company's commitment to innovative design and quality craftsmanship, a principle that resonates deeply with my professional ethos. Your recent campaign on sustainable living blended perfectly with my personal and professional interests, showcasing a ground-breaking approach to home goods that I am eager to be a part of.

One of my most significant achievements at West Elm involved directing over 25 photoshoots monthly, ultimately augmenting online engagement by 30%. This milestone was not merely a triumph in terms of statistics; it represented the culmination of my expertise in visual storytelling, meticulous attention to brand identity, and my proactive initiative to implement a new lighting system that condensed preparation times by 20%. These efforts resulted not only in increased engagement but also in smoother and more efficient studio operations.

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring my distinctive skills to your team, where I am confident that my track record of driving brand engagement and improving workflow efficiency will be a valuable asset. I look forward to discussing how my vision and expertise align with the goals of your next project.

Sincerely,

ZOEY WALKER

Senior Home Goods Photographer
What makes this cover letter good:


  • Aligning professional values with the company's ethos demonstrates a shared vision and commitment to similar principles, such as sustainability, which is attractive to employers looking for culturally compatible candidates.
  • Quantifying achievements, like increasing online engagement by 30% or reducing preparation times by 20%, provides concrete evidence of the candidate's impact and expertise, making the achievements more tangible and credible.
  • Highlighting specific experiences relevant to the job, such as directing photoshoots and visual storytelling, showcases the candidate’s hands-on skills and knowledge that will be directly beneficial in the role of a Senior Home Goods Photographer.
  • Mentioning the intention to improve workflow efficiency implies a proactive attitude toward company operations, which can be particularly appealing to employers looking for individuals who will actively contribute to process improvements.

The format of your photographer cover letter: structure, fonts, margins, and more

Your photographer cover letter should include a header (with your name, position, and date); a greeting and introductory paragraph; a body and closing paragraphs; and an optional signature.

Remember that you're writing your photographer cover letter for recruiters - as the Applicant Tracker System won't scan this content.

Here are a few more tips and tricks to keep in mind when formatting your photographer cover letter:

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The top sections on a photographer cover letter

  • Header: The header should include the photographer's contact information, allowing the recruiter to easily identify and reach out to the candidate.

  • Opening Greeting: Personalize the greeting by addressing the hiring manager or team directly, showing attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for a photographer establishing rapport with clients and colleagues.

  • Introduction: Briefly mention the photography specialization (e.g., wedding, portrait, commercial) and highlight enthusiasm for the role, as an engaging introduction sets the stage for showcasing passion and creativity.

  • Professional Experience and Key Achievements: Detail relevant photography experience, including notable projects and the impact of the work, as recruiters are interested in seeing how a photographer's skills have been applied and the value they bring.

  • Closing and Call to Action: End with a concise statement expressing the desire for an interview, and indicating readiness to provide a portfolio for further review, as it is essential for a photographer to show a proactive attitude and drive engagement through visual work.

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Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

  • Strong visual skills and an outstanding eye for detail: Essential for composing shots and capturing high-quality images that stand out.
  • Technical proficiency with camera equipment and editing software: Necessary for the production of professional-grade photographs and efficient post-processing workflows.
  • A versatile portfolio demonstrating expertise in various photography styles (e.g., portrait, landscape, editorial): Shows adaptability and proficiency across a range of subjects and assignments.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills: Crucial for interacting with clients, subjects, and team members to understand their vision and deliver results that meet their expectations.
  • Creative flair and an artistic approach: Allows for the creation of unique and compelling imagery that can tell a story or convey emotion effectively.
  • Proven ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines: Demonstrates reliability and the capacity to manage time well, which are qualities highly valued in fast-paced and event-driven photography assignments.

Personalizing your photographer cover letter salutation

Always aim to address the recruiter from the get-go of your photographer cover letter.

Use:

  • the friendly tone (e.g. "Dear Paul" or "Dear Caroline") - if you've previously chatted up with them on social media and are on a first-name basis;
  • the formal tone (e.g. "Dear Ms. Gibbs" or "Dear Ms. Swift") - if you haven't had any previous conversation with them and have discovered the name of the recruiter on LinkedIn or the company website;
  • the polite tone (e.g. "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear HR Team") - at all costs aim to avoid the "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam", as both greetings are very old-school and vague.
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List of salutations you can use

  • Dear Hiring Manager,
  • Dear [Company Name] Team,
  • Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
  • Dear [Department Name] Hiring Committee,
  • Dear [Mr./Ms./Dr.] [Last Name],

How to start your photographer cover letter introduction

The opening paragraph of your photographer cover letter can seem like a real enigma.

Where do you start writing?

In your photographer cover letter introduction, focus on yourself by stating what:

  • gets you motivated and excited about the role;
  • you like best about the company, from culture to awards.

Write no more than two sentences, which are both authentic and show your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

Intro Paragraph
With a keen eye for capturing life’s transient moments and a deep respect for the narrative power of images, I am drawn to the creative pulse and the unwavering dedication to visual storytelling that defines the ethos of your esteemed studio.
RIGHT

What to write in the body of your photographer cover letter

Now that you've got your intro covered, here comes the heart and soul of your photographer cover letter.

It's time to write the middle or body paragraphs. This is the space where you talk about your relevant talent in terms of hard skills (or technologies) and soft (or people and communication) skills.

Keep in mind that the cover letter has a different purpose from your photographer resume.

Yes, you still have to be able to show recruiters what makes your experience unique (and applicable) to the role.

But, instead of just listing skills, aim to tell a story of your one, greatest accomplishment.

Select your achievement that:

  • covers job-crucial skills;
  • can be measured with tangible metrics;
  • shows you in the best light.

Use the next three to six paragraphs to detail what this success has taught you, and also to sell your profile.

Body Paragraph
Landing the exclusive role as the lead photographer for a nationally recognized fashion magazine not only exemplified my eye for detail but also my ability to perform under tight deadlines. Overseeing a rigorous schedule, I successfully orchestrated and captured over 30 editorials within a single year, resulting in a 20% increase in subscriber engagement through visually compelling storytelling and composition. These editorials were also key to earning the magazine two prestigious industry awards for photographic excellence.
RIGHT

Closing remarks to end your photographer cover letter

Of course, you'll have to show gratitude to the recruiters, who have assessed your profile at the end of your photographer cover letter .

A "Thank you for the consideration" would work wonders, instead of the standard "Sincerely yours".

Do you want to make an even better impression?

Close off your photographer cover letter by promising how you see yourself excelling in the role and the positive impact you'd bring about.

A sentence that encourages some further action on the recruiter's end could also be a good way to close off the communication (e.g. provide your availability for an interview).

Closing Paragraph
I am eager to bring my photographic expertise to your team. Please contact me to arrange an interview; my schedule is quite flexible.
RIGHT

Keep this in mind when writing your zero experience photographer cover letter

Even though you may not have any professional experience, your photographer cover letter should focus on your value.

As a candidate for the particular role, what sort of skills do you bring about? Perhaps you're an apt leader and communicator, or have the ability to analyze situations from different perspectives.

Select one key achievement from your life, outside work, and narrate a story that sells your abilities in the best light.

If you really can't think of any relevant success, you could also paint the picture of how you see your professional future developing in the next five years, as part of the company.

Key takeaways

Within this Enhancv guide, we've provided you with plenty of advice and inspiration on writing your photographer cover letter:

  • Always make sure your photographer cover letter is tailored to the role you're applying for to make a good impression on recruiters;
  • In your photographer cover letter include a header (with your name, the role you're applying for, date, and contact details) and an introduction of up to two sentences that highlight your key accomplishment or why you'd fit the role;
  • Focus your photographer cover letter body on one sole achievement through your career and all the valuable lessons, skills, and know-how you've learned (that are relevant to the role);
  • Ensure your photographer cover letter closing statement isn't generic and includes either a call to action or a promise;
  • If you lack professional experience, shift recruiters' focus to a relevant achievement (thanks to your academic or versatile experience) or toward your dreams and goals for professional growth.

Photographer cover letter examples

Explore additional photographer cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

By Role

Freelance Photographer

When pursuing a Freelance Photographer position, underscore your technical photography skills and knowledge of equipment. Include proficiency with cameras, lenses, and editing software such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. Note any specialized areas like portrait, event, or nature photography. Detail your creativity and eye for detail with examples of successful projects. Mentioning a strong portfolio and an online presence, like an Instagram profile or personal website, is essential. Add any photography-related workshops or courses attended, and project any client testimonials that speak to your reliability and quality of work.
View Freelance Photographer Cover Letter

Photographer Assistant

When applying for a Photographer Assistant position, showcase any hands-on experience with camera equipment and photography software. It's essential to exhibit an understanding of lighting, composition, and various photography styles. If you've completed workshops or courses like 'Digital Photography Basics' or 'Portrait Lighting Techniques', highlight these along with their durations. Use clear examples to illustrate how your abilities have positively impacted past projects or teams, structuring your proof in a 'skill-action-result' format.
View Photographer Assistant Cover Letter

Wedding Photographer

When applying for a Wedding Photographer position, showcase your portfolio showcasing diverse celebrations and your ability to capture emotional moments. Point out your expertise with different photography equipment and editing software, to give a sense of your technical proficiency. Including courses or workshops like 'Portrait Photography' or 'Advanced Lighting Techniques' illustrates your commitment to the craft. Describe a scenario where your quick thinking or creative eye resulted in a standout wedding album, using the 'challenge-action-result' format to underscore your problem-solving skills.
View Wedding Photographer Cover Letter

Lead Photographer

When applying for a Lead Photographer position, showcasing a robust portfolio is essential. Highlight your technical proficiency with camera equipment and editing software. Demonstrate leadership experience by detailing occasions where you directed a photography team. If you have specialized expertise, such as in fashion or wildlife photography, include this to stand out. Use clear examples where your vision and execution led to published work or client accolades, adopting a 'concept-execution-impact' framework to underscore your accomplishments and influence on projects.

Child Photographer

When applying for a Child Photographer position, emphasize your experience photographing children and managing photoshoots with patience and creativity. Highlight your understanding of lighting and composition tailored for child portraiture. If you have training such as 'Children's Photography Workshops' or 'Portrait Editing Techniques', include these along with their duration. Describe instances where your photography captured the essence of childhood, perhaps leading to satisfied clients or repeat business. Use the 'skill-action-result' framework to show real-world effectiveness.

Automotive Photographer

When applying for an Automotive Photographer position, it's important to showcase your eye for detail and technical photography skills. Mention your proficiency with different cameras and lenses, as well as photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. If you have experience in automotive or product photography, detail specific projects or shoots that demonstrate your ability to capture vehicles' features artistically. Use a 'skill-project-result' format to convey how your photographs increased engagement or sales for previous employers. Include any relevant workshops or courses attended.

Photographer Videographer

When applying for a Photographer role, it's key to underscore your competence with various cameras and editing software. Include details about your photography style and how you adapt to different subjects and environments. Mention any photography courses or workshops you've completed. Illustrate how your visual skills have positively impacted previous projects or clients with a clear 'vision-execution-impact' framework. For the Videographer position, highlight your expertise with video recording equipment and editing platforms. Stress any unique videography techniques you have mastered. Outline your storytelling abilities, how you capture and craft compelling narratives. If you've undertaken courses in film production or video editing, detail them. Provide instances where your videographic work amplified client messages or campaigns, adhering to a 'concept-creation-consequence' outline.

School Photographer

When pursuing a School Photographer position, feature any photography experience, including informal settings or personal projects. Showcase proficiency in photo editing software and understanding of lighting and composition principles. If you've received specialized training or workshops like 'Portrait Photography' or 'Advanced Photo Editing,' include them. Detail instances where your photography has captured important moments or been featured in publications. Adopt a 'technique-project-impact' format to describe how your skills have delivered value in past roles, like enhancing school event coverage or student portrait quality.
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Volen Vulkov
Volen Vulkov is a resume expert and the co-founder of Enhancv. He applies his deep knowledge and experience to write about a career change, development, and how to stand out in the job application process.
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