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!
Why this cover letter works
- As with this photographer cover letter, your piece should scream enthusiasm, skill, industry knowledge, and commitment to growth.
- Besides conveying that you researched the hiring company and your eagerness to grow your skills and contribute to the company, document relevant experiences, using real figures to demonstrate their impact at your previous workplaces.
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Why this cover letter works
- Emulate how this beginner photographer cover letter captures attention with an exciting articulation of the candidate’s passion for visual creativity, aligning all with the employer’s needs.
- Even without formal experience, don’t hesitate to highlight key relevant skills gained from internships and/or mentorship or volunteer programs, each backed up with quantified impact.
Why this cover letter works
- Right from the introduction, this photographer assistant cover letter does an incredible job at grabbing the attention of recruiters. How you may ask? It’s all about personalization!
- Letting recruiters in on your journey and passion for photography flaunts your internal motivation for the job as candidates with a passion for the role would be more committed to it. Adding these unique touches can really make a difference in your cover letter.
Why this cover letter works
- Genuine admiration for the hiring company, complemented by the desire to foster its success, is a great way to start a freelance photographer cover letter.
- But again, don’t forget to flaunt your competence. For this, highlight specific companies where you applied diverse skills in photography, using numbers to quantify past impacts and illustrate your potential for this role.
Why this cover letter works
- Time’s running out and you’ve got to impress the hiring managers. Well, how exactly can we do this? Say hello to the power of skills.
- Notice how this product photographer cover letter never leaves an opportunity to talk about skills. Whether that is advanced lighting, Adobe Photoshop, or color correction techniques, the candidate is not hesitant to accentuate all skills that can get them hired.
Related cover letter examples
How to Write Your Photographer Cover Letter Beautifully
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!
Writing a good greeting and introduction
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:
Um . . .
Hi,
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:
Now we’re talking:
Dear Mr. Lewis,
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.
Writing memorable body paragraphs
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!
Here’s a good body paragraph!
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.
Closing and signing off your cover letter nicely
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:
No, thanks . . .
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.
-Georgie
You’d have much better luck with a closer displaying existing job skills alongside a passion for the job, like this one does:
A closer to remember!
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.
Sincerely,
Ismail Demir
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.
