Photography Assistant Resume Examples and How to Write
Struggling to break into Australia’s competitive photography industry? You’re entering a creative field where technical expertise, artistic vision, and professional reliability are equally important. Whether you’re a photography graduate seeking your first assistant role, an enthusiast looking to transition from amateur to professional, or an experienced assistant aiming to work with renowned photographers, your resume must demonstrate both your technical skills and your ability to support complex photo shoots while maintaining the highest creative and professional standards.
This comprehensive guide will help you create an outstanding photography assistant resume tailored specifically for Australia’s diverse photography market. From highlighting your proficiency with professional camera equipment and lighting systems to demonstrating your experience across different photography genres and post-production workflows, we’ll show you how to position yourself as an invaluable creative collaborator. Learn what photographers, creative directors, and production managers at studios and agencies advertising on SEEK and LinkedIn are seeking in today’s dynamic visual media landscape.
This free sample resume for a photography assistant has an accompanying sample photography assistant cover letter and sample photography assistant job advertisement to help you put together a winning job application.
Photography Assistant Resume (Text Version)
Photography Assistant
📧 [email protected]
📱 0434 678 901
📍 Sydney, NSW 2000
💼 linkedin.com/in/alexmorgan-photo
🌐 alexmorganphotography.com.au
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Creative and technically proficient Photography Assistant with 4+ years of experience supporting commercial, fashion, and event photographers across Sydney’s dynamic creative industry. Expertise in lighting setup, equipment management, and digital workflow optimization with proven ability to anticipate photographer needs and ensure seamless shoot execution. Strong foundation in Adobe Creative Suite and colour grading with experience across studio, location, and outdoor photography environments.
CORE COMPETENCIES
• Professional Lighting Setup & Equipment Management
• Digital Asset Management & File Organisation
• Adobe Creative Suite (Lightroom, Photoshop, Bridge)
• Camera Operation & Technical Support
• Studio Management & Location Scouting
• Client Relations & Professional Communication
• Post-Production Workflow & Colour Correction
• Health & Safety Compliance on Set
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE
Camera Systems: Canon EOS R5/R6, Sony A7R V, Fujifilm GFX Series, Phase One Medium Format
Lighting Equipment: Profoto, Broncolor, Elinchrom strobes, LED panels, tungsten lighting
Software Proficiency: Adobe Lightroom Classic, Photoshop, Bridge, Capture One Pro, DaVinci Resolve
Specialised Equipment: Gimbals, drones (RePL certified), underwater housing, macro systems
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Photography Assistant
Marcus Chen Photography Studio, Sydney NSW
January 2022 – Present
• Support lead photographer on high-profile commercial and fashion shoots for clients including Qantas, David Jones, and Tourism Australia
• Manage complex lighting setups for studio and location shoots, reducing setup time by 30% through systematic equipment organisation
• Coordinate digital workflow processing 500+ RAW images per shoot, maintaining 99.8% file integrity and delivery accuracy
• Assist with art direction and styling decisions, contributing creative input that enhanced client satisfaction ratings
• Mentor junior assistants and interns, improving team efficiency and knowledge transfer across 15+ training sessions
• Manage equipment inventory worth $200K+, implementing maintenance schedules that reduced equipment downtime by 25%
• Liaison with clients, models, and creative teams ensuring smooth communication and professional shoot environments
Photography Assistant
Lightbox Studios, Sydney NSW
March 2020 – December 2021
• Provided comprehensive technical support for commercial product photography serving 50+ e-commerce and retail brands
• Operated tethering systems and managed real-time image review processes for photographers and creative directors
• Executed precise lighting setups for product photography achieving consistent colour accuracy and brand compliance
• Processed and delivered final images within 24-48 hour turnarounds, maintaining quality standards across 1000+ product shots monthly
• Assisted with location scouting and shoot planning, identifying cost-effective venues that saved clients average 20% on production budgets
• Maintained detailed shot lists and production schedules, ensuring 100% delivery of required assets within project timelines
Freelance Photography Assistant
Various Sydney Photographers, Sydney NSW
June 2018 – February 2020
• Collaborated with 15+ established photographers across wedding, corporate event, and portrait photography sectors
• Demonstrated adaptability working across diverse photography styles and client requirements
• Managed equipment transportation and setup for destination weddings and corporate events across NSW and ACT
• Developed strong networks within Sydney’s creative community leading to consistent referral opportunities
• Gained experience with specialty photography including aerial drone work (maintaining current RePL certification)
• Built reputation for reliability and technical competence resulting in 90% client rehire rate
Junior Photography Assistant
Creative Edge Photography, Sydney NSW
January 2018 – May 2018
• Entry-level position providing basic technical support and equipment assistance during commercial shoots
• Learned professional studio protocols and safety procedures for working with high-voltage lighting equipment
• Assisted with digital file management and basic post-production tasks under senior supervision
• Participated in equipment maintenance and studio organisation ensuring optimal working conditions
• Completed comprehensive training in colour management and calibration procedures
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Creative Arts (Photography)
University of Technology Sydney, Sydney NSW
2017
Major: Commercial Photography | Minor: Digital Media
Dean’s List 2016-2017 | Final Project: “Urban Landscapes: Sydney’s Changing Architecture”
Advanced Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging
TAFE NSW Sydney Institute, Sydney NSW
2015
High Distinction | Specialisation: Studio and Location Photography
CERTIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) – Civil Aviation Safety Authority, 2023
• Advanced Colour Management Certification – X-Rite, 2022
• Profoto Certified User – Professional Lighting Systems, 2021
• Occupational Health & Safety White Card – NSW SafeWork, 2023
• Adobe Certified Expert – Lightroom Classic, 2020
• First Aid & CPR Certification – St John Ambulance NSW, 2023
PORTFOLIO HIGHLIGHTS & PROJECTS
Notable Shoot Contributions:
• Tourism Australia “Come and Say G’Day” Campaign – Technical assistant on 5-day location shoot
• Sydney Fashion Week 2023 – Backstage and runway photography support for 8 designer shows
• Qantas Annual Report Photography – Studio and aircraft location shoots
• David Jones Christmas Campaign – Large-scale studio production with celebrity talent
Personal Projects:
• “Sydney After Dark” – Night photography series showcasing urban architecture (Featured in Photography Monthly AU, 2023)
• “Australian Landscapes” – Drone and ground-based landscape documentation across 6 states
• Community Project: Pro bono headshot sessions for emerging artists and performers
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
• Assistant of the Year – Australian Commercial Photographers Association, 2023
• Best Student Portfolio – UTS Photography Programme, 2017
• Creative Excellence Award – TAFE NSW Photography Competition, 2015
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
• Member, Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP)
• Associate Member, Australian Commercial Photographers Association (ACPA)
• Member, Sydney Creative Network
REFERENCES
Available upon request from established commercial photographers, creative directors, and studio managers
What is The Best Format for a Photography Assistant Resume?
The reverse chronological format is ideal for photography assistant positions as it clearly demonstrates your progression in technical skills, creative projects, and increasing responsibilities within the photography industry. This format allows creative directors and photographers to quickly assess your experience with different photography genres, equipment expertise, and professional development.
Font and Formatting Guidelines:
Choose clean, modern fonts like Arial, Helvetica, or Calibri that reflect contemporary design sensibilities while maintaining professional readability. Use 14-16pt for your name and contact information, 12pt for section headings, and 10-11pt for body text. Maintain consistent 2.5cm margins and ensure adequate white space for visual appeal. Save as PDF to preserve formatting when submitting to photography studios, agencies, and creative production companies.
Essential Resume Sections:
Header: Include your full name, professional title, mobile number, professional email address, city and state, LinkedIn profile URL, and most importantly, your portfolio website URL to showcase your visual work.
Professional Summary: Create a compelling 3-4 line overview highlighting your technical expertise, creative experience, equipment proficiency, and ability to support complex photography productions effectively.
Technical Expertise: Include a dedicated section showcasing your proficiency with camera systems, lighting equipment, and software that immediately demonstrates your technical qualifications.
Experience: Present your photography roles in reverse chronological order, emphasising shoot types supported, technical contributions, client outcomes, and creative collaborations.
Additional Sections: Highlight education, certifications, portfolio projects, awards, and professional associations that demonstrate your commitment to photography excellence and creative development.
What Experience Should Be on Your Photography Assistant Resume?
Your experience section should demonstrate your technical competency, creative contribution, and professional reliability across diverse photography environments. Focus on specific shoot types supported, equipment managed, workflow improvements implemented, and client relationships maintained that show your value as a creative collaborator.
Highlight experiences that demonstrate your ability to work under pressure, adapt to different photography styles, manage complex technical setups, and contribute to successful creative outcomes while maintaining professional standards and client satisfaction.
Photography Assistant
Element Studios, Melbourne VIC
2021 – Present
• Support lead photographers on commercial campaigns for clients including ANZ Bank, Melbourne Cup Carnival, and Visit Victoria
• Manage comprehensive lighting setups including 6-light Profoto configurations for fashion and portrait shoots
• Coordinate tethered shooting workflows processing 800+ images per session with real-time client review capabilities
• Execute precise colour calibration and monitor profiling ensuring consistent output across all client deliverables
• Assist with art direction and model coordination, contributing to creative decisions that improved client approval rates by 35%
• Maintain equipment inventory exceeding $150K value, implementing preventive maintenance schedules reducing repair costs by 40%
• Mentor 3 junior assistants in technical skills and professional studio etiquette, achieving 100% retention rate
Photography Assistant
Photo Studio
2021 – Present
• Helped photographers with shoots
• Set up lighting equipment
• Organised photos
• Worked with clients
• Used camera equipment
• Attended photo sessions
Entry-Level Photography Assistant Resume Samples [Experience]
For entry-level positions, emphasise internships, volunteer photography work, personal projects, and any relevant technical experience. Focus on demonstrating your passion for photography, willingness to learn, and basic technical competencies that show your potential for growth.
Photography Intern
Aperture Creative Agency, Brisbane QLD
February 2024 – Present
• Support 3 senior photographers during commercial and lifestyle shoots for local and national brands
• Demonstrate proficiency in basic lighting setups including 3-point lighting for portrait and product photography
• Manage digital asset workflow using Adobe Lightroom and Bridge for file organisation and basic colour correction
• Assist with location scouting and shoot preparation, researching venues and coordinating logistics for outdoor sessions
• Learn advanced equipment operation including medium format cameras and professional strobe systems
• Contribute to studio maintenance and equipment care, gaining hands-on experience with professional photography gear
• Receive consistently positive feedback for enthusiasm, reliability, and quick learning of technical procedures
Photography Intern
2024 – Present
• Learning about photography
• Helping with photo shoots
• Watching photographers work
• Carrying equipment
• Doing basic tasks
• Getting photography experience
How to Write the Education Section for Your Photography Assistant Resume
Education is important for photography assistant positions as formal training demonstrates your technical foundation, creative development, and commitment to professional photography practices. Include relevant photography, media arts, or creative arts qualifications that showcase your understanding of visual composition, technical processes, and industry standards.
Highlight practical training components, portfolio development, and any specialisations that demonstrate your readiness to contribute effectively in professional photography environments. Academic achievements and relevant projects can differentiate you in the competitive creative job market.
Photography Assistant Resume Example [Education]
Bachelor of Visual Arts (Photography)
Queensland College of Art, Griffith University, Brisbane QLD
2020
Major: Commercial Photography | Minor: Digital Media Production
Distinction Average | Dean’s Scholar Award 2019-2020
Final Exhibition: “Industrial Landscapes of Australia” – Featured in Brisbane Courier-Mail
Advanced Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging
Photography Studies College, Melbourne VIC
2018
High Distinction | Specialisation: Studio and Fashion Photography
Industry Placement: 200 hours with Rankin Australia (Melbourne studio)
Technical Excellence Award for Lighting and Composition
Certificate IV in Photography and Photo Imaging
TAFE SA Adelaide, Adelaide SA
2016
Competency-based qualification covering technical and creative photography fundamentals
CONTINUING EDUCATION
• Advanced Colour Grading Workshop – DaVinci Resolve Training Centre, 2023
• Commercial Photography Masterclass – Australian Institute of Photography, 2022
• Drone Photography & Videography Course – UAV Academy Australia, 2021
How to Write the Skills Section for Your Photography Assistant Resume
The skills section demonstrates your technical competencies, creative abilities, and professional attributes essential for supporting complex photography productions. Include 12-15 skills that showcase your equipment proficiency, software expertise, and collaborative capabilities valued in commercial photography environments.
Balance technical skills (camera operation, lighting, post-production) with interpersonal skills (client relations, team collaboration, creative input) to present yourself as a comprehensive support professional capable of contributing to both technical execution and creative outcomes.
Photography Assistant Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
• Professional Camera Systems (Canon, Sony, Fujifilm, Phase One)
• Studio Lighting & Strobe Systems (Profoto, Broncolor, Elinchrom)
• Adobe Creative Suite (Lightroom, Photoshop, Bridge)
• Tethered Shooting & Digital Capture Workflows
• Colour Management & Monitor Calibration
• Digital Asset Management & File Organisation
• Video Production & Editing (Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve)
• Drone Operation & Aerial Photography (RePL Licensed)
• Product Photography & E-commerce Imaging
• 360° Photography & Virtual Tour Creation
Photography Assistant Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
• Creative Collaboration & Artistic Input
• Client Relations & Professional Communication
• Problem-Solving & Technical Troubleshooting
• Time Management & Production Scheduling
• Attention to Detail & Quality Control
• Adaptability & Flexibility in Dynamic Environments
• Team Leadership & Mentoring Abilities
• Project Coordination & Logistics Management
• Cultural Sensitivity & Diverse Client Support
• Continuous Learning & Technology Adoption
How to Pick the Best Photography Assistant Skills:
1. **Research photography job descriptions** to identify the most commonly requested technical equipment, software platforms, and creative competencies
2. **Emphasise current technology** including latest camera systems, LED lighting, and contemporary post-production software that reflects industry standards
3. **Include specialisation skills** relevant to your target photography sectors such as fashion, commercial, events, or architectural photography
4. **Balance technical and creative abilities** to show you can both execute technical tasks and contribute creatively to photography projects
5. **Consider client-facing skills** as photography assistants often interact with models, clients, and creative teams during shoots
6. **Highlight safety and logistics capabilities** including equipment handling, location management, and occupational health compliance
Photography Assistant Resume Examples [Skills]
• **Digital Workflow Mastery:** Streamlined file processing workflows reducing delivery time by 50% while maintaining 99.9% image quality consistency
• **Client Relationship Excellence:** Coordinated with 100+ models, stylists, and creative directors, achieving 98% client satisfaction and 85% rebooking rate
• **Equipment Management Leadership:** Supervised equipment worth $300K+ across multiple locations, maintaining 99% operational readiness through preventive maintenance
• **Creative Collaboration:** Contributed artistic input to 200+ commercial shoots, with creative suggestions implemented in 40% of final campaigns
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Photography Assistant Resume?
Additional sections can significantly enhance your photography assistant resume by demonstrating your creative portfolio, industry engagement, and technical expertise beyond basic job requirements. These sections are particularly valuable in the visual arts industry where creativity, continuous learning, and professional networks are essential for career advancement.
Valuable bonus sections include:
Portfolio Highlights: Select examples of shoots you’ve contributed to, personal photography projects, or published work that demonstrates your visual skills and creative development.
Technical Certifications: Equipment certifications, software proficiencies, safety qualifications, or specialised training that validate your technical competency and professional development.
Awards & Recognition: Photography competition results, industry awards, or professional recognition that demonstrates excellence in your creative work and technical skills.
Professional Projects: Volunteer work, community projects, or personal initiatives that show your commitment to photography and community engagement beyond commercial work.
Photography Assistant Resume Examples [Other Sections]
PORTFOLIO HIGHLIGHTS
• Featured Contributor – “Australian Fashion Week 2023” campaign documentation
• Published Work – “Sydney Architecture Quarterly” magazine (6-page spread, 2023)
• Exhibition – “Emerging Photographers” – Australian Centre for Photography, 2022
TECHNICAL CERTIFICATIONS
• Adobe Certified Expert – Lightroom Classic CC, 2023
• Profoto Certified User – Professional Studio Lighting, 2022
• Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) – CASA Certified for Commercial Drone Operations, 2021
VOLUNTEER PROJECTS
• Pro Bono Photography – RSPCA Australia adoption campaigns (2022-Present)
• Community Mentor – Teaching photography skills to disadvantaged youth through Youth Arts NSW
• Event Photographer – Sydney Fringe Festival (volunteer documentation team, 2021-2023)
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
• Taking photos in spare time
• Following photography Instagram accounts
• Watching photography YouTube videos
• Collecting vintage cameras
PERSONAL INFORMATION
• Creative and artistic personality
• Good eye for detail
• Passionate about photography
• Team player and reliable
Tip: Focus on professional achievements and measurable contributions rather than generic interests. Include personal photography work only if it demonstrates professional-level skills or unique creative vision relevant to commercial photography.
How to Write a Photography Assistant Resume Objective or Resume Summary
A compelling professional summary positions you as a skilled technical and creative collaborator who can enhance photography productions through reliable support and valuable creative input. Focus on your technical expertise, collaborative achievements, creative contributions, and professional attributes that make you an ideal photography assistant.
For photography assistant roles, emphasise your equipment proficiency, workflow efficiency, client relationship skills, and ability to anticipate photographer needs while maintaining quality standards and creative vision throughout complex shoots.
Key elements to include:
• Years of photography industry experience and shoot types supported
• Technical equipment expertise and software proficiency
• Creative contributions and collaborative achievements
• Client relationship and professional communication skills
• Workflow efficiency and quality improvement contributions
• Photography specialisations and genre experience
Photography Assistant Resume Summary Examples
Creative Photography Assistant with 5+ years of experience supporting commercial, fashion, and event photographers across Australia’s competitive creative industry. Expert in professional lighting systems, digital workflow management, and client relations with proven track record of improving shoot efficiency by 35% while maintaining exceptional quality standards. Proficient in latest camera technology and post-production software with strong creative eye for composition and technical problem-solving abilities.
Photography assistant with some experience helping photographers. Good with cameras and lighting equipment. Enjoy working in creative environments and helping with photo shoots. Looking for opportunities to continue working in photography and learn from experienced photographers. Reliable and hardworking with passion for visual arts.
For entry-level candidates, a resume objective focusing on educational background, technical training, and creative aspirations may be more appropriate than an experience-focused summary.
Entry-Level Photography Assistant Resume Summary Examples
Recent Photography graduate with comprehensive technical training in commercial and studio photography techniques. Demonstrated proficiency in professional camera systems, lighting setup, and Adobe Creative Suite through 300+ hours of practical coursework and industry placement. Eager to apply strong technical foundation, creative eye, and professional work ethic to support established photographers in delivering exceptional client outcomes and creative excellence.
Recent graduate looking for first job as photography assistant. I studied photography at college and learned about cameras and lighting. I am passionate about photography and want to work with professional photographers to gain experience and develop my skills in the photography industry.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Photography Assistant Resume
Your LinkedIn profile is crucial for photography assistant career development in Australia, with creative directors, photographers, and production companies increasingly using the platform to discover and evaluate potential creative collaborators. When updating your photography assistant resume, ensure your LinkedIn profile reflects consistent professional branding while leveraging LinkedIn’s visual features to showcase your creative work and industry engagement.
LinkedIn provides unique opportunities to display your visual work through media uploads, demonstrate your creative process through posts, and connect with photographers, creative professionals, and industry leaders across Australia’s dynamic creative sector.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Photography Assistants
Your LinkedIn headline should communicate your technical expertise, creative specialisations, and professional value proposition beyond just your job title. Include relevant equipment expertise, photography genres, and key differentiators that attract photographers and creative teams.
• “Photography Assistant | Commercial & Fashion Shoots | Profoto Certified | Adobe Expert | Supporting Creative Excellence Across Sydney”
• “Senior Photography Assistant | Studio Management | Digital Workflow Specialist | 6+ Years Supporting Award-Winning Photographers”
• “Photography Assistant & Visual Storyteller | Drone Licensed | Technical Expert | Passionate About Bringing Creative Visions to Life”
• “Photography Assistant”
• “Photographer’s Helper”
• “Looking for photography opportunities”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
While your resume summary is concise and achievement-focused, your LinkedIn summary allows for more storytelling about your creative journey and photography philosophy. Write in first person, explain your passion for visual storytelling, discuss your technical evolution, and share your vision for contributing to creative excellence. For the Australian context, mention your understanding of local creative industries, cultural diversity, and your commitment to supporting Australia’s vibrant creative community.
Your LinkedIn summary can span 3-4 paragraphs, providing space to discuss your creative development, notable project contributions, technical expertise, and aspirations for advancing in Australia’s photography industry. Include photography-related keywords naturally to improve discoverability by creative professionals and industry recruiters.
Showcasing Photography Assistant Experience on LinkedIn
LinkedIn’s experience section allows for more detailed descriptions of your creative contributions, technical innovations, and collaborative achievements. Expand beyond resume bullet points to explain your problem-solving approaches, creative input, and the artistic impact of your technical support.
Leverage LinkedIn’s media upload feature extensively by adding examples of shoots you’ve supported, behind-the-scenes content, equipment setups, or before/after examples of your post-production work (with appropriate permissions). Visual content is essential for demonstrating your capabilities in the creative industry.
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Photography Assistants
Select up to 50 skills relevant to photography assistance, prioritising those most valued by photographers and creative directors. Include technical skills (lighting, post-production, equipment management), creative capabilities (composition, colour theory, visual storytelling), and professional skills (client relations, project management). Actively seek endorsements from photographers, creative directors, and industry colleagues you’ve worked with.
Take LinkedIn skill assessments for relevant areas like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Project Management. Displayed skill badges enhance your credibility and can improve visibility in searches by creative industry professionals.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Photography Assistants
Optimise your profile for the Australian creative market by mentioning experience with local brands, understanding of Australian creative industry dynamics, and familiarity with local photography venues and regulations. Share insights about Australian creative trends, comment on industry posts, and engage with content from Australian photographers and creative agencies.
Join relevant LinkedIn groups such as “Australian Institute of Professional Photography,” “Sydney Creative Network,” or “Melbourne Photography Community,” and participate in discussions about industry trends, technical developments, or creative opportunities. Connect strategically with Australian photographers, creative directors, and industry professionals to build your professional network within Australia’s creative ecosystem.
Creating an outstanding photography assistant resume requires demonstrating both technical excellence and creative collaboration skills that resonate with photographers and creative teams. Your resume should position you as an indispensable creative partner who can enhance photography productions through reliable technical support, workflow efficiency, and valuable artistic contributions.
Complement your polished resume with a targeted photography assistant cover letter that explains your creative philosophy and demonstrates your understanding of the specific photographer’s style or studio’s creative approach. Stay connected with Australian creative industry developments through Australian Institute of Professional Photography resources and continue your professional development through Australian Commercial and Media Photographers workshops to maintain excellence throughout your creative career.
With a compelling resume that showcases your technical expertise, creative vision, and collaborative abilities, you’ll be well-positioned to secure positions with leading photographers and build a successful career in Australia’s vibrant visual media industry.
