Photojournalist Resume: Example, Template + How to Write One in Australia

Breaking into Australia’s competitive media landscape as a photojournalist can feel overwhelming when you’re competing against seasoned professionals with extensive portfolios and established industry connections. If you’re passionate about visual storytelling but struggling to translate your technical skills and news sense into a resume that captures the attention of editors and photo directors, you’re facing a challenge that many talented photographers encounter in today’s rapidly evolving media environment.

Photojournalists are the visual chroniclers of our time, capturing the stories that define Australian society, from breaking news events to human interest features that connect communities. This specialised role demands a unique combination of technical photography expertise, news judgment, ethical standards, and the ability to work under pressure while telling compelling stories through powerful imagery that resonates with diverse audiences.

This comprehensive guide will transform your resume from overlooked to assignment-ready. Whether you’re a recent journalism graduate with photography skills, a freelancer seeking staff positions, or an experienced photographer transitioning into news work, we’ll show you exactly how to present your qualifications to stand out in Australia’s competitive media market. You’ll discover proven examples, expert formatting strategies, and insider tips that will help you catch the attention of news directors browsing SEEK and connect with media industry recruiters across the country.

Photojournalist Resume (Text Version)

What is The Best Format for a Photojournalist Resume?

The reverse chronological format is ideal for Photojournalist resumes as it demonstrates your career progression through increasingly prestigious publications and complex assignments. This format effectively showcases how your skills have developed from entry-level positions to senior roles while highlighting the quality and scope of your published work.

Font and Formatting Guidelines:

• Heading Font: Use 14-16pt for your name, 11-12pt for section headings
• Body Text: Maintain 10-11pt for clear readability by editors and photo directors
• Font Choice: Professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica work best for media industry applications
• Margins: Keep 1-inch margins on all sides for clean presentation
• White Space: Include adequate spacing between sections for easy scanning during busy newsroom reviews
• File Type: Always save as PDF to preserve formatting across different devices and email systems

Essential Resume Sections:

Header: Include your full name, suburb and state, mobile number, professional email address, LinkedIn profile, and most importantly, your online portfolio URL where editors can immediately view your work.

Professional Summary: A compelling 3-4 line overview that immediately showcases your experience level, specialisations, and notable achievements or publications.

Experience: Your journalism and photography work history in reverse chronological order, emphasising published work, circulation/audience reach, and specific beats covered.

Education: Relevant qualifications in journalism, photography, or communications, including any specialised media training or certifications.

Other Sections: Awards, professional memberships, technical skills, and published work that demonstrate your credibility and expertise in photojournalism.

What Experience Should be on Your Photojournalist Resume?

Your experience section should highlight your published work, demonstrate your ability to work under pressure, and showcase measurable impact through audience engagement and editorial recognition. Focus on experiences that show your news judgment, technical proficiency, ethical standards, and ability to tell compelling stories that serve the public interest.

Prioritise experiences that demonstrate:

• Published work in reputable publications and circulation/audience numbers
• Breaking news coverage and ability to work under tight deadlines
• Specialised beats or story types you’ve developed expertise in
• Awards, recognition, or viral content that shows impact
• Technical skills including equipment proficiency and digital workflow
• Collaborative work with reporters, editors, and digital teams
• International or interstate assignment experience

Entry-Level Photojournalist Resume Samples [Experience]

For entry-level positions, emphasise your internships, freelance work, student publication experience, and any community journalism. Highlight your technical skills, willingness to learn, and any published work even from smaller outlets or online publications.

How to Write the Education Section for your Photojournalist Resume

Education is crucial for Photojournalist positions in Australia, as formal training in journalism principles, media law, and ethics is essential for credibility with news organisations. Your degree demonstrates understanding of news judgment, storytelling techniques, and the legal and ethical framework within which Australian media operates. Include relevant coursework, honours, and any student publication experience that shows practical application of your studies.

For recent graduates, expand this section to include significant projects, thesis topics, and internships completed during your studies. Experienced professionals should focus on continuing education and specialised training that keeps them current with industry standards and emerging technologies.

Photojournalist Resume Example [Education]

How to Write the Skills Section for your Photojournalist Resume

The skills section is critical for Photojournalist resumes as it immediately demonstrates your technical competencies and professional capabilities that editors seek. Include 8-12 relevant skills that balance photography technique with journalism fundamentals and digital media proficiency. Focus on skills that directly relate to news photography, deadline management, and multimedia storytelling in Australia’s evolving media landscape.

Photojournalist Resume Skills (Hard Skills)

• Professional camera systems (Canon, Nikon, Sony mirrorless)
• News photography and breaking news coverage
• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro)
• Live transmission and wireless file transfer
• Caption writing and metadata management
• Drone photography and videography (CASA certified)
• Portrait and interview photography
• Digital workflow and file management systems
• Video production and multimedia packages
• Social media content creation and optimisation
• Wire service protocols and FTP systems
• Court and legal photography procedures

Photojournalist Resume Skills (Soft Skills)

• News judgment and story sense
• Ability to work under extreme pressure and tight deadlines
• Cultural sensitivity and ethical decision-making
• Strong interpersonal communication and interview skills
• Adaptability to changing news environments
• Crisis management and field safety awareness
• Collaborative teamwork with reporters and editors
• Problem-solving and resourcefulness in challenging conditions
• Professional networking and source development
• Continuous learning and technology adaptation

How to pick the best Photojournalist skills:

1. Match publication requirements – Research target employers to understand their technical systems and coverage needs
2. Emphasise breaking news capabilities – Highlight skills that show you can perform under pressure and tight deadlines
3. Include multimedia competencies – Modern newsrooms value photographers who can also produce video and social content
4. Balance technical and editorial skills – Combine camera expertise with journalism fundamentals and news judgment
5. Highlight specialisation areas – Include skills related to your preferred beats or story types
6. Stay current with technology – Include latest equipment, software, and transmission technologies used in the industry

Photojournalist Resume Examples [Skills]

Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Photojournalist Resume?

Additional sections can significantly enhance your Photojournalist resume by showcasing your industry recognition, published work, and professional standing that differentiate you from other candidates. These sections are particularly valuable in the competitive media industry where awards, publications, and professional networks are essential for career advancement and credibility.

Valuable bonus sections include:

Awards & Recognition: Industry awards, competition wins, and editorial recognition demonstrate excellence and peer acknowledgment of your work quality.

Published Work/Portfolio: Links to online portfolios, major published pieces, or exhibition work that showcases your visual storytelling abilities.

Professional Memberships: Associations like MEAA, Press Photographers Association, or international journalism organisations show industry engagement.

Languages: Particularly valuable for international assignments or covering multicultural communities in Australia’s diverse society.

Speaking/Teaching: Conference presentations, workshop leadership, or guest lectures that demonstrate expertise and thought leadership.

Technical Certifications: Drone licences, safety training, or specialised equipment certifications that expand your assignment capabilities.

Photojournalist Resume Examples [Other Sections]

Tip: Include relevant personal projects like independent documentary work, volunteer photography for NGOs, or community exhibition work. These demonstrate your commitment to visual storytelling beyond commercial assignments and can showcase skills in different subject areas.

How to write a Photojournalist Resume Objective or Resume Summary

A compelling professional summary immediately communicates your editorial experience, visual storytelling capabilities, and unique perspective to photo editors and news directors. This 3-4 line section should highlight your most significant published work, technical expertise, and what distinguishes you in the competitive photojournalism field. Focus on your news judgment, deadline performance, and any specialised coverage areas or recognition you’ve received.

Key elements to include:

• Years of experience and types of publications worked with
• Specialised beats, coverage areas, or story types you excel in
• Notable published work, awards, or viral content achievements
• Technical capabilities and equipment expertise relevant to modern newsrooms
• Your editorial philosophy or approach to visual storytelling

Photojournalist Resume Summary Examples

For entry-level candidates, focus on your education, internship experience, and passion for journalism while highlighting any published work or recognition received during your studies.

Entry-Level Photojournalist Resume Summary Examples

How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Photojournalist Resume

LinkedIn has become essential for photojournalists in Australia’s media industry, with editors, photo directors, and assignment editors frequently using the platform to discover talent and commission freelance work. Your LinkedIn profile should complement your resume while showcasing your photography portfolio, industry connections, and engagement with journalism communities and current events.

Maintaining consistency between your resume and LinkedIn profile is crucial for building credibility with media professionals who often cross-reference both platforms when considering candidates. Your LinkedIn profile provides opportunities for more visual storytelling through image uploads and allows for deeper engagement with industry trends and professional networks.

LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Photojournalists

Your LinkedIn headline should immediately communicate your journalism credentials, areas of expertise, and current status to photo editors and news directors searching for photographers.

LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences

While your resume summary is concise and achievement-focused, your LinkedIn summary can be more narrative and personality-driven. Use first person to share your journey into photojournalism, your passion for storytelling, and specific examples of impactful work you’ve produced (while maintaining source confidentiality where appropriate).

LinkedIn allows 2,000 characters, so expand on your editorial philosophy and approach to visual storytelling. Share what drives you to pursue difficult stories, discuss your commitment to ethical journalism, and mention your connection to Australia’s media landscape. Include keywords that editors commonly search for, such as “breaking news,” “documentary photography,” “digital storytelling,” and “multimedia journalism.”

Australian media professionals value authenticity and strong editorial judgment, so demonstrate your news sense and commitment to serving the public interest while showcasing your technical capabilities and professional network.

Showcasing Photojournalist Experience on LinkedIn

LinkedIn’s experience section allows more detailed descriptions than your resume and supports image uploads. Expand on your editorial approach, describe challenging assignments you’ve completed, and explain how you’ve contributed to important public discourse through your photography. Use LinkedIn’s media feature to upload your best published work, behind-the-scenes content, or multimedia packages you’ve created.

For each role, include 4-6 bullet points that provide context beyond your resume. Explain your coverage philosophy, describe collaborative relationships with reporters and editors, and highlight your contributions to newsroom culture and audience engagement. Share insights about the stories you’ve covered and their impact on communities.

Use LinkedIn’s featured section to showcase your portfolio website, major published stories, or exhibition work that demonstrates the breadth and quality of your visual storytelling capabilities.

LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Photojournalists

Prioritise the 10 most relevant skills for Photojournalist roles in Australia. Include core skills like “Photojournalism,” “Breaking News Coverage,” “Documentary Photography,” and “Digital Photography” as your top skills. Add multimedia skills like “Video Production,” “Social Media,” and “Adobe Creative Suite.”

Actively seek endorsements from editors, fellow journalists, photo directors, and colleagues who can vouch for your technical skills, editorial judgment, and professional reliability. Consider taking relevant LinkedIn assessments where available.

Request recommendations from supervisors, editors, or colleagues who can speak to your journalism skills, deadline performance, and impact of your visual storytelling. These testimonials are particularly valuable in the media industry where professional references and credibility are paramount.

LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Photojournalists

Optimise your profile for Australian media professionals by using local journalism terminology and referencing Australian media organisations, press freedom issues, and industry associations like the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA).

Join relevant LinkedIn groups such as “Australian Journalists,” “Photojournalism Professionals,” “Media Professionals Australia,” and international photography communities to stay connected with industry trends and networking opportunities. Share insights about stories you’re covering (where appropriate), comment on media industry developments, and engage with content from news organisations and journalism educators.

Follow Australian media companies, journalism schools, photography organisations, and industry publications. Engaging with their content demonstrates your ongoing education and commitment to staying current with industry trends and best practices.

Use your location strategically – many Australian media organisations recruit nationally for photographers willing to travel or relocate for major stories. Consider listing your willingness to take assignments in different states or internationally, as this flexibility is highly valued by news directors.

Creating an outstanding Photojournalist resume is your pathway to success in Australia’s dynamic media landscape. By implementing the strategies and examples provided in this guide, you’ll develop a resume that effectively showcases not only your technical photography skills but also your news judgment, ethical standards, and commitment to visual storytelling that serves the public interest.

Remember that your resume works in conjunction with your portfolio to demonstrate your capabilities as a visual storyteller. Complement your polished resume with a targeted cover letter that speaks to each publication’s editorial mission and audience. Stay current with industry opportunities by regularly monitoring journalism job boards, following Australian media organisations like the ABC, and maintaining relationships with photo editors and newsroom leaders who can provide insights into upcoming opportunities.

Your impactful career in photojournalism awaits – use these proven strategies to create a compelling resume that opens doors to opportunities where you can document the stories that matter most to Australian society and contribute to informed public discourse through powerful visual narrative.