Photography Professor Resume Examples & Templates
6 free customizable and printable Photography Professor samples and templates for 2026. Unlock unlimited access to our AI resume builder for just $9/month and elevate your job applications effortlessly. Generating your first resume is free.
Photography Professor Resume Examples and Templates
Adjunct Photography Professor Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Impactful experience with quantifiable results
The work experience section highlights measurable outcomes like a 35% increase in student portfolio submissions and exhibitions viewed by 2,000+ attendees. These metrics directly align with the educational and creative impact expected of an Adjunct Photography Professor.
Strong curriculum and workshop expertise
Experience in developing cross-disciplinary photography curricula and delivering specialized workshops (e.g., lighting techniques, Photoshop mastery) demonstrates the pedagogical depth required for teaching visual storytelling and digital imaging.
Relevant academic credentials
The M.F.A. in Photography from a respected institution, along with the Photography Excellence Award, establishes academic credibility critical for a college-level teaching role.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Missing teaching portfolio link
Photography education roles often require showcasing teaching materials or student work. Adding a link to a digital teaching portfolio or course syllabi would strengthen the application for an Adjunct Photography Professor position.
Vague curriculum development impact
The cross-disciplinary curriculum development entry lacks specific outcomes like student performance improvements or adoption rates. Adding these would better demonstrate the effectiveness of the candidate's teaching methods.
Limited industry-specific keywords
The skills section should include more photography education keywords like 'darkroom instruction' or 'visual narrative critique' to align with typical Adjunct Photography Professor job requirements and improve ATS compatibility.
Assistant Professor of Photography Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong work experience with quantifiable results
The work experience section highlights impactful achievements like securing INR 25L for a digital darkroom and mentoring 40+ graduate students. These numbers directly demonstrate leadership and resourcefulness, which are critical for an Assistant Professor role.
Relevant skills aligned with job requirements
Skills like digital photography, Adobe Lightroom, and photo critique align with the job's emphasis on visual storytelling and digital imaging. Educational technology is also included, showing adaptability to modern teaching tools.
Clear research and academic achievements
Published papers on photographic ethics and a thesis on cultural documentation through urban photography showcase academic rigor. This matches the job's requirement for research-focused teaching.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Work experience lacks detailed impact for all roles
While some bullet points include numbers (e.g., "40+ students"), others (like organizing photo exhibitions) lack specific outcomes. Adding metrics like student engagement rates or project success rates would strengthen the impact.
Skills section could include more industry-specific tools
Soft skills like photo critique are included but could be paired with technical tools like Capture One or AI-based editing software mentioned in the job description. This would better align with ATS keywords for photography education roles.
Education section lacks direct connection to job requirements
The thesis on "Cultural Documentation through Urban Photography" is relevant, but no direct mention of digital imaging techniques. Including coursework or projects focused on digital imaging would better align with the job's core focus.
Associate Professor of Photography Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong experience with quantifiable impact
The work experience highlights leadership in curriculum development for 150+ students and securing $500k in research grants. These metrics clearly demonstrate the ability to manage large academic programs and secure funding, which is critical for an Associate Professor role.
Relevant academic keywords in skills section
Skills like 'Documentary Photography', 'Visual Storytelling', and 'Photojournalism Ethics' align directly with the job title requirements. These terms are likely to trigger ATS matches for academic photography positions.
Clear international exposure
The resume shows experience at institutions in Singapore, Australia, and the UK with a curated exhibition viewed by 8,000+ visitors. This global perspective is valuable for academic roles requiring cross-cultural educational collaboration.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Summary lacks teaching focus
While the intro mentions academic achievements, it doesn't explicitly connect research and exhibitions to teaching outcomes. Adding how these experiences shape pedagogical approaches would strengthen the academic profile.
Education section missing teaching credentials
The PhD and MFA are strong, but there's no mention of teaching certifications or workshops on academic pedagogy. Including these would better demonstrate teaching expertise for a professorial role.
Work experience could highlight student impact
While the resume shows leadership roles, it doesn't quantify student learning outcomes from programs developed (e.g., 'improved student portfolio quality by X%'). Adding these metrics would better reflect teaching effectiveness.
Professor of Photography Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong teaching and mentorship record
You show sustained teaching at top schools and clear mentorship outcomes. At Pratt you supervised 12 MFA theses and 9 students won fellowships or gallery representation. That proves you guide emerging artists and deliver measurable student success, which fits a professor role focused on pedagogy and professional placement.
Relevant museum and curation experience
Your MoMA role adds curatorial credibility. You curated exhibitions that drew 25K+ visitors and secured major press. You also handled acquisitions and wrote essays. That experience supports teaching visual culture and linking studio practice to public programming and exhibition pathways.
Curriculum development with measurable impact
You led a curriculum redesign at Pratt that added digital workflows and raised project completion by 22%. You also built cross-disciplinary seminars at NYU. Those details show you can update programs and integrate new methods, which aligns with pedagogical innovation goals.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Summary could be more targeted to the hiring unit
Your intro lists strong areas but treats them broadly. Tighten it to name courses, research themes, or pedagogy methods that match Pratt’s program. That will make it clear why you fit their needs and help reviewers spot your fit quickly.
Add more keywords and technical teaching tools
Your skills list is solid but short. Add terms like "pedagogy", "syllabus design", "learning management systems", "digital printing", and specific camera or lab systems. That helps ATS hits and shows you can teach contemporary technical workflows.
Quantify more outcomes and scholarship
You use good metrics in places, but other achievements lack numbers. Add grant totals, exhibition counts, publication citations, and student placement rates. That gives hiring committees clearer evidence of impact and research productivity.
Distinguished Professor of Photography Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong curriculum development and leadership achievements
The work experience highlights successful program leadership with quantifiable outcomes like the 90% student placement rate and $500K in secured grants. These demonstrate the candidate's ability to shape academic programs, a core requirement for a Distinguished Professor role.
Relevant technical and academic skills alignment
Skills like 'Documentary Photography' and 'Fine Art Photographic Techniques' directly match the job's focus areas. The inclusion of 'Photobook Curatorial Practices' also aligns with academic research expectations for this senior professor position.
Evidence of professional recognition
The resume showcases awards (e.g., NEA grant, RISD Presidential Teaching Excellence) and gallery exhibitions in over 40 venues. These accomplishments establish academic credibility and creative impact, both essential for a Distinguished Professor title.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Summary lacks tailored value proposition
While the summary mentions 25+ years of experience and publications, it doesn't explicitly connect these to the University of New Mexico's specific program needs. Adding how their expertise aligns with the university's photography department goals would strengthen the narrative.
Work experience could emphasize mentorship impact
The 'Mentored 50+ students who received national awards' achievement is strong, but similar metrics are missing in later roles. Quantifying mentorship outcomes at University of New Mexico would better showcase consistent leadership in student development.
Education section could highlight program relevance
The Ph.D. in Visual Studies with a dissertation on documentary traditions is valuable, but linking it to how this research informs current teaching practices or program development would make the academic expertise more immediately relevant.
Emeritus Professor of Photography Resume Example and Template
What's this resume sample doing right?
Strong academic achievements highlighted
The resume effectively showcases over 35 years of teaching excellence with awards like the 5 consecutive Teaching Excellence Awards and $500k in secured grants. These concrete accomplishments align directly with the Emeritus Professor role at the University of Toronto.
Curriculum development expertise
Clear documentation of founding programs like digital imaging and post-production techniques demonstrates leadership in academic innovation. This directly supports the candidate's specialization in photography education.
Relevant publication and exhibition history
The resume highlights publishing a photography monograph and curating 20+ international exhibitions, which strongly validates the candidate's professional stature in fine art imaging and documentary photography.
How could we improve this resume sample?
Missing modern technology keywords
The skills section lacks specific software or digital tools (e.g., Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or digital asset management systems) that are now standard in photography education programs. Including these would strengthen ATS compatibility.
Limited online portfolio visibility
While the resume includes a Himalayas profile, it doesn't showcase a dedicated website or portfolio linking to the candidate's photographic work or teaching resources. Adding this would provide concrete evidence of artistic practice.
Education section needs recent context
The resume lists PhD and MFA degrees from 1985-1988 but doesn't mention any continuing education or certifications in current photography technologies or pedagogical methods developed since those dates.
1. How to write a Photography Professor resume
Landing a role as a Photography Professor can be tough, especially when you’re up against other passionate educators. How can you make your resume truly reflect your unique teaching style and experience? Hiring committees want to see not just your qualifications but also how you engage and inspire students through photography. Too often, job seekers focus on listing degrees and technical skills instead of showcasing their impact in the classroom.
This guide will help you craft a resume that effectively highlights your teaching philosophy and achievements. For instance, you'll learn how to transform statements like "Taught photography" into powerful examples that demonstrate your influence, such as "Developed a photography curriculum that increased student participation by 30%." We'll focus on resume sections like your summary and work experience. After reading this guide, you'll have a polished resume that tells your professional story.
Use the right format for a Photography Professor resume
When crafting your resume as a Photography Professor, you should consider using a chronological format. This approach highlights your teaching experience and professional growth over time, making it clear how you've progressed in your field. For those with less experience, a combination format can work well, showcasing relevant photographic projects and any teaching experience. Remember to keep it ATS-friendly by using clear sections without columns or complex graphics.
Here’s a quick list of formats:
- Chronological: Best for showing steady career progression.
- Functional: Good for highlighting specific skills, useful for career changers.
- Combination: Ideal for those with both relevant skills and experience.
Craft an impactful Photography Professor resume summary
Your resume summary should capture your experience, specialization, key skills, and a major achievement. If you have extensive teaching experience, focus on a summary. For those new to teaching or changing careers, an objective statement is more suitable. A strong summary follows this formula: [Years of experience] + [Specialization] + [Key skills] + [Top achievement]. This gives a quick snapshot of your qualifications and draws the reader in.
For a Photography Professor, emphasize your teaching philosophy, notable exhibitions, or awards. Tailoring your summary with keywords from job descriptions can enhance ATS compatibility, increasing your chances of getting noticed.
Good resume summary example
Experienced Candidate Summary: "Dedicated Photography Professor with 10 years of experience in higher education, specializing in digital photography and visual storytelling. Proven ability to mentor students to achieve their artistic vision, resulting in 30% of graduates showcasing their work in professional exhibits."
Entry-Level Objective: "Aspiring Photography Professor eager to apply a strong foundation in visual arts and educational methodologies to inspire students in a university setting. Completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts with honors and exhibited work in local galleries."
Why this works: The experienced summary highlights measurable success and specific skills, while the entry-level objective conveys enthusiasm and relevant education.
Bad resume summary example
Average Summary: "Photography enthusiast looking to teach. I have a passion for the arts and hope to help students learn about photography."
Why this fails: This lacks specific achievements and skills, making it less compelling and informative for hiring committees.
Highlight your Photography Professor work experience
List your work experience in reverse chronological order. Include clear job titles, company names, and dates of employment. Use bullet points to detail your responsibilities, starting each with strong action verbs. For a Photography Professor, focus on teaching methods, student engagement, and your contributions to the photography community. Quantifying your impact is crucial; instead of saying 'taught photography,' say 'designed and implemented a photography curriculum that increased student enrollment by 25%.' You might use the STAR method for impactful stories.
Highlight your accomplishments and the skills you developed in each role. This not only demonstrates your teaching prowess but also showcases your passion for photography and education.
Good work experience example
Strong Bullet Point: "Developed and executed a comprehensive photography curriculum that improved student engagement by 40%, leading to increased participation in university exhibitions."
Why this works: This point uses quantifiable results and a strong action verb, showcasing both teaching effectiveness and student success.
Bad work experience example
Average Bullet Point: "Taught photography classes and helped students with projects."
Why this fails: This lacks specific metrics and impactful language, making it less compelling to potential employers.
Present relevant education for a Photography Professor
When listing your education, include the school name, degree, and graduation year. For recent graduates, make this section more prominent, perhaps including your GPA or relevant coursework. Experienced professionals can place this section in a less prominent position and generally omit GPA. If you have additional certifications related to photography or education, list them here or in a dedicated section. Highlight any honors or awards received, as these can strengthen your application.
Good education example
Well-Formatted Education Entry: "Master of Fine Arts in Photography, University of Arts, Graduated May 2015. Relevant coursework: Advanced Digital Photography, Art History. Dean's List, Graduated with Honors."
Why this works: This entry provides essential details and highlights academic achievements relevant to the Photography Professor role.
Bad education example
Average Education Entry: "B.A. in Fine Arts, 2010."
Why this fails: This entry is too vague and lacks crucial details that could showcase your qualifications and relevant coursework.
Add essential skills for a Photography Professor resume
Technical skills for a Photography Professor resume
Soft skills for a Photography Professor resume
Include these powerful action words on your Photography Professor resume
Use these impactful action verbs to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities:
Add additional resume sections for a Photography Professor
Consider adding sections for Projects, Certifications, or Volunteer Experience. These can enhance your profile by showcasing your involvement in photography outside of teaching. Relevant projects or exhibitions can demonstrate your active participation in the photography community. Language skills may also be beneficial, especially if you work with diverse student populations.
Good example
Project Example: "Curated a photography exhibition 'Voices of the City' featuring 20 student works, attracting over 500 visitors and receiving local media coverage."
Why this works: This entry quantifies the impact of the project and highlights your leadership role in promoting student work.
Bad example
Average Project Example: "Helped organize a school art event."
Why this fails: This lacks detail and impact, making it less impressive to potential employers.
2. ATS-optimized resume examples for a Photography Professor
ATS-compatible example
ATS-incompatible example
3. How to format and design a Photography Professor resume
When crafting a resume for a Photography Professor role, selecting the right template is crucial. Go for a clean, professional layout that emphasizes your teaching experience and artistic background. Reverse-chronological formats work best since they highlight your most recent accomplishments first, making it easier for hiring committees to see your qualifications.
Keep your resume to one page if you're early in your career or two pages if you have extensive teaching and exhibition history. It's vital to be concise and focus on the most relevant experiences that showcase your skills in photography and education.
Use professional fonts like Arial or Georgia, keeping the body text between 10-12pt and headers at 14-16pt. Ensure you have enough white space and consistent spacing throughout. Overly creative designs may look appealing but can confuse Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and disrupt readability.
Common formatting mistakes include using complex templates that confuse ATS, excessive use of color, and non-standard fonts. Also, avoid cluttering your resume with too much text or graphics; simplicity often wins when it comes to clarity and professionalism.
Well formatted example
Jacquelynn Kovacek
Photography Professor
University of Arts
Email: jacquelynn@example.com
Phone: (123) 456-7890
Experience
Photography Instructor - Smith LLC
September 2018 - Present
- Developed curriculum for photography courses
- Mentored students in creative projects
Education
MFA in Photography - University of Arts
This format uses clear headings and a straightforward layout, making it easy to read. The consistent font size and white space enhance its professional appearance, which is essential for both human reviewers and ATS.
Poorly formatted example
Corene Jones | Photography Professor | University of Arts
Email: corene.jones@example.com | Phone: 123-456-7890
Experience
- Photography Instructor at Dach Inc (2019-2021)
- Developed curriculum, taught classes, and organized exhibitions.
Education
MFA in Photography
- University of Arts
- Minor in Digital Media
This example mixes contact information in a crowded header and lacks clear section delineation, making it harder to read. It also does not utilize white space effectively, which can make the resume feel cluttered and disorganized.
4. Cover letter for a Photography Professor
Writing a tailored cover letter is essential when applying for the Photography Professor position. This letter complements your resume by showcasing your passion for teaching and photography. It’s your chance to express genuine interest in the role and the institution.
Here’s how to structure your cover letter:
- Header: Include your contact information, the date, and the recipient's information if you know it.
- Opening Paragraph: Start strong by stating the specific role you're applying for. Share your enthusiasm for the position and the institution, and briefly mention a standout qualification.
- Body Paragraphs: Connect your experience to the job requirements. Highlight relevant projects, technical skills in photography, and soft skills like mentorship and collaboration. Use keywords from the job description to tailor your content.
- Closing Paragraph: Conclude by reiterating your interest and confidence in your ability to contribute. Include a call to action, like requesting an interview, and thank the reader for their time.
Maintain a professional yet engaging tone. Customize each letter for different applications to avoid sounding generic.
Sample a Photography Professor cover letter
Dear Hiring Committee,
I am excited to apply for the Photography Professor position at the University of the Arts. With over ten years of experience in both photography and education, I am passionate about inspiring students to explore their creativity through this medium. I learned about this opening through your website and felt compelled to reach out.
In my previous role at the San Francisco Art Institute, I developed and taught courses focusing on digital photography and image editing. My students achieved significant recognition, with three winning awards at the National Student Photography Competition. I emphasize hands-on learning and encourage collaboration, which has led to a vibrant classroom environment.
Additionally, my expertise in both film and digital photography allows me to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the subject. I am committed to fostering a supportive learning atmosphere where students can express their unique artistic voices.
I am eager to bring my experience and passion for photography to the University of the Arts. I would love the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your esteemed department. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Jordan Smith
5. Mistakes to avoid when writing a Photography Professor resume
Creating a resume for a Photography Professor role requires careful attention to detail. You want to showcase your teaching experience, artistic vision, and technical skills effectively. Avoiding common mistakes can significantly enhance your chances of landing that job.
Every element of your resume should reflect your unique qualifications and passion for photography education. Let's go through some typical pitfalls to steer clear of.
Avoid vague job descriptions
Mistake Example: "Taught photography classes at a university."
Correction: Be specific about your courses and achievements. Instead, write: "Developed and taught advanced photography courses focusing on digital techniques and visual storytelling, resulting in a 30% increase in student engagement."
Generic applications
Mistake Example: "I am a skilled photographer with experience in various fields."
Correction: Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant skills. Instead, say: "Specialized in portrait and landscape photography, with experience in teaching both traditional and contemporary techniques in higher education."
Typos and grammatical errors
Mistake Example: "I have a degree in photograpy and have taught students for over 5 years."
Correction: Proofread your resume carefully. A corrected version could be: "I have a degree in photography and have taught students for over 5 years, focusing on practical and theoretical knowledge."
Overstating qualifications
Mistake Example: "Considered one of the top photography professors in the country."
Correction: Be honest and precise about your achievements. Instead, write: "Recognized for innovative teaching methods, receiving positive feedback from students and faculty alike."
Poor formatting for ATS
Mistake Example: Using complicated graphics and unusual fonts that may not be read properly by applicant tracking systems.
Correction: Use clear headings and standard fonts. A better format includes: "Experience: University of Art - Photography Professor (2018-Present)" to ensure clarity and ATS compatibility.
6. FAQs about Photography Professor resumes
Creating a resume for a Photography Professor requires showcasing your teaching experience, technical skills, and creative accomplishments. Here are some FAQs and tips to help you craft a resume that highlights your strengths in photography education.
What skills should I highlight on my Photography Professor resume?
What skills should I highlight on my Photography Professor resume?
Focus on skills like:
- Photography techniques (digital and film)
- Photo editing software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom)
- Teaching methodologies
- Curriculum development
What's the best format for a Photography Professor resume?
What's the best format for a Photography Professor resume?
Use a reverse-chronological format. Start with your most recent position and work backward. This format showcases your teaching experience and professional growth effectively.
How long should my Photography Professor resume be?
How long should my Photography Professor resume be?
Keep it to one or two pages. One page is ideal if you're early in your career. If you have extensive experience and publications, a two-page resume is acceptable.
How can I showcase my projects or portfolios?
How can I showcase my projects or portfolios?
Include a link to your portfolio in your contact information. You can also create a section for notable projects, listing exhibitions or publications where your work has appeared.
How do I address gaps in my employment?
How do I address gaps in my employment?
If you've taken time off, briefly explain it in your cover letter. Focus on what you learned during that time, like personal projects or further training, to show growth.
Pro Tips
Showcase Your Teaching Philosophy
Include a brief statement about your teaching philosophy. This helps potential employers understand your approach and how you engage with students.
Highlight Your Publications and Exhibitions
If you've published articles or exhibited your work, list these achievements. They demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field of photography.
Use Visual Elements Wisely
Consider incorporating a subtle design element or color scheme that reflects your artistic style. Just keep it professional and ensure it doesn't distract from the content.
Tailor Your Resume for Each Position
Customize your resume for each job application. Highlight the skills and experiences that align best with the job description. This makes your application more relevant.
7. Key takeaways for an outstanding Photography Professor resume
Crafting a strong resume for a Photography Professor position is key to showcasing your expertise and artistic vision. Here are some essential takeaways:
- Use a clean, professional format that's easy to read and ATS-friendly.
- Highlight relevant teaching experience, photography skills, and any significant exhibitions or projects.
- Employ strong action verbs to describe your accomplishments and quantify them when possible, like 'increased student engagement by 30%.'
- Incorporate keywords related to photography and education to optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems.
Keep these tips in mind as you create your resume, and don’t hesitate to explore online resume builders or templates to help you get started!
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