13 Performing Arts Resume Examples & Guide for 2025

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So, you’re looking to put together a resume for the performing arts? It can feel a bit tricky, right? Whether you’re an actor, a stage manager, or even someone behind the scenes in technical theater, your resume needs to really show what you can do. This guide is here to help you figure it all out. We’ve got 13 different examples, plus some tips, to help you create a resume that stands out. Get ready to show off your talents with a great resume! Performing Arts Resume | Powered by RoboApply.

Key Takeaways

• Make sure your performing arts resume is clear and easy to read, and that it fits the job you want.
• Highlight the main parts of your resume, like your contact info, a short summary, your experience, and your skills.
• Always save your resume as a PDF file, unless they tell you to use a different format, so it looks good everywhere.

1. Film Actor

So, you want to be a film actor? Awesome! Your resume is your first audition. It needs to show off your experience, skills, and training in a way that grabs a casting director’s attention. Think of it as your personal highlight reel on paper. RoboApply can help you tailor your resume to specific roles, making sure you’re always putting your best foot forward.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Keep it concise: Film industry folks are busy. One page is usually best, especially if you’re just starting out.
• Highlight relevant experience: Focus on film, TV, and even student projects. Theater experience is great, but make sure your film work shines.
• Showcase your skills: List any special skills like accents, fight choreography, or musical abilities. These can set you apart.

A strong film actor resume emphasizes on-screen experience and specific skills relevant to the industry. It’s about showing, not just telling, what you can bring to a production.

Let’s look at an example. This is a simplified version, but it gives you the idea:

[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number] | [Your Email] | [Your Website/Online Portfolio]

Objective/Summary
A brief, impactful statement highlighting your acting goals and key skills. For example: "Enthusiastic and versatile actor seeking challenging roles in film and television, bringing strong emotional range and dedication to every project."

Experience

• Feature Film: The Lost City
  • Role: Supporting (Character Name)
  • Director: [Director’s Name]
  • Production Company: [Production Company]
  • Key Responsibilities: Memorized lines quickly, collaborated effectively with the cast and crew, and maintained character consistency throughout filming.
• Short Film: Echoes of Yesterday
  • Role: Lead (Character Name)
  • Director: [Director’s Name]
  • School: [Film School Name]
  • Key Responsibilities: Developed character backstory, worked closely with the director to refine performance, and delivered a compelling emotional performance.

Training

• [Acting School Name], [City, State] – [Years Attended]
• [Workshop/Masterclass Name], [Instructor Name]

Skills

• Accents: [List Accents]
• Languages: [List Languages]
• Other: [Fight Choreography, Singing, Dancing, etc.]

Special Abilities

• Improvisation
• Voice Acting
• Motion Capture

Tips for a Standout Film Actor Resume:

1. Use professional headshots: Your headshot is crucial. Make sure it’s current and represents you well.
2. Include links to your reel: Make it easy for casting directors to see your work. A link to your online reel is a must.
3. Tailor your resume: Adjust your resume for each role you apply for, highlighting the most relevant experience and skills. RoboApply can help with this, ensuring your actor resume is always on point.

Remember, your resume is a marketing tool. Make it work for you! You can also use a Google Docs template to get started.

2. Film Production

So, you want to break into film production? Awesome! Your resume needs to show you’re organized, detail-oriented, and can handle the chaos of a film set. Think about highlighting any experience where you managed projects, worked with budgets, or coordinated teams. Even seemingly small roles can demonstrate valuable skills. And remember, honesty is key – don’t exaggerate your experience, but definitely emphasize what you bring to the table. RoboApply can help you tailor your resume to specific film production roles, making sure you highlight the most relevant skills and experience.

Here’s what your experience section might look like:

• Managed scenic budgets and material sourcing, optimizing cost-efficiency while maintaining high production values.
• Collaborated with directors and scenic artists to bring conceptual designs to life, resulting in immersive and captivating stage environments.
• Developed and implemented efficient production schedules, resulting in streamlined workflows and timely completion of projects.

A strong film production resume showcases your ability to manage resources, coordinate teams, and solve problems under pressure. It’s about demonstrating that you can keep a project on track, on budget, and creatively aligned with the director’s vision.

Here’s another example:

• Designed and executed lighting plots for 20+ theatrical productions, enhancing the visual experience for audiences.
• Managed a team of 10 technicians, coordinating their schedules and ensuring smooth execution of stage setup and strikes.
• Collaborated with directors and set designers to create immersive and dynamic stage environments.

And another:

• Designed and executed projection designs for 15+ theatre productions, integrating multimedia elements to enhance visual storytelling.
• Collaborated with scenic and lighting designers to create cohesive and immersive stage environments.
• Managed projection equipment setup and operation, troubleshooting technical issues and ensuring seamless integration into productions.

Your resume is your first impression, so make it count! Tailor it to each job you apply for, and use action verbs to describe your accomplishments. Good luck!

Consider adding these skills to your resume:

• Budget Management
• Scheduling
• Team Coordination

Remember to include diverse experiences and qualifications to make your resume stand out.

3. Actor

So, you’re an actor looking to make your resume shine? It’s more than just listing roles; it’s about showing who you are as a performer. Think of it as your personal highlight reel, but on paper (or screen!). RoboApply can help you tailor your resume to specific roles, making sure your best qualities are front and center.

Your resume is your first audition, so make it count.

Here’s the thing: acting resumes are a bit different. You need to showcase your experience, skills, and training in a way that grabs attention. Let’s break down what that looks like.

• Performance Experience: List those roles! Be specific about the production type and size. Did you play a lead in a small indie film or an extra in a blockbuster? It all matters.
• Training/Education: Acting classes, workshops, degrees – anything that shows you’ve put in the work to hone your craft. Don’t be shy about listing even short-term workshops if they taught you valuable skills.
• Special Skills: Can you sing, dance, juggle chainsaws, or speak fluent Klingon? List it! These unique abilities can set you apart. Make sure to create an effective acting resume that highlights these skills.
• Physical Characteristics: Height, weight, hair color – the basics. It might seem superficial, but it’s often necessary for casting directors.

Remember to keep your resume concise and easy to read. Casting directors often have stacks of resumes to go through, so make sure yours is clear and to the point. Use bullet points, clear headings, and a professional font.

Think of your resume as a marketing tool. You’re selling yourself, so make sure you’re presenting the best possible version of you. Tailor it to each role you’re applying for, highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant. And don’t forget to proofread! Typos and grammatical errors can be a major turnoff.

For example, if you’re applying for a musical, emphasize your singing and dancing abilities. If it’s a Shakespearean play, highlight your experience with classical texts. It’s all about showing them why you’re the perfect fit for the role. You can also use professional templates to create an impressive acting resume.

Here’s a simple table to help you organize your performance experience:

4. Commercial Actor

Commercial acting is a competitive field, so your resume needs to grab attention fast. Focus on showcasing your versatility and marketability. Think about what makes you stand out – is it your comedic timing, your ability to connect with audiences, or your experience with specific types of products? RoboApply can help you tailor your resume to highlight these strengths.

It’s all about selling yourself as the perfect fit for the brand.

• Quantify Your Impact:
  • How many commercials have you booked?
  • What was the reach of those campaigns?
  • Did any of them win awards?
• Highlight Relevant Skills:
  • Improvisation
  • Voice-over work
  • Experience with teleprompters
• Showcase Your Range:
  • Include headshots that demonstrate different looks and characters.
  • List any special skills, like accents or athletic abilities.
  • Mention any training you’ve had in commercial acting techniques.

Remember, a commercial actor’s resume is a marketing tool. It needs to quickly and effectively communicate your value to potential clients. Make it easy for them to see why you’re the right choice for their next campaign. Consider using RoboApply to help you create a resume that is both visually appealing and informative.

5. Music Director

So, you want to be a Music Director? Awesome! This section is all about crafting a resume that shows off your musical and leadership skills. Think of it as your audition on paper. RoboApply can help you tailor your resume to highlight the specific skills and experiences that employers are looking for, making the application process smoother.

Let’s dive in.

Here’s an example of how you might structure your experience:

Theatre Artistic Director
Curtain Call Productions
2014-2017

• Directed and choreographed large-scale musical productions, overseeing all aspects from auditions to final performances.
• Implemented innovative marketing strategies, resulting in a 30% increase in ticket sales and sold-out shows.
• Led rehearsals and provided constructive feedback to actors, elevating performances and creating memorable experiences.
• Negotiated contracts with performers and vendors, ensuring cost-effective solutions for production needs.

Theatre Sound Designer
AcoustiTech Productions
2013-2018

• Designed and executed soundscapes and effects for 25+ theatrical productions, enhancing the auditory experience and supporting storytelling.
• Collaborated with composers and musicians to create original scores, resulting in unique and memorable productions.
• Managed sound equipment inventory and maintenance, ensuring optimal audio quality for every performance.

Remember to quantify your achievements whenever possible. Did you increase ticket sales? By how much? Did you manage a large budget? What was the amount?

When listing skills, consider including:

• Musical arrangement
• Orchestration
• Vocal coaching
• Conducting
• Sound design

Also, don’t forget to include soft skills like leadership, communication, and collaboration. These are just as important as your technical abilities. You can also find free, customizable, and printable music resume examples online.

Here’s a quick tip: Tailor your resume to each specific job. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position you’re applying for. A generic resume is less likely to catch the eye of a hiring manager. You can also find music director resume samples to help you get started. And if you need to write a cover letter, there are director cover letter examples available too.

6. Stage Manager

So, you want to be a stage manager? It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it! Stage managers are the unsung heroes of any production, keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. They’re part traffic cop, part therapist, and part magician. Let’s look at how to make your resume shine.

Stage managing is all about organization and communication. Your resume needs to show you can handle the pressure and keep everyone on track. Think about highlighting your experience with scheduling, cueing, and problem-solving. Don’t just list your duties; show how you made a difference. Did you streamline the rehearsal process? Did you prevent a major catastrophe? These are the things employers want to know.

A good stage manager anticipates problems before they happen. They’re proactive, not reactive. Your resume should reflect this mindset.

Here’s an example of how you might structure your experience section:

• Assistant Stage Manager
• Theatre Stage Manager
• Theatre Artistic Director

Remember to tailor your resume to each specific job. Highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position. And don’t forget to proofread! A typo can make you look unprofessional, even if you’re the most organized person in the world. Use stage manager resume examples to get an idea of how to format your resume.

Skills are also important. Here are some to consider including:

• Proficiency in stage management software (e.g., QLab, StageWrite)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures

RoboApply can help you format your resume and tailor it to specific job descriptions, saving you time and effort. It’s like having a personal resume assistant! If you need more tips, check out this guide for crafting a stage manager resume.

7. Theater

Theater resumes need to showcase a range of skills, from acting to technical abilities. It’s important to highlight your specific roles and contributions in various productions. Think about the impact you made and quantify it whenever possible. RoboApply can help you tailor your resume to specific theater jobs, making sure you emphasize the skills and experiences that are most relevant.

For example, here’s what a theater resume might look like:

• [Name]
• [Contact Information]
• [Professional Summary]

Experience

• Theater Artistic Director
• Lighting Designer

When crafting your resume, highlight your experience in production management, acting, and scriptwriting to demonstrate your versatility. Emphasize your abilities in collaboration, creativity, and adaptability, which are vital in this dynamic field. Additionally, mentioning successful projects and any awards received can effectively illustrate the impact you’ve made in your artistic endeavors.

Here are some additional points to consider for your theater resume:

1. Skills Section: Include both hard skills (lighting design, stage management) and soft skills (communication, teamwork).
2. Education: List any relevant degrees, certifications, or workshops.
3. Awards and Recognition: Highlight any awards or positive reviews you’ve received.

Remember to tailor your resume to each specific job application. Use keywords from the job description and focus on the skills and experiences that are most relevant. You can also check out some professional theatre resume examples for inspiration.

8. Performing Arts

Performing arts encompass a wide range of disciplines, and your resume should reflect that. It’s about showcasing your versatility and passion for the arts. Think of it as a highlight reel of your best performances, projects, and skills. RoboApply can help you tailor your resume to specific performing arts roles, ensuring you emphasize the most relevant experiences and abilities.

Here’s what you might include:

• Acting experience (stage, film, TV)
• Dance experience (various styles)
• Musical skills (instrumental, vocal)
• Technical skills (lighting, sound, set design)

When describing your experience, use action verbs to illustrate your accomplishments. Instead of saying "Responsible for lighting," try "Designed and implemented lighting schemes that enhanced the mood and atmosphere of theatrical productions." This makes your contributions more impactful.

Consider these points when crafting your performing arts resume:

1. Quantify your achievements whenever possible. For example, "Increased ticket sales by 20% through targeted marketing campaigns." Numbers speak volumes.
2. Tailor your resume to each specific job. A resume for a dance role will look different from one for a stage management position.
3. Don’t be afraid to include relevant coursework or training, especially if you’re early in your career. This shows your commitment to developing your skills.

To make your resume stand out, consider adding a section for special skills or talents. This could include things like stage combat, dialects, or juggling. These unique skills can set you apart from other candidates. Remember to use a Google Docs template to help you get started.

9. Musical Theatre

Crafting a musical theatre resume requires a specific approach. It’s not just about listing roles; it’s about showcasing your singing, dancing, and acting abilities in a way that grabs attention. Think of it as your audition on paper. RoboApply can help you tailor your resume to highlight these skills effectively.

Consider this example:

Musical Theatre resume should showcase an applicant’s on-stage experience, professional training, and unique skills to directors and casting teams.

When listing your experience, be specific. Don’t just say you were in "Oklahoma!" Mention the role, the venue, and any notable achievements or responsibilities you had. Did you understudy a lead? Did you receive positive reviews? These details matter.

Here are some key elements to include:

• Vocal Range: Specify your vocal range (e.g., Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) and any special vocal skills (e.g., belt, legit).
• Dance Skills: List your dance training and experience, including styles like ballet, jazz, tap, and contemporary.
• Special Skills: Include any unique skills that might be relevant, such as stage combat, accents, or playing a musical instrument.

10. Technical Theatre

Technical theatre is where the magic really happens behind the scenes. It’s not just about knowing your way around a stage; it’s about bringing the director’s vision to life through lighting, sound, set design, and more. If you’re applying for technical theatre roles, your resume needs to show you’re a problem-solver, a collaborator, and a master of your craft. RoboApply can help you tailor your resume to highlight these skills.

Here’s what you might include in your technical theatre resume:

• Technical Skills: List all relevant software, equipment, and techniques you’re proficient in. Think lighting consoles, soundboards, CAD software, rigging, etc.
• Production Experience: Detail your involvement in past productions, specifying your role and responsibilities. Did you design the lighting for a play? Build the set for a musical? Make sure to quantify your achievements whenever possible.
• Problem-Solving: Technical theatre is full of unexpected challenges. Show how you’ve overcome obstacles and found creative solutions.

A strong technical theatre resume showcases not only your technical abilities but also your ability to work as part of a team and adapt to changing circumstances. It’s about demonstrating that you can handle the pressure of live performance and deliver exceptional results.

Let’s look at an example:

[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]

Summary

Highly motivated and skilled Technical Theatre professional with [Number] years of experience in lighting, sound, and set construction. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with directors, designers, and fellow technicians to bring creative visions to life. Seeking a challenging and rewarding role in a dynamic theatre environment.

Skills

• Lighting Design (ETC EOS, GrandMA2)
• Sound Design (QLab, Pro Tools)
• Set Construction (Welding, Carpentry)
• Rigging
• Stage Management
• CAD Software (AutoCAD, Vectorworks)

Experience

Technical Director
[Theatre Name], [City, State]
[Dates of Employment]

• Coordinated the technical aspects of 30+ theatrical productions, overseeing lighting, sound, set, and costume departments.
• Designed and executed lighting plots for 20+ theatrical productions, enhancing the visual experience for audiences.
• Managed a team of 10 technicians, coordinating their schedules and ensuring smooth execution of stage setup and strikes.
• Collaborated with directors and set designers to create immersive and dynamic stage environments.

Lighting Technician
[Theatre Name], [City, State]
[Dates of Employment]

• Assisted in the setup, operation, and maintenance of lighting equipment for various productions.
• Programmed and operated lighting consoles (ETC EOS, GrandMA2) to create desired lighting effects.
• Troubleshooted and resolved technical issues related to lighting systems.

Education

[Your Degree] in Technical Theatre
[University Name], [City, State]

This is just a starting point, of course. Tailor your resume to the specific requirements of each job you apply for. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position. And don’t forget to proofread carefully! A polished resume shows that you pay attention to detail, a critical skill in technical theatre.

11. Theatre Director

Being a theatre director is more than just telling people where to stand. It’s about vision, leadership, and bringing a story to life. Your resume needs to show that you can handle all of that. RoboApply can help you tailor your resume to highlight the skills and experiences that theatre companies are looking for.

Work Experience

Let’s say you were an Artistic Director at Curtain Call Productions from 2014-2017. You could describe your responsibilities like this:

• Directed and choreographed large-scale musical productions, overseeing everything from auditions to final performances.
• Implemented innovative marketing strategies, leading to a 30% increase in ticket sales and sold-out shows.
• Led rehearsals and provided constructive feedback to actors, elevating performances and creating memorable experiences.

Or, maybe you were a Theatre Technical Director at StageCraft Collaborative from 2019-2023:

• Coordinated the technical aspects of 30+ theatrical productions, overseeing lighting, sound, set, and costume departments.

Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Instead of saying "Improved ticket sales," say "Increased ticket sales by 30%." Numbers catch the eye and show the impact you made.

Resume Summary and Objective Examples

Here are a few examples of resume summaries and objectives for a theatre resume:

• "Accomplished Theatre Director with 10 years of experience in conceptualizing and producing avant-garde performances. Expertise in fostering creative collaboration among diverse artistic teams, with a track record of critically acclaimed productions. Won ‘Best Director’ at the National Theatre Awards in 2021."
• "Seasoned Actor turned Playwright, bringing over 15 years of on-stage experience to scriptwriting. Skilled in crafting…"
• "Eager graduate seeking an entry-level position in Stage Management, armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts. Committed to applying learned principles of organizational efficiency and problem-solving skills to ensure seamless theatre operations."

Remember, your resume is your chance to shine. Make sure it reflects your passion, skills, and experience in the best possible light. Good luck!

12. Actor Turned Playwright

So, you’ve spent years on stage, soaking up the energy of live performance and now you’re ready to tell your own stories? Transitioning from actor to playwright is a natural progression for many. Your experience gives you a unique insight into what works on stage, how actors think, and what audiences respond to. Let’s look at how to showcase that on your resume.

Highlight your acting experience, but frame it in a way that shows how it informs your playwriting. Think about the skills you developed as an actor – character development, understanding of dramatic structure, collaboration – and how those translate to writing compelling plays. RoboApply can help you tailor your resume to emphasize these transferable skills.

• Understanding of dramatic structure
• Character development
• Collaboration

When describing your acting roles, focus on the depth of your character work and your understanding of the play’s overall themes. This demonstrates your analytical skills and your ability to contribute to the creative process beyond just performing lines.

Consider including a section dedicated to your playwriting achievements. List any plays you’ve written, workshops you’ve attended, or awards you’ve received. If you have production experience, highlight your ability to manage a team of stagehands, ensuring efficient stage management. Even if your plays haven’t been professionally produced, include readings or workshops you’ve organized. This shows initiative and a commitment to your craft.

Here’s an example of how to present your experience:

• Playwright & Actor
• Freelance, 2018 – Present
• Wrote and workshopped three full-length plays, including "[Play Title]", which was selected for a staged reading at [Festival Name].
• Performed leading roles in over 20 theatrical productions, including [Play Title] and [Play Title], gaining extensive experience in character development and script analysis.
• Collaborated with directors and fellow actors to refine scripts and enhance performances.

Think about including a brief statement of your artistic vision. What kind of stories do you want to tell? What themes are you interested in exploring? This gives potential employers a sense of your unique perspective and what you bring to the table. If you are looking for inspiration, consider the works of Tyler Perry.

13. Production Management

Production management roles are all about keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes. It’s about organization, problem-solving, and making sure everyone has what they need to do their job. A good production manager is a master of logistics and communication. Let’s look at how to showcase those skills on your resume.

Here’s an example of how a production manager might structure their resume to highlight relevant experience and skills. Remember, RoboApply can help you tailor your resume to specific job descriptions, making sure you emphasize the qualifications that matter most to potential employers. You can also find resume samples online.

Production Manager

[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]

Summary

Highly organized and detail-oriented Production Manager with 5+ years of experience in live theatre and event production. Proven ability to manage budgets, schedules, and teams to deliver successful and high-quality productions. Passionate about creating a collaborative and efficient work environment.

Skills

• Budget Management
• Scheduling
• Team Leadership
• Vendor Negotiation
• Problem-Solving
• Technical Proficiency (lighting, sound, stage management software)
• Communication (written and verbal)
• Risk Management
• Contract Negotiation
• Event Planning

Experience

Production Manager, VisualStage Productions (2018 – Present)

• Managed all aspects of production for 10+ theatrical productions annually, from initial planning to final performance.
• Developed and managed production budgets ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, ensuring projects were completed on time and within budget.
• Supervised and mentored a team of 5-10 production staff, including stage managers, technicians, and designers.
• Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers to secure the best possible rates for equipment and services.
• Implemented efficient production schedules, resulting in streamlined workflows and timely completion of projects.
• Collaborated with artistic and technical teams to ensure artistic vision alignment and successful realization of creative concepts.

Theatre Projection Designer, VisualStage Productions (2016-2018)

• Designed and executed projection designs for 15+ theatre productions, integrating multimedia elements to enhance visual storytelling.
• Collaborated with scenic and lighting designers to create cohesive and immersive stage environments.
• Managed projection equipment setup and operation, troubleshooting technical issues and ensuring seamless integration into productions.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts, University of Example (2016)

Key Takeaways for a Production Management Resume:

• Quantify your achievements: Use numbers to show the scale and impact of your work (e.g., "Managed budgets of $X," "Supervised a team of Y").
• Highlight your organizational skills: Production management is all about organization, so make sure to emphasize your ability to manage schedules, budgets, and resources.
• Showcase your problem-solving abilities: Productions rarely go exactly as planned, so demonstrate your ability to think on your feet and find solutions to unexpected challenges.
• Tailor your resume to the specific job: Carefully review the job description and highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position. For example, if you’re applying for an event production manager role, emphasize your experience with event planning and logistics.

Production management is a multifaceted role that demands a blend of technical knowledge, organizational prowess, and interpersonal skills. Your resume should reflect your ability to handle the diverse challenges that come with bringing a production to life, from managing budgets and schedules to coordinating teams and troubleshooting technical issues. It’s about showing you can handle the pressure and deliver results.

Remember to tailor your resume to each specific job application. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position. Good luck with your job search! You can also look at TV production roles to get an idea of what skills are needed.

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Key Takeaways

So, there you have it. Making a good performing arts resume means you need to be clear and show what you can do. Make sure your resume looks neat and is easy to read. Put your best experiences and skills right up front. Remember, every job is different, so change your resume a bit for each one. If you do these things, you’ll have a better chance of getting noticed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I put on a performing arts resume?

A performing arts resume should show off your unique skills and experiences in areas like acting, dancing, singing, or technical theater. Make sure to include your training, past performances or projects, and any special talents you have. It’s also a good idea to tailor your resume for each job you apply for, highlighting the skills that matter most for that specific role.

How long should a performing arts resume be?

The best length for your resume depends on how much experience you have. If you’re just starting out, one page is usually enough. If you have many years of experience and lots of shows or projects under your belt, two pages can work. The main thing is to keep it clear and easy to read, only including the most important and relevant information.

Should I include a photo on my performing arts resume?

Yes, you should definitely include a headshot or a professional photo on your performing arts resume, especially for acting or modeling jobs. It helps people remember you and gives them a visual idea of who you are. Make sure the photo is high-quality and looks professional.