I’m constantly browsing photography magazines, sites, and blogs to learn new techniques as well as receive a refresher for things I may have forgotten. During a recent trip to Barnes & Noble, I flipped through the latest issue of Turning Pro. I found myself wrapped in the article “Are you ready to compile a portfolio?” written by the editor of Turning Pro, Grant Scott.
My first thought was, Well, I already have a portfolio, and almost skipped the article altogether, but then my gut said there may be something useful in it — indeed there was. Below are the tips and points that I felt were most beneficial. After reading the article, I revisited my online book. View it at http://NayMarie.com/NayMarieBook.pdf.
Tidbits:
* A good portfolio will get you work; a bad portfolio will not only lose you work it will also lose you a potential client
*The first decision to make before beginning to create your portfolio is who your potential client base will be.
*Look at what these clients have commissioned and honestly evaluate if you have the quality images to compete.
*When you’re ready to compile your portfolio, select your strongest images (should not exceed 30) and arrange them so that they tell the story about who you are as a photographer.
*Start to remove the weakest images by deciphering which images appear repetitive or similar.
*Once you are satisfied with the final cut, rearrange the images to start and end with the strongest. These will make the first impact and leave the last impression.
*Do not rush this decision. It is suggested to revisit and tweak your choices until you are happy with the final narrative.
*After completing this rough draft, seek advice from others, particularly working photographers. Apply any useful feedback.
*Understand that you may always get negative feedback, so it is important to know why you formatted your portfolio as you did.
*The final images for your portfolio and your target client base should reflect the type of presentation you choose for your portfolio.
*Your portfolio images must have consistency of size and quality, especially if it is a printed portfolio. A lack of both or either is a disrespectful way to display your work. If you don’t show care and attention to detail in your presentation, your client may not spare the time to review it.
The article continued to give advice on the most basic yet professional printed presentation. I definitely recommend reading if you need a starting point!
Credit: Turning Pro Magazine
