Top Five Tips for Your Photography Portfolio

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Make Your Photography Portfolio Work for You

Your photography portfolio may be the single most important thing that you can show to potential clients and employers. Your list of qualifications and skills may be impressive, but at the end of the day, clients look at your work – they look for photographers who can produce work that shows technical skill and unique, visual talent. A good photography portfolio will do more to boost your career than any other marketing tool in your arsenal. With that in mind, here are some tips for making your photography portfolio as polished and appealing as possible:

1. Include only your best work

It's crucial that you include only your very best work in your portfolio—even if your best work isn't necessarily your favorite work. Your photography portfolio should not only show that you've done good work, but also that you have the ability to identify good photography. Including pieces that are meaningful to you, but are not your best, will only reflect poorly on you.

Choose 15 to 20 pieces that demonstrate your range of technical skill as well as your unique vision, and leave the rest out. You may want to consider using a portfolio that will allow you to easily change out your work as you grow in your professional photography career.

2. Get a second opinion

We can all use an outside perspective from time to time. Find someone you trust—someone who's an expert—and get their honest opinion of your portfolio. They may be able to offer insights about what potential clients are looking for and advice on how to strengthen any weak points in your photography portfolio.

3. Customize your portfolio

Display your most relevant work. If you're looking for a wedding photography job, don't include examples of your commercial photography work. While there may be occasions where you need to show versatility, generally speaking, your photography portfolio will be more compelling if you use it to display your expertise in the photography niche in which you are seeking a job.

4. Have a unique perspective

What sets you apart from other photographers? What gives your work its individual style and voice? What risks have you taken? Having a unique perspective isn't just essential for your photography portfolio, it's a must for your career. Find the thing that will define your style.

5. Have different formats available

Some clients may prefer to look at a book. Others may want to see your portfolio on CD. Having more than one format available will allow you to communicate with clients in their preferred style. You should also consider building a website where you can display your work. This will allow you to reach an even wider audience of prospective clients.

Whatever format you choose, your photography portfolio should be well-organized and uncluttered. Your work should be the main focus.

Your Photography Portfolio: Your Number One Marketing Tool

As your best chance to impress future clients and employers, your photography portfolio is definitely worth the time and effort it will take to get it right. A professional quality portfolio will go a long way towards helping you start the successful photography career you've always wanted.

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