Top Five Photography Portfolio Tips
Create a photography portfolio that will get you noticed.
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. They'll 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.
Keeping that in focus, use these photography portfolio tips to help make yours a favorable representation of your art:
Tips for a Successful Portfolio
1. Include only your best work
It's essential that you include only your very best work in your portfolio. It should not only show that you've done good work, but also that you have the ability to self-edit. Including pieces that are meaningful to you, but are not your best, will only reflect poorly on you. Choose 15 to 20 pieces that show your versatility and your unique perspective, 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 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.
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 differentiates you 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 in a digital format. Having more than one format available will allow you to communicate with clients in their preferred style. You should also build a website where you can display your work. This will allow you to reach an even wider audience of prospective clients.