Photography Print Portfolio

Hi guys. I recently graduated SNHU with a Bachelor's Degree in Art in Digital Photography. I wanted to share with you my journey creating my print portfolio. My online portfolio was pretty easy. You can find it at SMoms Photography.

As for the print portfolio, I initially started by searching for the best place to have a professional portfolio printed. I wasn't looking to spend $200. I understand you typically get what you pay for. However, I have used Millers to print images and their quality was great so I have decided to go with the signature book that they offer for about $50. Anyways, with that said, I wanted to share with you my process of designing my portfolio. So, bare with me.

Your portfolio should be professional but simple. You are selling you, so, SELL you! Include a link to view your resume. A Bio/About page is a must but should be short and to the point. It should tell who you are, your education, the type of photography you shoot, what equipment you use, any awards or additional training you have. What makes your photography unique? Your contact information should be easy to find and should include name, phone number, email, link to portfolio (web), link to website, blog, and social media pages. Include your custom logo. Include a professional headshot. People trust brands that they can put a face to.

An Artist Statement informing your potential client about the work that is included in your portfolio. In your Artist Statement, you should include:

1. Why did you create the work included in the portfolio and the history of it?
2. What are you trying to express in this portfolio, how do you want your audience to feel?
3. Who or what influences you?
4. Who or what inspired you to make this portfolio?
5. Why did you choose to work with the medium of photography?

If you are still having trouble take out a sheet of paper and jot down a list of words that you would use to describe your photography.

It is very important that you continue to shoot while creating your portfolio. As a new photographer, you do not have many paid gigs to start off. Take this time to offer discounted photo shoots and shoot as many photos as you can. You may even offer your services for free to a local fundraiser, church, or school. Getting experience and building a reputation is important for building your clientele.

Decide on the look that you want for your portfolio. Do you want one image per page or a collage? Will your images tell a story? If you do wedding photography as well as portrait photography, you should have a print portfolio for each. Do not include them in the same portfolio.

The most time consuming and frustrating task... choosing your images for your portfolio. TAKE YOUR TIME! I use Lightroom. I upload my photos to Lightroom and create folders named after the photo shoot. When choosing your photos create a new folder and label it Portfolio images. Take your time going through your images. If it is a keeper, place a copy in the portfolio folder. Once you have gone through your images, go back to your portfolio folder and start by rating the photos with stars, then choose the photos that are rated two stars and up, use the same process, and sort through your photos again and again until you have the images you are going to include in your portfolio. Make sure and choose your best images and no images that are very similar.

Now, you need to consider the order in which you will place them. Remember, the client will not always look through your entire portfolio. Your first image should be great as if you are writing the introductory paragraph to a research paper. You want to hook your audience and make them want to see more. Your last image should be great as well, ending with a grand exit reinforces the impression of your first image. Almost great is not great. Be honest with yourself. Get feedback from other photographers. A portfolio with ten great images and ten not so great images can cost you.

Are you telling a story? Then make sure the story is clear. There are other sequences you could choose to use, for example:

1. color:
1. red, blue, green, etc.
2. black and white
2. mood
3. movement
4. composition

Finally, remember your portfolio is a representation of your skills. It is a sneak peek showcasing your talent. Your images should leave an impact and speak for themselves. Get opinions from other photographers. Keep it simple, no flashy paper, no captions.