browser icon
You are using an insecure version of your web browser. Please update your browser!
Using an outdated browser makes your computer unsafe. For a safer, faster, more enjoyable user experience, please update your browser today or try a newer browser.
   

How to build a photography portfolio that creates Impact?

Posted by on August 15, 2020

A lot of people are good at taking photographs, and they do it as a hobby. If you are one of these people, but you feel that you should begin using your photography skills to start earning money, you need a photography portfolio.

Photography portfolios serve a similar purpose as curriculum vitae and resumes. They allow you to show off your work, and so as a photographer, you must create an outstanding one.

You may find the prospect of creating your portfolio overwhelming, probably because you feel you don’t have many photos, you are busy, or for some other reasons.

However, you require a portfolio if you are to be taken seriously as a photographer, both when you are just starting and when you have become famous and well established. Besides, having one would make you appear more professional to your client.

An outstanding portfolio would also help your business to grow faster and would help you to show your niche, especially when you become famous. You can follow the steps below if you want to build your photography portfolio.

Choose between a print portfolio and a digital portfolio

The advent of the internet has made life more comfortable than ever. In the past, you could only print portfolios, but now, with the use of the internet, you can create a digital one. Both printed and digital ones have their advantages.

If you have a digital portfolio, you can easily and quickly send it to an employer or a potential client. Also, they are not as expensive as printed ones. Again, digital portfolios allow you to showcase your works on your website if you have one. This way, people will be able to browse through it and see the type of work you do.

On the other hand, printed portfolios are more beneficial for interviews where you would have to go in person. You can present them in such situations for your potential client or employer to flip through them. Besides, if printed portfolios are crafted well, they will hold a greater appeal than online ones.

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/workplace-team-business-meeting-1245776/

Have a style in mind and identify your aims

It would be best if you had a goal for your portfolio. Consider the sort of people you are presenting it to, your style of photography, and your reason for building it.

Also, choosing a theme or style for your portfolio is vital. You may have taken different kinds of photographs in the past. However, you should decide the exact theme you want for it before choosing photos that you will use for your portfolio.

Determine your target audience and what they will want from you

It would be best if you took into cognizance your target audience. Who are the people for which you are creating your portfolio? What sort of work do you want to use it to attract? Are you going to focus on a particular niche of photography?

Answering these questions will help you determine the kind of portfolio you should have. You will also be able to know what your audience would want from your works.

Choose quality and not quantity

While the task of choosing pictures may be somewhat overwhelming, it is an essential part of building your portfolio.

You must never compromise quality for quantity, and so, you do not have to use too many photos for your portfolio. The people you are sending it to would probably not have the time to look at too many pictures.

Also, it may be difficult for you to judge your work and choose the best from among them. If you doubt which pictures you should use, you can ask a friend to join you in making a decision.

Arrange your pictures in a sequential order

The sequence of your portfolio is very vital if you are to elicit the reaction you want from your audience. It has to naturally flow so that whoever is looking at it will understand it.

You can sequence your portfolio by color, mood, composition, and movement. You may also mix the various sequences, or you can use just one.

Make its beginning and end memorable

The first photos on your portfolio and the last ones are more likely to leave an impression on people. Therefore you must make these photos as catchy and full of impact as possible.

The first few photos in the portfolio are especially critical, as these are the first images that people would see. Its beginning and end should give it a great tone as this would keep people enraptured enough to continue looking at it.

Add other contents apart from photos to your portfolio

Your portfolio should also contain other things apart from pictures. Adding some additional substance to it will create a longer-lasting impression and would make it more potent.

Contents that you can add to your portfolio apart from photos include titles for the different pictures and dates and locations for each photo. You may also add an artist statement explaining your work and any other content that you think will be great for the portfolio.

Take home message

The task of preparing your portfolio may seem formidable to you at first. However, you need to build one if you want to be taken seriously as a professional photographer.

Your portfolio will help potential clients or your employer to get a quick idea of your work as a photographer. It will also help you share your unique capabilities with others.

You can tell people about your work, but then, nothing beats showing it to them. People will be able to understand what you mean by seeing examples of photos that you have taken in the past.

Before choosing the type of portfolio that you want, you should weigh the benefits of each one and then determine which one will suit you best. It does not matter the point you are in your career. Having a well-crafted portfolio is a necessity.

About the Author

M Mahmood is a professional blogger, digital marketer, SEO, CRM, and freelance writer. He is the founder of “M Mahmood Digital”. Contact him for business at social@mmahmood.com.
Social Profiles
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mmpr09
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmpr09/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mmpr09

Profile Photo Link: Click Here