Creating a Portfolio - DPChallenge Forums

10/06/2008 09:53:21 AM · #1

So my photography business is starting to gain a bit of momentum. I currently have about a shoot every week or two. It's starting to get to the point where I want to do it more as a second job or possibly primary if it picks up more. Anyway, I want to start advertising and already have by word of mouth. I just want to be prepared and have a portfolio ready if someone asks.

Is there kind of a standard on sizes, how many, what to keep them in etc? I would love to hear anyone's advice.

Thanks everyone!

goinskiing

PHOTOKID

10/06/2008 09:57:16 AM · #2

My portfolio is 11x14 prints with 16x20 mattes, I bought a portfolio holder from a photography impressions store that I found on line to hold it. In retrospect right now, i wish i had gone with the 8x10 print and 11x14 matte approach, as the larger portfolio, being also my only right now, is a bit bulky to trasport.

I will see if i can find the website and link it here. The portfolio box I have holds about 50 images double matted.

Portfolios and more

Message edited by author 2008-10-06 10:00:47.

10/06/2008 10:59:30 AM · #3

So do most people seem to use the box style or the folder style? I was thinking that the folding type was the only kind there was out there.

Thanks for the link by the way.

Nusbaum

Fujifilm X-T1

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

10/06/2008 12:06:34 PM · #4

I don't have any advice, but was about to post the same question. I'll just watch here to see what people have to say.

mirdonamy

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

10/06/2008 01:57:13 PM · #5

I am working on the very same thing. I was carrying my laptop around, showing people my website: www.ariellehazephotography.com and I think I'd like a real portfolio.

From photographers I've worked with, their portfolios vary very much! One I really liked is an 11x14 and was black with clear sleeves inside. It was not a ring-binder, it was bound. I have two in 8x10, but have used them for non-photo work. They are around $4 to $16 dollars each I think.

Other photogs have used a bound book from Kodak, Kiss or Winkflash. I may actually make a 'wedding album' next time MillersLab has an album sale. Not sure yet...

Carl Zeiss 35mm ZF f/2.0 Distagon T

10/06/2008 03:52:21 PM · #6

I'm going to check my local photog store today and see what they have. I was curious to see if there was any recognized or foolproof standard.

Jessi

Mamiya 645Pro TL

Mamiya 80mm f/2.8

10/06/2008 04:02:34 PM · #7

When I actually have enough material to actually create a portfolio, I'm going to get mine from iPhoto...here's the link.

virtuamike

Nikon D2X

10/06/2008 04:15:33 PM · #8

Read these -
//www.whatsthejackanory.com/2007/11/want-to-stand-out-in-a-crowd/
//www.whatsthejackanory.com/2007/11/in-response-the-portfolio/
//www.avisualsociety.com/2007/11/19/portfolios/
//www.aphotoeditor.com/2007/11/20/the-book-aka-the-portfolio/

Concentrate on content. Edit ruthlessly. Strong shots only. Need to make a great first impression.

Presentation matters. Be neat. Be consistent.

I currently use 11x17 Pina Zangaro's but I'll be making the move down to 11x14 on my next print run. You want it big enough to show off your work but not too big that it's obnoxious to viewers and a pain to ship around.

amathiasphoto

Nikon D300

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO IF for Nikon

10/06/2008 04:26:42 PM · #9

11x14''s, with Lost Luggage portfolios. Displays beautifully. Will set you back a couple hundred, but show is everything in this business.

rbryan22

Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro

Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8-4 Compact High Speed Zoom for Nikon

10/08/2008 07:16:29 PM · #10

My physical portfolio consists of samples of the products I offer from my photography. Albums, prints, canvas, etc. My main photographic portfolio is online and I take my laptop to show images to people who don't have internet access. I hope to get a projector soon to have the ability to give clients an idea of how a certain size will look on the wall or even help them come up with a layout of their prints within the space they have. Just offering a size and layout on paper has helped boost sales.

Becky

Frozenforever

Nikon D2H

Nikon AF Nikkor 14mm f2.8D ED

10/10/2008 04:22:35 PM · #11

PROPHOTOLIFE.COM has a good video on this.

10/10/2008 05:07:08 PM · #12

Good stuff. I've been contemplating at least setting up a simple webpage or even blog page to showcase some of my work. I think I will also get a leather portfolio that can showcase 11x14 shots, then show different sizes from wallets, 4x6, 5x7, and 8x10 in a separate folder. Still haven't quite decided on the physical ones yet.

My other question is do most people seem to get prints locally, or at some online source?

Business is just starting to pick up enough for me to seriously consider expanding and handling a larger clientelle.

Thanks for your help guys.

pixelpig

Sony Alpha a55

Sony DT 1.8/50mm SAM

10/10/2008 05:19:13 PM · #13

I use a big 3-ring binder that zips closed & has a carry-handle. On one side I display 8x10 in clear plastic sleeves, including some advertisements listing what I can do & how much I charge. On the other side I have model release forms, business cards, & promotional hand-outs. I use the portfolio display to give new people an idea of the kind of work I do, to give them realistic expectations, & to build their trust & confidence.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

10/10/2008 05:31:00 PM · #14

If anyone has any pictures they could post of their portfolio setups, that would be helpful for me to get a visual concept.

@ pixelpig
I like the 3-ring binder idea because it makes it easy to make changes on the fly. Are you using just a standard 3-ring binder? I guess I am trying to weigh it all out. I appreciate the input.

jblaylockrayner

Nikon D2Xs

10/10/2008 07:00:02 PM · #15

I was thinking just that the other day. Most of my clients are newspapers and magazines - So visiting them all with my portfolio is pretty much impossible - Especially that most are in the UK and Australia. So I was thinking apart from showing a website which is good advertising but still needs the person to want to log on and see it - How could I force them to see my work.... Well i decided on making a small book - A very pro looking one though. Not from Shutterfly etc. The company I am using make books for Barnes and Noble - Here is the link. You have to be a pro photographer to get a password etc but I don't think that is too hard to get.

Asuka Books

This is what I have so far. I am going to get about 50 printed then send them to all the picture desks as a christmas present - Hopefully it will get left on the desk for people to look through and maybe remind them I am in LA!!

This is the front and back cover.

These are the pages so far - Have 6 more to do which I think I will fill with news stories such as Katrina etc.
Would love to know what people think before I print this off.
Thanks for looking
Jeff