8 Tips for a Great Photography Portfolio

Creating a portfolio of one’s own work can be a daunting task, but it’s an essential part of presenting oneself as a photographer. A top notch book is one of the best ways communicate one’s ability and vision, especially when it can be viewed online and around the world.

Here are eight ways to make yourself look good.

1. Keep it short and sweet

   With a portfolio, quantity counts for nothing. If the viewer wants to see more, they’ll look for it. And if they can’t find it, they’ll ask. Both of these consequences are good. I usually aim to include 12-20 images in a photography portfolio.

2. Show quality

   Following up to the first tip, only the best images should go into the portfolio. Consistency and distinction in your images should be a key takeaway. Showing anything but the best is often a waste of time; when you have someone’s attention, make every image count.

3. Show range
   And aside from quality, each image should speak to some aspect of your vision and ability. In choosing images, ask, “What does this image say about me as a photographer?” If multiple images are competing for the same message, consider paring down for the sake of efficiency.

   Expressing range, however, should not be confused with a lack of focus. Every image should work toward a singular goal of expressing your eye and capabilities as a photographer.

4. Start strong

   Start out with a bang. You want to put your second to best shot up front to catch the viewer’s attention. Why the second best? Keep reading.

5. End strong

   With your last image, you want to reinforce everything that has come before and end with the impression of excellence. This position is where your standout image goes, since it’s the last image in the set that they will see.

   With the last piece, your goal is to leave a mark. The viewer made it to the end, so go for the knock out punch.

6. Put the rest in the middle

   There is no filler in a portfolio, but everything that isn’t your absolute best should go in the middle. After the lead off image, gradually decrease in image impact until you get to the middle of the series, and then ramp back up for the strong finish.

   In other words, the highest impact images should be book ends to the images that establish the tone of your work.

7. Don’t put it to popular vote

   Bless your friends and family, but portfolios should not be decided by committee; what is popular is not always what makes your eye or execution unique.

   If need be, I’d suggest paring down a selection of your best images as well as you can and then enlist the fresh eye of someone whose taste you trust to make the final selection.

8. Keep it fresh

   Just like seafood, it’s better fresh. Once you’ve established your book, keep it as up to date as possible. Aside from assembling it in the first place, this task is one of the biggest challenges of a great portfolio.

   As you develop as a photographer and add different elements to your style (or polish it), don’t neglect to reflect that growth in the portfolio.

End Notes:

As a condensed representation of a photographer’s vision, the portfolio is a highly valuable tool for introducing oneself to an audience, especially with the ease of sending someone a link.

Whether it’s used as a sales piece to land clients, an informative statement about one’s work and capabilities, or simply a way to succinctly share with friends and family, a portfolio is a great tool for making an effective and lasting impression. If someone is taking the time to look at your work, make it count.

If you want to see if I followed the above eight tips, head over to my portfolio.