011 - Building a Stronger Portfolio

A portfolio is a necessity for any working photographer, but it can be challenging to build one well. This week we are talking about ways to build a strong portfolio to represent your work.  This is a sneak peek into you as a photographer, your abilities, and your style. Let all that shine through!Decide on your Goals for the PortfolioYou need to understand why you are building this portfolio. Who is it intended for?Decide which photography genres you are reaching out to with your portfolio. Are you looking for portrait work? Adventure work? Working with brands?Build separate portfolios for each genre.This will mean understanding your target audience for your portfolio. Select your Best ImagesThis can and should be a challenging processChose images that have an impactYou will need to be very critical and think carefully about why you include each image There will be images that have a lot of meaning to you because of the story behind them or the purpose in your life but aren’t compositionally or technically good photos. They will need to go.Ensure you have a diversity of imagesDecide on the Design of your PortfolioThe way you choose to show off your portfolio matters. And the way you choose to do that depends on your target clients.There are many ways to show off your work both in print and digitalPrint8x10 prints in a portfolio binderA portfolio bookSmaller prints in a specially designed boxLarger prints that take over a meetingOnlineYou can build different galleries that prospective clients can look at and click-throughBuild whole slideshows that take them through at your paceConsider the order of your imagesYou want to think about the story your portfolio tells. Don’t just toss the photos in random order. The order matters, so put a lot of time into how people will see the imagesProduce high-quality offeringsDon’t skimp out on the printing quality of your portfolio. Your portfolio shows your very best work, present your photographs in all their glory!This also shows your dedication to having a high-quality product beginning to end. It’s not just about showing you can take good photos. It’s also about showing you know how to finish a project wellGet a second opinionFind a photographer you trust to look over your portfolio and talk with you about the images in itNeed someone willing to be critical and honest about your workTry and find a photographer who works in the field you are reaching out toThe Travel & Adventure Photography School offers an online portfolio review to help you get the best out of your portfolioA 30-minute online portfolio review session with RobertRobert will pre-review your portfolio, written statement and any links you includeThis means no wasted time reviewing images on the call. We can focus on helping you improve your photography!Join us bi-weekly as we explore the world through the lens, uncovering hidden gems, and sharing insider tips to elevate your photography game. From capturing breathtaking landscapes to immersive cultural portraits, each episode is packed with practical hacks, creative ideas, and inspiring stories to fuel your wanderlust and unleash your creative potential. Subscribe now and join our global community of adventure seekers and photography enthusiasts on the Travel and Adventure Photography School! Find all the show notes and connect with Robert:Website: robertmasseyphotography.caInstagram: @robertmasseyphotography