Fri, May 21, 2010
Today I had a
phone consult with a new photographer, we talked about everything from aperture to the Zone System. Okay not really, but you get the point. As we talked, planned and worked out some strategies for her new business one of the topics she wanted help on was portfolio building and how to go about doing it. Thanks to her, I finally had some inspiration on what to talk about here this week. I have a few ideas to share with you and hope that you will share a few of your own in the comments as well. I’m going to break up my ideas into 2 separate categories; starting a portfolio and creating the portfolio you really want.
Starting the Portfolio:
If you are brand new and just starting, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to build a strong web presence that will move potential clients toward taking that first step and contacting you. What could play a larger part in that then the images that you’re showing them? It can feel overwhelming to look at well established photographers work who display 30 different images in each of their portfolios and you’re thinking, that means I need at least 30 different sessions. You don’t have to do it how they have, realistically you can’t (yet) so what’s the alternative?
Why not build each portfolio around one model. Creating your ideal session with the sole intent to walk away with 10 – 15 great images for your portfolio that tell a story and give variety. If you want to photograph children and families, find 3 to 5 adorable children who belong to adorable families and build your portfolio off of them. If you want to photograph seniors, find 3-5 seniors. Ifit’s wedding and engagement, find 3 (mock if you have to) engagement sessions and create 2 simple mock weddings to photograph. I suggest making sure you find variety in ethnicity and age (when it comes to kids) to give your viewers a greater opportunity to connect with your images. The beauty of this is that when potential clients come to your site they will assume that you are featuring some of your current favorite families. This is a fantastic alternative to a portfolio filled with multiple images from the same handful of sessions, which only results in a perception that you’re not well established.
Key to Success: The key to making this truly work is in realizing that this shoot is for you, not them. You are shooting at the locations that you think are most interesting, you are asking them to wear or providing clothing that will reflect the image you are working to create and you are setting up the shots for how you feel your work will best be displayed in your portfolio. In order to have this kind of control these sessions cannot be charged, and as a thank you, offer an 8×10 or their favorite image as a digital file and the rest at a discounted price. And make sure you have a model release!
Creating the Portfolio You Really Want…
Or in other words, Building a Portfolio around your Passion: If you’ve been at this for a while, you may have an established portfolio… but is it a ‘good’ one? Quantity never was quality. If you have a portfolio with 20 images but only 10 of them are great, it’s time to shed some excess weight because those 10 not-so-great images are dragging your 10 greats down. So first thing is first, you gotta put your tough skin on and go through (with someone, preferably a photographer you admire that will be honest with you) and take a hard look at your portfolio and cut any that are not a representation of your very best work. Once that’s done you may be looking to add to it. Here are some typical rules to follow:
Never include images from the same session more then once in a portfolio (unless you’re doing what I mentioned above).
Update your portfolio at least twice a year for fresher up-to-date content.
It’s better to have 7 great images as apposed to 20 mediocre!
Create concept shoots that are solely for your creativity and the opportunity for new portfolio images.
And that last bullet brings me to my final thought for the day… Creating the portfolio that attracts the clients you want! If you don’t want to shoot toddlers, don’t show any toddlers. If you love bright, vibrant imagery you shouldn’t be showing a vintage processed image of a girl pushing an antique baby buggy.
You attract what you show so make sure you’re showing what you’re attracted to!I’m having a lot of fun with this last idea lately! I’ve been buying props and scouting locations solely for the idea of fun concept shoots! In fact yesterday while at children’s play place for my daughter’s birthday, I saw a stunning and unique little girl and I knew I just had to photograph her so I walked up to her mom and started a conversation. The great anticipation to this is that I’m going to be shooting this session all for me and am planning creatively as such, it’s a refreshing and happy way to shoot!
