How to Design a Photography Portfolio for Jobs

Photographers should showcase their photography style in their portfolios.

Portfolios are often the last item a person sees prior to deciding whether to contact or hire you for a photography job. Well-designed portfolios lead to more job opportunities for photographers, while weak ones prevent you from getting hired. All outstanding portfolios have the same fundamental qualities, techniques and principles. Your portfolio should be appropriate for the reviewer and situation. Successful portfolios showcase your skills, creativity, range, thought and ambition, as well as that special artistic flair that makes you stand out above all others.

Instructions

1. Create a portfolio appropriate for the situation. Different scenarios call for different types of subjects, so prepare accordingly. For example, do not show wedding photography for a nature photography job, unless wedding photography is all you have to show and you can relate elements of your wedding photography work to the job for which you are applying. The type of presentation being prepared should also be considered. For example, different portfolio presentations include a leave-behind book, an online portfolio, a one-on-one interview and review of your work, or a cold call.

2. Each page of the portfolio should demonstrate your ability to quickly and effectively communicate complex ideas in a professional manner. Portfolios may be full of beautiful photos; however, this only meets minimum requirements for most professional photographer positions. A dramatic use of focus, colors (or lack of color) and scale will make your photographs stand out. Showcase your level of skill with various post-production and editing tools.

3. Display a range of types of projects and subjects. This will show the employer that you are able to work in different situations. For example, show photos of both animate and inanimate objects to demonstrate your ability to work with different subjects. Use examples that display familiarity with a variety of media and technologies, such as photos with post-production effects added to enhance the originals. Show both the originals and edited photos. Also, display a range of your abilities, including composition, colors, depth, basic engineering and finished products. For example, include black and white photos, close-ups, landscape shots and photos with vibrant colors to display a wide range of elements in your photography.

4. Display the ability to manage projects from start to finish. A portfolio combined with a written resume should illustrate these traits. Display self-driven projects and measurable contributions you conceived and implemented. Also, convey your ability to work with limited supervision and guidance. For example, if you are a photojournalist, show a series of photos that tell a story about a news topic or other subject. In your resume, include the instructions you were provided for the project, how you interpreted the assignment and what steps you took to accomplish the successful photo series.

5. Showcase that special quality that sets you apart from other photographers. To stand out among the competition, the work needs to "wow" your audience. Photographs in the portfolio should show insight that indicates the many levels of your work. The work should be both simple and of high quality for your uncommon talent to stand for itself. Use the photo that generates the most reaction or emotion when you show it to people to demonstrate your ability to capture something original and captivating.

References

• Coroflot: Design Portfolio Tips
• Quint Careers; Your Job Skills Portfolio: Giving You an Edge in the Marketplace; Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.
• Get to Work: Introduction to Portfolios