eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Make a Photography Portfolio

Contributor
By Donna Thacker
eHow Contributing Writer
(3 Ratings)

The first thing anyone who is trying to break into the photography business needs is a nice portfolio of sample photographs to show. A photographer's portfolio is much like a visual business card. While being necessary to your career, a portfolio is also easy to put together.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Portfolio case
  • Sample photographs
  1. Step 1

    Purchase the very best portfolio case you can afford. You will be presenting this case to many potential clients, so it needs to look professional. Check local camera stores or online outlets for the best prices. Portfolios range from $20 to several hundred dollars.

  2. Step 2

    Choose a portfolio case that allows you to continue adding photographs as your business grows. If you cannot afford to buy, or can't find, a professional portfolio case, purchase a very nice leather-bound photo album instead. Make sure the sleeve inserts are high quality and acid-free.

  3. Step 3

    Sort through the photographs you already have. Choose your very best work. Have them enlarged to an 8 by 10 size by a professional, or enlarge them on your computer if you have high-quality software and printers to work with. If you print them yourself, use high-quality satin photo paper.

  4. Step 4

    Offer to do some free portrait sittings if you need to expand your portfolio. People who are pursuing a modeling career will be glad to work with you. Both of you get some practice work and get to keep photographs to further your career. Mothers of small children will also be happy to have them sit in exchange for a free portrait.

  5. Step 5

    Arrange your photographs in the portfolio in a way that shows all of your talents. Don't group them into categories. Arrange them randomly into landscape, portrait, candids, weddings or whatever else you prefer. The key is to keep a prospective client interested enough to keep looking.

Tips & Warnings
  • Have duplicates in your portfolio that you can leave with a client, if they request it. Never leave your entire portfolio.

Comments  

LissaK said

Flag This Comment

on 11/9/2009 Thanks a lot this was helpful, I was also wondering what other kind of things I should include in my portfolio. Should I have some contact or background information? :)

Post a Comment

Post a Comment
  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This

Related Ads

Get Free Arts & Entertainment Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

Demand Media
eHow_eHow Arts and Entertainment