How to Create a Photo Portfolio
Creating striking and innovative images for an artistic or advertising portfolio takes years of study and practice; the process should not be underestimated or taken lightly. Once a collection of photographs is assembled, it will need to be arranged and displayed in a manner that will suit client needs. Prospective clients might include a photo gallery, art museum or advertising agency.
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Instructions
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Select a series of images that you feel will meet the needs of your prospective client. Be choosy, as a half-dozen intriguing photographs will be more effective than a dozen mediocre images. Remember that at this point, visual content is the most important concern.
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Make the best possible print of each picture. The end product of this step varies with the nature of the client and type of photographic medium. For example, a portfolio of black and white photographs intended for an art museum will have to be prepared differently from color pictures made from a large-format camera that will eventually be shown to an advertising director.
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Choose a method of presentation that is appropriate for both the images and client. One of the most common ways of presenting fine art photographs is inside a mat window that is specially cut and fitted to each picture. At other times a dry-mounted picture might work, or even a simple photograph without any special means of presentation may be best suited to your client.
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Include any written material, labels or image descriptions with the photos inside the portfolio. This is especially important if there is a chance that your work may have to be left with the client in lieu of a personal presentation.
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Purchase or buy a suitable carrying case for the portfolio. In some cases the type of container that the images are placed in may affect the overall presentation of the photographs. Also be aware that the carrier is often referred to as a portfolio case or sometimes just a portfolio.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't forget to include your resume and other other written material that is required.
Many museums and art galleries require archival processing of the photographic print.
Archival ink and paper is available for digital prints.
Tell a story with your presentation.
Be aware of any legal issues that might surround the images of individual people or private property. In some situations a model release form may be necessary.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit photographer"s photographer image by Lee O"Dell from Fotolia.com
