So, as a photographer, having a professional photography portfolio is super important because it’s your opportunity to make a good first impression on potential clients.
They’re unlikely to hire you if your portfolio is buy Phone Number List underwhelming or unconvincing. That’s why you need to create an impressive portfolio that accurately showcases your photography skills.
In this article, we’ll go into detail about the steps you can take to create the perfect portfolio.
How to build an impressive photography portfolio that attracts your ideal clients
1. Define your niche and target audience
While this may sound cliche, it’s an important step because it determines how you approach every other aspect of building your portfolio. The photos you present to future clients as a wedding photographer will be different from those of a product photographer.
For example, New York-based photographer, Cayla Zahoran, specializes in food photography, so she’s arranged her online portfolio to highlight this, with menu items like “on the table” and “sweets and treats.”
Screenshot of a website including a photography portfolio.
Image credit: Cayla Zahoran Photography
Think of it this way: the goal is to choose a specific niche and build a strong photo portfolio in that niche. Even if you choose to offer photography services in different niches, think through how you want to present your work for clients in those different niches. And then you can design your portfolio based on the audience and niche you’re targeting.
2. Work on projects that’ll improve your portfolio
If you’re an experienced photographer, you may already have an impressive body of work to build your portfolio with. But if you’re just starting out in your photography career, you may not have a ready collection of photos. Consider the following ways to build up your portfolio:
Do pro bono work for non-profits or discounted work for small businesses — One of the key things you’d want to include in your portfolio are client testimonials.
A good way to get these is to offer pro bono services to select individuals, families, or organizations who fit your ideal client profile in exchange for detailed reviews. You can also offer discounted services to a few small businesses.
Collaborate with well-known photographers — Working with experienced and well-known photographers on mutually beneficial projects is a good way to get some great shots and, more importantly, build your portfolio. You can attend workshops, meet-ups, and other events where you are likely to meet these photographers.
LinkedIn and other social media sites are also great places to find other creatives and like-minded people who may be willing to work with you on collaborative projects. Be sure to choose creatives who share a similar artistic style or vision and who are fairly well known, so their influence can help build your portfolio. Make a clear offer and be respectful of their time.
Organize/participate in photoshoots — A photoshoot can help you build your portfolio quickly, especially if you are interested in human subjects. Choose a theme for your shoot and find models who are willing to participate.
Take photos of your family/friends — This is always an option if you want to get started really quickly. For example, if you want to build a wedding photography portfolio, you can offer services to friends or family members who are tying the knot.
3. Select your best work
When you’ve worked on a variety of projects, then the next step is to choose photos that best demonstrate your photography skills. This is also why defining your niche and target audience is important because it helps you narrow down your selection.
Here are some tips for choosing your best images:
View your collection as a potential client and select the pieces that are most likely to help you win your desired type of job.
Select work that already has recognition; for example, pieces that have received awards or honorable mentions from reputable organizations.
Identify specific photography skills you want to highlight and choose images that demonstrate those skill sets.
If you already have an existing digital portfolio, choose pieces that are popular with your audience — this could be your most viewed photos on Instagram or those with the highest likes/comments.
4. Choose your portfolio format(s)
Your portfolio can be in print (which is the traditional format), digital format, or both. Printed portfolios are best for sharing in person. This is also important if you intend to show how your photos look on different paper types.
A printed portfolio also works great if you have a physical studio (or are planning to have one) where clients walk in for appointments and shooting.
