Everything about creating a portfolio for the photographer

Most people when choosing a photographer for a special occasion (for example, for a wedding or anniversary) are guided by his portfolio. That is why every professional knows how important it is to compose it correctly. Today in our article we will talk about what a photographer needs a portfolio for and what its types exist.

Portfolio is a collection of works by the author. With it, a person must understand the style of the photographer and determine how much he corresponds to his own vision. Thus, the portfolio solves several serious problems at once: it creates a visual series of works, and also attracts the attention of viewers. Each photographer should have a collection of work.

Currently, there is a wide variety of portfolio types. It consists of both universal photographers and those masters who specialize in only one area, for example, reportage or wedding photographs. Collection of photographs should be even among narrowly focused specialists who take candid photos.

In general, today there are 2 main types of portfolio: digital and printed. They differ depending on whether the document exists only in electronic form or whether there is a paper copy of it. The main advantage of a digital portfolio is the lack of geographical restrictions, so a person can view your work from anywhere in the world.

Let's take a closer look at the subspecies of digital and printed portfolios.

Portfolio site or business card site in its essence is no different from any other website. Wherein The main content is the work of the photographer. The main advantage of your own site is the possibility of maximum individualization. Thus, the viewer can immediately understand your individual style.

Any photographer can quickly and easily create his own digital portfolio on the site of any social network (e.g. on Instagram). Wherein the process will not require any financial costs from you, and you can get a lot of fans.

You can present your copyright works in electronic form in a slide show format. To create such a portfolio, you do not have to spend material resources, while in the end, viewers will be able to enjoy pictures of a sufficiently high quality. At the same time, today the format of the slide show is considered somewhat outdated and may scare away a young audience.

Printed photos give a special sense of tactilitywhich cannot be achieved with the help of an electronic portfolio. Representatives of the older generation who are not used to working with gadgets and devices will prefer this kind of collection of authors. If you wish, photos can be put together in a photo book, which will greatly simplify the process of viewing them by your users. At the same time, it is worth keeping in mind that such a portfolio format is expensive (especially if you plan to update it frequently).

Thanks to such a wide variety of possible varieties of the portfolio, each photographer will be able to choose the best option that will meet all his individual wishes. Many professionals create both digital and print portfolios at the same time. Thus, they satisfy the needs of a wider range of customers. At the same time, the printed version may consist of traditional photographs, which are always relevant and interesting, and original ideas and unusual ideas can be included in the digital portfolio.

A professional photographer without any difficulties will be able to make a portfolio yourself. First of all, in order to create a collection of photographs, you need to work out samples and examples of work, as well as decide on your own style.

Experts advise you to follow a few simple rules.

• Use only quality photos. Every photographer was once a beginner. He participated in his first shootings and worked with the first customers. However, photographs that you took during your training and becoming a specialist are not recommended for inclusion in a professional portfolio. On the contrary, you should use only the highest quality and most interesting photographs, those works that you are proud of.

• Diversity. Today, in the professional community of photographers, you can find a variety of specialists: those who specialize in creating photographs of the same type (for example, wedding or portrait photographers), as well as universal specialists who are ready to do any job. One way or another, but your portfolio should be as diverse as possible.

Try to use the most diverse and unusual photos, in this way you will make it clear to the customer that you are not afraid to experiment and will be ready to listen to his suggestions.

• Originality. To create a portfolio It is recommended to use not only traditional pictures, but also photos with original, bright and unique ideas. For example, it can be costumed photo shoots, pictures with exotic animals or photographs in unusual places. Show a potential customer that you have a twist, that you are different from other photographers.

• Do not use the copyright logo. The photographer’s logo on his work is the first sign of a beginner. Despite the fact that by refusing to impose copyright symbols on your picture, you risk that the work will be stolen and used without your knowledge and permission (first of all, digital photos), this choice makes it clear to the viewer and potential customer that you not vain, you enjoy the process and strive to get the best result, and do not pursue fame.

• Photos without photoshop. Photoshop and other photo editors are the best helpers of any professional photographer. However, your portfolio must have several pictures that are taken and printed without additional intervention, without corrections and amendments. It is these works that will best allow the client to assess the level of your professionalism.

Thus, creating a portfolio is a long and complex process that will require a lot of your efforts. That is why to collect your best work together only after a while. Beginners in the field of photography first need to develop their skills and decide on their own style, which will distinguish them from other photographers.

Currently, on the Internet, there are a large number of portfolios of professional photographers. You can find work for both beginners and advanced professionals. In order to prevent mistakes from your predecessors when compiling your own collection of photographs, should be guided by the tips below.

• Learn from the best. Constantly inspired by the work of the best photographers: visit their exhibitions and galleries, study photos on the Internet. At the same time, you do not need to copy world-recognized geniuses, but you can strive for the level of their skill, you can take an example from them.

• Look for your style. Photography is a real art, and each individual author can rightfully call himself an artist. To date, in this creative field there are practically no any rules. That is why every person is free to create what his heart commands him.

If you finally decided to connect your fate with a career as a photographer, then you need to find your own style, your own individual style. This will set you apart from thousands of other artists.

• Keep your portfolio updated regularly. A portfolio is a document that should correspond to your current state, it should reflect your experience, your skills and your attitude. That is why a portfolio cannot be made up once and for a lifetime. The collection of copyright photographs should be constantly updated (at least 1 time per year).

Thus, the viewer will be able to observe your progress and growth, your state of mind and mood, the evolution of your style. If your portfolio contains only old photographs, then you create the viewer an untrue impression of yourself as an artist.

• Do not be afraid of criticism. Every photographer is criticized. The thing is that art is exclusively subjective.In the world there is not a single artist, not a single artist, not a single musician and not a single photographer that everyone would like without exception. However, many beginners, trying to please as many people as possible, take mediocre and standard photographs, afraid to show their uniqueness, their personal vision, which makes them interesting photographers.

• Improve yourself. Each of your subsequent photos should be better than the previous one, and the updated portfolio should be many times greater than the outdated one. Thus, you and your viewers will be able to almost in real time observe the process of your professional development.

Portfolio compilation is an important and responsible task for any photographer. This collection of photographs, in fact, reflects the inner world of the author. On potential customers are guided by the portfolio, which means that the preparation of this document must be approached with all seriousness and thoroughness.

You can find out below about what a photographer’s portfolio should look like.