Creating a Photography Portfolio?

Question

First, I have a question about how to go about Copyrighting a photo. Do I just add the © at the botton of my photo myself with the date and name, or do I have to send my pics to get copyrighted somewhere?

Also, how do I create a porfolio? Are there special binders or books for this?

Answer 1

Copyright is assumed at the time of creation. If you're that worried, you can print it on the hard copy. I embed it in the file info (thanks to Ken Rockwell for that little hack). As far as the portfolio itself, I just use a simple 8" x 10" binder with clear sleeves. Hobby and arts & crafts store have 'em.

Answer 2

http://www.copyright.gov/

You put you strongest work in a portfolio to show potential clients and buyers.  You may need more than one portfolio. For example- you are meeting with a bride as as potential client, then you show your portfolio of wedding photos.  If you trying to book a client to take photos of their pet then you show your best pet shots.  I use a basic black binder that holds 50 8 x 10's.  I got it a t camera shop for $7.00.  

Answer 3

Copyright:

The minute you take the picture, the copyright belongs to you. To ensure people know it is copyrighted you can put the little C on the image. You can, if you want to, register your photos at Copyright.gov - This isn't always necessary.

Portfolio:

I highly recommend the book "Photo portfolio success," by John Kaplan. It can definitely answer all your questions and more. I've read the book three times now it's so informative. The book will tell you everything you need to know about choosing your photographs, basic placements of the photographs, etc. Pretty much anything presentation related.

Here's some tips in case you don't purchase the book:

1.Choose only your absolute best photographs.

2.Categorize them according to subject.

3.Your portfolio should only be one subject. Example: Nature. Then take a variety of photographs consisting of nature.

Example: You're into portraits. It is your strongest point. Take all of your portrait pictures and choose the best. Then, categorize them according to the type of portrait they are. Take a few photographs from each category and put them into your binder. A portfolio should be minimum of 10 photographs. Most people and companies want less than 20. Also, let's say one one page you want two pictures. Make sure both pictures are the same size. I.E. 4x6. You can use different sizes, but it is recommended that you are consistent with your sizing.

You can buy a Portfolio Binder at any arts store. They range from $10-200+. (Before purchasing the binder though, you need to decide what is going into it - Size of photographs, type...).

Also, if you do not know which pictures to choose -- only the best ones, remember -- ask for people's opinions and go from there.

For inspiration I would highly recommend getting a Flickr account if you don't have one. I find new things everyday on there!

Here's my account to give you a feel of what it is about:

www.flickr.com/ShortyDB43

(Extra) - In case you are new to photography and your images are good

Sell your photos:

Internet:

Deviantart.com - Free

iStockphoto.com

Ebay.com - Close To Free

Shutterstock.com

Alamy.com

SmugSmug.com

Imagekind.com - Free

Redbubble.com - Free

^^http://www.redbubble.com/people/PicsAndC... - My Site on Redbubble

To sell online you need to market yourself.

1. Link to your site(s) that you are selling on whenever it is possible.

2. Make some business cards - tutorials available online - and put the site you use for selling on the card. Pass these cards out whenever possible. Ask local stores if you can put some cards there, or better yet, if you can display a framed picture or two on their walls

3. Give the cards you made to friends and family and make sure they pass them out, as well.

Ex Card:

(One of you best pictures as background)

1.Name

2.Number

3.What type of photographer you are - short and to the point. I.E. Nature photographer

4.Your website that you sell on

--You can also put your E-Mail instead of the website or with the website

Also, you can sell images to friends and family. Another thing I've seen some artists do to sell their work is to go to a local flee market.

Check out local cafe's and restaurants. Many are willing to put an image or two up. They may not pay you to hang your picture, but you can put your card in the corner of the frame, and this will also expose your name to people. If they like it enough, they will go to your site.

Dana