What do I need for a photography portfolio?

Question

I want to make one and I'm wondering what kind of shots do I need?

Answer 1

What is the purpose of your portfolio? Who are you going to show it to? These questions need to be answered before anyone can answer your question.

If you intend to promote your photography, see if you can find a copy of the book, Taking the Leap:Building a Career as a Visual Artist by Cay Lang.

http://www.amazon.com/Taking-Leap-Buildi...

Answer 2

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.

Portfolio 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 places and companies want less than 20.

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. Meaning photo size and number of photographs.

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

Also, 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

Hope that helps,

Dana

Answer 3

assuming you are a model....

start with a few headshots and a few full body shots

go for simple bright colors and avoid small or busy patterns.

more than one wardrobe choice. casual, dressy, trendy.

more than one location as only studio shots can get boring.

a swimsuit or lingere photo that highlights your figure is always nice.

lots of photogs will be willing to help but realize that there are a lot of scammers out there so be careful and choose your photog wisely. ask for recommendations from your local photo club or bbb.

Answer 4

It depends on what you like to shot, what take part of photography, f.e. if you would like taking wedding shots, thats probably must be with wedding. You can try to look at other photographers portfolio: http://www.bokrin.com/view?c=Services&s=...

so it might help you to find best way.

Answer 5

Assuming you're a photographer:

You want to include 15-20 of your best shots: your most technically proficient images (well-exposed/lit, etc), diversity of images (of composition, lighting, low light, technique, etc).  Any more than 15-25 is a little too lengthy.

But the most important thing to consider when putting together your portfolio is to whom you're going to show it.  Tailor your shots to the client/publication that you're trying to impress.  For example, if you're catering to a food magazine, then you could probably focus on tabletop photography (and leave out any sports shots).  You can have several different portfolios for several different niches.  Good luck!