Building a portfolio

blackwaterstudio

Guys I need some advice, places to start etc. I'm looking at starting a portfolio for myself. It would be for freelance, call for hire type work. I'm totally new to doing this so any and all help will be great.

Thanks.

P.S. If you need to see the type of photo's I take, check out my gallery here on smugmug.

Shay Stephens

jdsphotography wrote:

Guys I need some advice, places to start etc. I'm looking at starting a portfolio for myself. It would be for freelance, call for hire type work. I'm totally new to doing this so any and all help will be great.

Thanks.

P.S. If you need to see the type of photo's I take, check out my gallery here on smugmug.

Can you elaborate more on what you need and what you want it to do for you? What kind of work are you hoping to generate? Etc. etc. Don't be shy with the details.

bikehiker

Hello JDS, can't help you out much, I'm in your position too. Fairly new to photography also, but thought I'd say hello to you from the other side of the hill, Kingsport, TN. Some nice night shots in your gallery.

ian408

I was recently in your position. I needed 10 photos for a class I wanted to take.
Because it was a class, I wanted samples of the types of things I've done. So I picked
10 shots that are representative of what I normally shoot. I struggled because I
still think I have a long way to go learning wise--right now, I'm just another guy
with a nice camera

Now if I were looking for work shooting weddings, I'd want wedding shots that
demonstrate ability. Be pointless to show up with landscapes and sports if you
want wedding work

I guess the other thing I can suggest is to keep your portfolio filled with fresh
stuff and consider specific selections for the type of work you are seeking at the
time.

Like Shay said, it be helpful to know what you want the portfolio for.

Ian

blackwaterstudio

Well I'm not quite sure what I want it for. I want to get started as a part time hobby and make some money. I would imagin that people want to see the work I do before they would hire me to take pictures? This is new to me so I'm not sure what I should be looking for sorry

GREAPER

See, here's the thing... the "Have camera, will travel" is probably not a good marketing plan.

You have to figure out a place to start. Find a market that you are capable of serving, such as product photography for example. Then work on building a porfolio of quality images that would work well to sell a product.

Then show that portfolio to people that have products they need photos of (ad agency's maybe).

Make yourself the best you can be at that one thing. Get so good at it that there is no question that you will finish the assignment with a quality product that will satisfy you customers. Word of mouth, aggressive marketing and hard work will make it happen.

These people will not hire you because of the great landscapes or macro shots you have taken. They dont care about bugs, they care about selling shampoo.

Find the market you want to work in, and make a portfolio that sells to THAT market.

Some ideas of markets (just to throw some out)....

Children's portraits
Senior Portraits
Journalism
Weddings
Product Photography
Real Estate
Fashion
Sports
Travel

Head in the Clouds

Ok. JDS, are you basically wanting to work out how to sell your existing work and also get contractural work for various other things : weddings, promos etc?

Is that something that smugmug does?

i'm assuming that there are people on this site who trott along to various sporting events (be it community/childrens etc) and take some snaps, hand out a business card with their smugmug address on it to the various parents/crowds etc and then if they like what they see they can download it for a fee?.....

Is it possible to get your foot in the door that way perhaps? and then, along with the various snaps you have that are on offer for selling, also have a link or something to your 'portfolio' which has a variety of shots in it showing how wonderful you are at photography and the huge range that you can do?????? ..... (weddings/portraits/promos/landscapes... etcetc)

I don't have a smugmug account so I actually have no idea what I'm talking about .... just dribbling really......

anyway, seemed like a good idea to me. nice way to make a few bucks from home perhaps?

good luck. sorry to ramble.....

ian408

jdsphotography wrote:

Well I'm not quite sure what I want it for. I want to get started as a part time hobby and make some money. I would imagin that people want to see the work I do before they would hire me to take pictures? This is new to me so I'm not sure what I should be looking for sorry

If you're not sure, my advice is go start making pictures. Try some of Greaper's
suggestions for subject matter. Organize your pictures into galleries using
smugmug. Keep repeating the process. Eventually, you'll have a body of
work you can use for your portfolio.

When you have a body of work to choose from, maybe you can form a better
opinion about what you like to do and go from there?

As I mentioned, it's pointless to try and sell the bride and groom your abilities
with landscapes. It's like showing up to a gunfight with a knife

Good luck!
Ian

blackwaterstudio

Thanks guys for all the help. I'll start shooting some of the events that were pointed out.

Shay Stephens

jdsphotography wrote:

Well I'm not quite sure what I want it for. I want to get started as a part time hobby and make some money. I would imagin that people want to see the work I do before they would hire me to take pictures? This is new to me so I'm not sure what I should be looking for sorry

Well if that is the case, then the important thing to do is to edit your photo selection. If you have no direction as to what you want to shoot, then you must put your best foot forward. Take what pictures you have and select *only the best ones*. Keep doing that until you can't cut anymore. And as your porfolio grows continue to re-evaluate your best work and only show the very best. Even if this winds up being only a handful of images to begin with.

What a portfolio does generically is tells the prospective client that you know how to use the camera and can create the kind of images they are looking for.

You might wonder how some landscape photos will land you other work like weddings, portraits, or product. Well, there are some people out there that will like your work and be able to extrapolate in their own minds eye your ability to meet their needs. Though it does help to give them some idea you have done somthing similar. I landed my first three wedding clients with no wedding photos to show, only the portrait, landscape, and product shots I currently had. But they liked me and my photos and just knew I would do a good job for them.

In that vein, start shooting things you have not done yet, or only done a little of. Well, actually, start shooting a lot, everything you can. Shoot portraits, candids of people, product, anything you can. This will give you an idea of what you are good at, what you are weak at, and give you a more rounded portfolio of images to present to a prospective client.

Remember to show only your best work. Learn to self-critique images and image selection.

Once you start working, after a while you will be able to determine what direction you want to specialize in. Until then, get experience shooting all you possibly can. It is going to be a lot of hard work, but if you want to be a photographer, that is what it takes.

P.S. Start *now* to learn how to use flash photography effectively. Also learn how to shoot in low light situations. This will save your butt someday, trust me ;-)

blackwaterstudio

Thanks, for the advice. Do you know of any websites detailing flash use? I really need to get another flash other then whats on the camera, I was looking at the Sigma Super 500 for my digital rebel.

mercphoto

Beginer flash

jdsphotography wrote:

Thanks, for the advice. Do you know of any websites detailing flash use? I really need to get another flash other then whats on the camera, I was looking at the Sigma Super 500 for my digital rebel.

I've seen some decent flash books. Haven't looked online. When looking over a book, look at the pictures. If you don't like the pictures, don't bother buying and reading the text.

If I were you, go with a Canon Speedlite, but I'm biased against Sigma in general. The 420 is an ok unit for most situations, but the 550 has more controls. Consider a 580 if you plan to upgrade to a 20D, but the price delta is huge. You can always use a 420 as a secondary unit to a 550 or 580 later.

You can learn flash just by playing around, as I have. Start indoors with your house, pets, nicknacks. When close, angle the flash up to bounce it. Try taping some white cardboard to form a bounce shield off it. Experiment with flash direction and you will quickly see what I mean. Play with the flash exposure lock on the Rebel (it helps a lot!). If you have an adjustable flash unit play with different settings on the same shot. When far away just aim the flash straight ahead, no bouncing.

What you are looking for in flash is a natural look. Flesh should not become white, shadows should not become harsh and evident. Sometimes you will want the background exposed as well, and sometimes you will not.

Play and have fun.

blackwaterstudio

Thanks I've read alot of reviews that compare the Siigma super 500 against the Canon 550 and most seem to think the Sigma comes out on top, not only in price wise, but easy to use, etc.

I try to do alot of research on products before I go out and spend my hard earned money on them

PerezDesignGroup

I'm in the same boat as you. I've narrowed my selection down to the Sigma EF 500 DG and the Promaster 7500 DX. I like the fact the Sigma has a bounce and popup 'catchlight' but I like the Promaster's secondary fill flash. Seems like it would help more indoors. Arggh...decisions.

Maksimus

I was wondering,can you help me or direct me where I can find the info how to set the photography portfolio.
I know I can search the internet,I did,not so much help.
I guess I should put my best work there,a few best photographs and that is it or anything else,my CV,my history how I got into photography?.
Please advise me,thank you very much..
P.S.
I am trying to get a big gig from medical clinic.
HR asked me to get them my portfolio b4 they make a decision who will get the job.
The job is to take doctors candid,casual shots for their new web site and the future prints in the clinics to hang on the wall.

Shay Stephens wrote:

Can you elaborate more on what you need and what you want it to do for you? What kind of work are you hoping to generate? Etc. etc. Don't be shy with the details.

Cygnus Studios

Maksimus wrote:

I guess I should put my best work there,a few best photographs and that is it or anything else,my CV,my history how I got into photography?.
Please advise me,thank you very much..
P.S.
I am trying to get a big gig from medical clinic.
HR asked me to get them my portfolio b4 they make a decision who will get the job.
The job is to take doctors candid,casual shots for their new web site and the future prints in the clinics to hang on the wall.

Since you know the direction that makes it easier. Are you going to build an online port or a book port?
Either way, you will want to limit your selection of images to around 20. Your subjects should show a wide range. Young women, men with beards, different hair colors. Different backgrounds.
You can include a short description of your equipment and your history, although this is usually overkill. Have it ready if someone wants it, but keep in mind that your time with the client will be limited and you need to showcase your images.
If using a book port, spend the money for great printing. Your book should be the best quality you can afford.
Remember that most people can have weird ideas of how a pro works. There is always someone who has a brother-in-law that thinks that they know about cameras, so you will at some point find yourself proving that you are better than an idea of someone else.
If using an online port, take your computer to show the client. Do not allow yourself to believe that the clients computer is calibrated correctly. There is nothing worse than looking at your images where the color is off.

Keep your port directed at your client. You know what they want, so that makes life easier. Keep in mind when setting up the shoots the colors of the walls at the client location.
Also stress your points of pro printing, framing, and any other service that you can offer that is in line with their needs. Keep it short and to the point.

PitchedTentPhotos

Hi there! I know this really isn't advice...but for years I have been told to just become a photographer. As you all know, it doesn't happen overnight. I got my new camera back in July...and immediately was hired to do bridal photos and the wedding. I handed out a bunch of business cards at the wedding, and the calls rolled in. I have mostly done portraits, but I have 2 weddings under my belt as well now. To me...my photos are below average, but I have many satisified customers. I have since registered my business, and have everything legal. I work under the title of an "on location photographer." I am willing to take natural posed photos in any location, such as a park....and I also have done many portraits where I set my equipment up in the clients living room! It may not pay the bills, but it's a great hobby to have when you are a stay-at-home mom!

I am working on getting together a portfolio as well. I am ordering a hard cover book, filled with all of my favorite portraits and wedding photos. i did some photos for my mother, of her rudolph figures, but those will not be included in my portfolio, because that's not my type of work. I enjoy the screaming toddlers and witchy brides!:D

Maksimus

Thank you very much,very needed help.
I ordered Photo Art Portfolio Case for my photographs so it should look much better.Wish me luck.

Cygnus Studios wrote:

Since you know the direction that makes it easier. Are you going to build an online port or a book port?
Either way, you will want to limit your selection of images to around 20. Your subjects should show a wide range. Young women, men with beards, different hair colors. Different backgrounds.
You can include a short description of your equipment and your history, although this is usually overkill. Have it ready if someone wants it, but keep in mind that your time with the client will be limited and you need to showcase your images.
If using a book port, spend the money for great printing. Your book should be the best quality you can afford.
Remember that most people can have weird ideas of how a pro works. There is always someone who has a brother-in-law that thinks that they know about cameras, so you will at some point find yourself proving that you are better than an idea of someone else.
If using an online port, take your computer to show the client. Do not allow yourself to believe that the clients computer is calibrated correctly. There is nothing worse than looking at your images where the color is off.

Keep your port directed at your client. You know what they want, so that makes life easier. Keep in mind when setting up the shoots the colors of the walls at the client location.
Also stress your points of pro printing, framing, and any other service that you can offer that is in line with their needs. Keep it short and to the point.

Art Scott

Maksimus wrote:

I was wondering,can you help me or direct me where I can find the info how to set the photography portfolio.
I know I can search the internet,I did,not so much help.
I guess I should put my best work there,a few best photographs and that is it or anything else,my CV,my history how I got into photography?.
Please advise me,thank you very much..
P.S.
I am trying to get a big gig from medical clinic.
HR asked me to get them my portfolio b4 they make a decision who will get the job.
The job is to take doctors candid,casual shots for their new web site and the future prints in the clinics to hang on the wall.

Your description yells journalistic portraiture.....so start with portraits....adult...not kids.....get some under your belt take your time and get say 5 or 6..so shoot 20 or what ever it takes....pic an artist whose portraits you like and try to emulate.....now in your line of work do you have any contact with doctors outside of your hospital..that HR is not wanting you to shoot...if so make an appointment to follow a couple of them around...fib to them tell them your taking a photo course and this type of portrait was an assignment....if they ask what school pick one taht is correspondance......sounds sketchy but you do not want your employer to know taht you are doing any for free work....to build a port you may shoot a few for free but a port still costs you in time and energy and post processing the work.....

A 100 yrs ago I used to just show up at weddings and shoot thru the intimate portriats after the ceremony and then disappear....every once in a while some one would ask who I was...so I introduced myself as a student photographer taking a corresponance course, when asked if I had a card, it was always no....I am just begining to learn how to take pics....got me off the hook with all the local pros...then I quit for a whole winter and started up in spring with flyers and posters and such...self promoting and the work came in.........I saw no other way to get work to build my portfolio...it took me almost 2 yrs to get a decent port.....but it has never stopped being worked on.....

Never show work in the 4x6 or 5x7 sizes....nothing under 8 X 10 ...... and in actuality 11 x 14 would be the smallest I would recommend today......the larger the portfolio in actualy physical dimensional size the bigger the impact...........I used to see photos of models lugging huge leather ports carrying 20 x 30 prints....these things weighed a ton....but it was the visual impact that they were after.....SAME HERE with you....


A portfolio is never done.....it is a constant work in progress....©ArthurScott2008

I like that...

Good luck

Maksimus

Thank you very much again.
I got some photographs of the MD's already ,I did a x-mas card for one clinic,so I would like to use those for my portfolio I think they turned out good.
Have a great New Year 2009.

Art Scott wrote:

Your description yells journalistic portraiture.....so start with portraits....adult...not kids.....get some under your belt take your time and get say 5 or 6..so shoot 20 or what ever it takes....pic an artist whose portraits you like and try to emulate.....now in your line of work do you have any contact with doctors outside of your hospital..that HR is not wanting you to shoot...if so make an appointment to follow a couple of them around...fib to them tell them your taking a photo course and this type of portrait was an assignment....if they ask what school pick one taht is correspondance......sounds sketchy but you do not want your employer to know taht you are doing any for free work....to build a port you may shoot a few for free but a port still costs you in time and energy and post processing the work.....

A 100 yrs ago I used to just show up at weddings and shoot thru the intimate portriats after the ceremony and then disappear....every once in a while some one would ask who I was...so I introduced myself as a student photographer taking a corresponance course, when asked if I had a card, it was always no....I am just begining to learn how to take pics....got me off the hook with all the local pros...then I quit for a whole winter and started up in spring with flyers and posters and such...self promoting and the work came in.........I saw no other way to get work to build my portfolio...it took me almost 2 yrs to get a decent port.....but it has never stopped being worked on.....

Never show work in the 4x6 or 5x7 sizes....nothing under 8 X 10 ...... and in actuality 11 x 14 would be the smallest I would recommend today......the larger the portfolio in actualy physical dimensional size the bigger the impact...........I used to see photos of models lugging huge leather ports carrying 20 x 30 prints....these things weighed a ton....but it was the visual impact that they were after.....SAME HERE with you....


A portfolio is never done.....it is a constant work in progress....©ArthurScott2008

I like that...

Good luck

Maksimus

Welcome everyone to the new 2009 year .
I finally got a new ARTprofolio product for my portfolio :ivar I am also reading my new photography pricing books now.
I have to admit ,it is a LOT to learn how to set up everything at least for me.
P.S.
During the New Year's Party I was able to shoot some photographs of the woman I did not know ,turned out ...fantastic.
Did you guys notice ,to be able to use a picnik software w the Smugmug account,it is very cool.
Have a great time catching what you see in a New Year .