Portfolio Reviews

We have better odds that clients will remember our work if we don’t speak as they flip through your portfolio pages.

I noticed early on in my career that when clients are looking at portfolios, it’s important for me not to speak too much. I found that talking while they were viewing the work could be distracting. The whole point of showing portfolios is to let the images speak for themselves, allowing clients to absorb and focus on them. It’s much harder to remember an image visually when you’re being spoken to and have to respond—it’s a lot of multitasking. So, be conscious of this when showing your portfolio: stay quiet and let the images do the work.

Q:

I often hear portfolio viewings are so crucial, yet I’ve never seen any locally or within driving distance. Should I consider traveling to a larger area such as NYC to have this done?

A:

Yes, a one on one or group showing with your portfolio is extremely valuable. I’d highly recommend these for a photographer at any level of their career. Bring them some chocolate!

Q:

(Agency Access): Do you still need a print book?

A:

(Agency Access): The answer is YES,

When a client is seriously considering you for a job, they want to see your book. When your rep goes to visit a client, they need a book. When you go to portfolio reviews, you need a book. Some folks have moved on to iPads which is a good move if you do video. Clients still love to see your images in print and there are never technical difficulties with a print book. Make at least one big, beautiful, no plastic sleeve, full bleed, to die for book. It won’t disappoint. 

Guest Post: Agency Access

The Photographer’s Survival Guide to Marketing