How would you advise a photographer about how to get more work?
Focus specifically on the client/industry with which you most want to be working and shape your portfolio around that market. Start with one area and master it. Then you can expand and grow…
I’m finalizing my portfolio and wondering if I should have separate books for different categories, or one larger book with more variety? I mainly shoot portraits and fitness. There are many through lines to my work but also some vast differences.
Ah, the million dollar question. The answer can change depending on what is timely, so keep that in mind. I know photographers who present their work on printed 8x10s inside a beautifully made box, as a way to stand out. The client can always see your website or social media feeds to get a fuller picture of your work. Create a package that feels like you and understand that the presentation might change in a year or two to reflect current trends. Keep it fresh and the bottom line is you want the client to see your style but at the same time, have your images speak louder than the actual portfolio.
Should you create two instagram profiles? One for portraits and the other for products? Or combine both into one profile?
If you have two separate businesses and websites this would make sense. But assuming you don’t, the best way to sell yourself is to have one strong cohesive style that is evident in everything you shoot. Two separate profiles will lower the quality of your work and create the appearance of two separate brands.
Should I try to get a rep so I can start bidding on bigger jobs, or do I need the bigger jobs before I find a rep?
Typically, you need to be bidding on jobs and have existing relationships in order for a rep to do their job. A rep can use their own relationships to get your work in front of new eyes, but your portfolio is where your career lives and dies. If you’re not bidding on jobs yet, that means your portfolio isn’t ready. Work on your portfolio.
I’m currently using the Photofolio app when showing my portfolio from an iPad, however, it doesn’t work with gifs. What portfolio app do you recommend?
I bring printed portfolios when I show a photographer’s work. A lot of photographers do use iPads because they also show video. I would suggest reaching out to some photographers directly for their recommendations. You can do that on the AskSternRep Facebook Group. It’s a nice way to get into discussions with other photographers, and I pop in every now and then.
I would like advice about laying out my portfolio. Do you have a preference on layouts? Would an art director have a different preference than a rep? One photo per page or multiple photos on each page?
Printed portfolios can allow the viewer a much needed break from screens. I prefer one image per page, as it allows the image to sink in without distraction and also projects confidence. Exceptions to this could be if you’re using a designer and they are creating a specific look with multiple images per page. But I usually lean towards less is more.
Do I need to consider where a brand/agency is located before pitching them? If they’re in another state I might not be able to meet in person and I’m concerned I could lose a job over it.
Communication tends to be done electronically, via online portfolio review, conference calls, video chats, etc, rarely in person. If you think the budget won’t allow for travel, you can always offer to work as a “local” once you get to the budgeting stage. Focus on the jobs you really want… that your body of work supports.
How do you figure out your style? I am working towards making my work cohesive and really struggling with this…
The answer to this question can make or break your career. Familiarize yourself with photographers doing the kind of work you want to be doing, and doing it on a high level. Study them. Understand the difference between a cohesive portfolio, with a clear through line and those who have many different styles. Identify your own visual instincts and apply them every time you shoot. Learn to become objective so you can be the best judge of your own work.
Do clients want to see printed portfolios when you meet in person? Most of the work we do now is used in the digital space, so would an iPad presentation be more effective?
Today’s world is indeed an all digital space and that is why a printed book can stand out even more. It’s old school for sure, but it can demonstrate your style and allows people the luxury of taking in each photograph. It can also provoke more conversation than simply clicking through a series of images. I highly recommend printed portfolios right now.
As important as marketing is for all of us, it does not come close to the importance of having a superb portfolio.
Portfolio,
Portfolio,
Portfolio…
Marketing has many components, but the most important one is your portfolio. It can make or break whether you get the job. While treatments, creative calls, and everything else we do are important, they are supplemental to your portfolio. As I’ve said before, your portfolio is crucial.
I used to represent, and still handle, one of the most famous pet photographers in the world—Sharon Montrose. She hasn’t marketed herself in at least five years, yet I still receive calls for her. This demonstrates that while marketing is important, it’s your portfolio that truly makes a difference.
