Portfolio

Q:

Is it a good idea to email my portfolio as a PDF attachment?

A:

Would YOU open a PDF from a stranger? Hopefully not.

A handy rule for promos and portfolios is to never put the date on them. It makes them unusable pretty quickly.

I like how I mentioned a ‘handy rule’ because so much of what we do needs to be utilized for a while, and you don’t always know the time limit. When it comes to your branding and marketing materials, it’s better not to include a date. In fact, avoid including any unnecessary information. If it’s optional, leave it out—don’t limit yourself.

Always have an overview with a grid of your smaller images on your website. Always. No one has time to click on every section to see your online portfolio. 

There’s so many things that are right and wrong about websites and one thing we know for sure, they have to be fast. That overview must be there because people don’t have time to click on all the different topics. They just want to quickly see who you are and if you’re right for the job. The overview also makes you look more professional. If someone has to click, and click and click on your website, they’re not going to do it. People will want to scroll the overview

“It’s so funny how almost every lifestyle portfolio these days includes some girls wearing cutoff jean shorts and running down an empty road with an American flag, someone on a motorcycle, a group of friends with sparklers, people on rocks jumping into a swimming hole, a couple in the backseat of a vintage car, etc. The cliches abound and I think stuff like that just makes everyone’s books look so dated. It’s bad lifestyle photography that doesn’t feel natural. 

I think most people get tired of looking at books that all feel the same so you need to see some freshness in their approach, whether it’s through casting, locations, props, graphic compositions, more controlled moments and less ‘run free wild lifestyle’…”

Guest Post: Anonymous Art Producer

Q:

Should a photographer edit and cull their Instagram page to make it look like a professional portfolio? If my Insta has some commercial work, behind-the-scenes shots, but also smartphone shots of my puppy, is that a huge turn-off?

A:

Instagram needs to be your 2nd portfolio. Just as your website has your ABOUT section, which brings a bit of personal info to it – same goes for Instagram. I’d suggest for instagram; 80% portfolio and 20% personal. 

ALTHOUGH, the personal should really still be images that are interesting to your clients. THey love seeing locations you are working in and learning/knowing any interesting info about you. They want to know who you are and what your hobbies are. They don’t really need to know what your pets look like.

Q:

Having a hard time with a long term direction! If I feel I am effective in multiple areas, is it worth promoting myself in those multiple areas, or should I just pick ONE?

A:

In my opinion, being an A-level photographer is based on your style, your look, your vibe. This solid branded look can work across different industries and clients. Even if you are getting work across a variety of fields, the key is to make sure your style is consistent throughout. When your portfolio looks like you could be different photographers, this dilutes your branding and may only work if you want to get jobs in a smaller city.

Q:

How can I become represented? It’s always been a dream to stand out and have reps on my side.

A:

Get your book as strong as you can, find your specialty and build a cohesive portfolio. Find the reps that work in your industry and approach them with a personal and quick email. The quality of your work will speak for itself and doors will open. Just get your work out there once it’s ready!

Shoot tests & evaluate your portfolio constantly. A strong book is what gets your foot in the door. Images speak for themselves.

Q:

How does a photographer transition from working with small, often-client direct companies to working with bigger clients and ad agencies?

A:

The biggest difference between getting Client Direct and Ad Agency work is a photographer’s portfolio. Client direct companies will be more understanding of a wide variety of images. Ad agencies have so many photographers to choose from that they will choose the one who specializes in that one specific topic that they are looking for. The smaller, in-house companies will often use one photographer for all of their photo needs. If Ad Agencies are your goal, identify your specialty and commit to excellence in that category.

Q:

How do you work with a client with little to no budget? Do you work with them at all?

A:

Budget is always the issue. Every level of photographer deals with this and it always comes back to the overall marketing plan. Where are you in your career? Will this image be helpful to you? Will it solidify a future relationship or be a good image for your portfolio? The bottom line question is: will this “lack of budget” still allow for a quality image? If the answer to that question is no, I’d suggest turning down the job.