Portfolio

Q:

Wait…so on one hand we’re supposed to stick to shooting what we love rather than trying to chase trends, but on the other hand we have to keep reinventing ourselves?

A:

I know this is a tricky situation that all photographers face to stay fresh in our business. Reinventing means growth. That growth happens within your own style. Some ways to do this: diversify the look of the talent, add props, change up the location, etc. Expand to constantly push yourself while staying within the cohesive feeling of your portfolio.

If you want to be getting commercial advertising jobs show a commercial advertising portfolio.

Your voice is about consistency. Your voice is a promise that when you are hired, you will take an image much like the images on your site. This business is all about risk. You as the artist have to take all the risk. You have to put everything in your voice. You have to stand strong and scream, 

“THIS IS WHAT I DO!”

Yes, there will be clients out there that don’t really need your slant on their campaign, but when a client likes your voice… it’s a home run. 

Guest Post: Agency Access

The Photographer’s Survival Guide to Marketing

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

Q:

What type of books do you recommend to photographers coming up in their careers that are both presentable and feasible?

A:

This is a very relevant question for this time in our business because websites and social media are the new portfolios.

Currently, it is very rare that someone would ask you to come in and show your book, unless you go out of your way and make that happen. It’s something extra you can do. If you are going to show a “book” a printed book is the best way to go.

Q:

What makes a good portfolio?

A:

Guest Post, Mara Serdans: A good portfolio is well-edited, focuses on your specialty, and clearly showcases your point-of-view. The images should be current and not look dated. 

Guest Post: Creative Consultant, Mara Serdans

www.MaraSerdans.com

Q:

Should I shoot portfolio work with the intention to appeal to certain kinds of clients?

A:

Paul Barshon: If you love the subject matter, then why not!? For example if you love shooting hyper-realism, there are a lot of commercial clients who primarily use this kind of photography. So why not focus on shooting portfolio work that focuses on hyper realism? Again, though, shoot what you love. That will garner the attention you are after.

Q:

I’m having trouble finding my place in this industry, do you have any advice for photographers who are still trying to find their voice and their niche?

A:

Paul Barshon: …and that will take a while to find. I found that when I started shooting, I shot loads of different subjects and tried different styles. Eventually I started focusing in one direction without even realizing it. There is always something that we most enjoy shooting and when we focus on this and try different techniques to find our specific style, this can eventually lead you to a career!

Your portfolio should not just be the jobs you have shot, it should be the jobs you want to shoot. 

Producer, Will Taylor:

Don’t misguide your efforts. Don’t worry about “what art directors want to see”. There is no guarantee that you will get the job based on trying to show them what you think they want to see, you might as well create great work that you are passionate about. But PUSH your vision. 

You have an even better chance of getting a job if you are able to inspire the people who have the power to hire you. Shoot things for your portfolio that an art director will never have the freedom from the client, agency (and lawyers!) to shoot.

Guest Post: Producer, Will Taylor

www.inkandoranges.com