what people look for in a photography portfolio?

Question

which pictures would people look for in a portfolio

Answer 1

It depends on what the usage. As a general rule use a good leather bound portfolio like ones made by Pratt. They can be purchased online. (Google or dickblick.com)

You want to put only your best images in the portfolio. 10 - 12 should be fine. Too many and you detract from the best. You don't want to give them too much to look at all at once.

If you are showing this to a school or a gallery you either want to stick completely with one theme or be very diversified. If you stick to a single theme make sure it is your most powerful work. Include only your best images and pay attention to detail. If you have any that look sloppy or not as well composed as the others pull it. If you decide to take the eclectic approach be sure the topics are grouped together and that no one topic overwhelms the rest. If you are to have 4 images of B/W landscapes then have two more topics, subjects or genres of four each.

Make sure all the images are the same size and that the borders are neatly trimmed. Stay away from adding flowers or poetry and such as it detracts from the work and looks very unprofessional.

Good luck and I hope you do well with you portfolio.

Answer 2

That is an impossible question to answer. What I would look for in a portrait photographer would definitely not be what I would look for in a commercial photographer or a fasion photographer.

There are some basic constants that people look for in all types of photography
1) Good Lighting
2) Good Composition.

Other than that, it's specific to the industry. If I wanted a portrait photographer I'd go for someone who is able to demonstrate (other than the two listed above) flexability in posing, posing dynamics, intamacy and detail among other things.

However, if I'm looking to hire a fasion photograher I'm interested in someone who can show off the clothing in the best lighting conditions, produce vibrant results and can create the mood for the catalog in his/her photographs.

On the other hand, if I'm looking for a nature photographer I want someone who has an eye for nature, demonstrates knowledge of proper photographic timing, can show off nature in what appears to be an untouched image and can frame the most important elements properly.

So, without knowing what kind of portfolio you are putting together, I can't give you a better answer.

Answer 3

If you are showing it to a still life studio person, they are looking for good table top set ups. If you are showing it to the head of a wedding place, they want good wedding shots.

It depends on who you show it to and what they want. Some people specialize and some generalize.

I teach photography and I am a freelancer so if you have any questions, please let me know.

Answer 4

Look for great shots, bright colors, diferent ways to see life, if your photogephes shows you this, go for him.

Answer 5

variety