how to make a photography portfolio?

Question

I am looking into studying photogrpahy and need a portfolio, where do i start?!

Answer 1

From the sounds of it, you are going to need a printed portfolio as compared to an online one.

There are multiple ways to create a professional looking portfolio.

The first is to purchase a nice album to display the images. Use a professional album and not a cheap one from Wal-Mart. Granted, they are nice but you don't want nice, you want to stand apart from what everyone else can use. Don't display anything smaller than an 8x10 in this portfolio. Make sure the images are perfect from scratch, dust, etc. Also make sure the images are color corrected and are as perfect as you can make them.

Another option is to use a portfolio book which can be purchased at Wal-Mart, Staples or any office supply store. These aren't as nice, but still work. What they are is a folio with clear 8x10 sleeves in them. You can get some nice leather-bound ones at a decent price. Again, print nothing smaller than an 8x10 for these. Make sure all the sleeves are clean and don't contain anything that will scratch the print.

Also, you can use a portfolio box. Which is how I do mine. I matte a 16x20 print with the image itself covering at least 80 square inches. The rest of it is in black with a slight grey stroke (or other complimentary color) around the image itself. This is also what is required for Triangle Competitions (which is why I do it this way).

If you do go with a digital album. Again, stay away from the online for now. Produce a series of images that are high resolution into a slide-show based format onto a CD (or DVD if you can do it) using a program such as the Ulead CD/DVD PictureShow or Photodex's ProShow software. Both software will create a beautiful slideshow presentation that will allow CDs to be read in some DVD players. Create a slide show that contains at least 50 of your best images, make sure they are all high-res so they look good up on a monitor of any resolution and size.

Finally and lastly, there is the option of an online web gallery. This is great if you are a business or already have clients. There are a mirage of sites out there that allow you to create an online image gallery, but unless the site is your own, it doesn't look professional. Directing people to somedomain.com/user/mygallery doesn't look as good as www.mygallery.com, in which case you have to pay for hosting, pay for the domain and (unless you are superb at webdesign) pay to have the site designed

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Again, I'm not discrediting albums and folios that Walmart or other like stores sell. However, if you want to be unique you can't shop where everyone else does. Being unique is what creates an impression. Even if it means paying a few extra dollars for a professional presentation.

Answer 2

First step is to find out what the college or university you're wanting to study at is looking for. Contact the course adviser and just ask. Best bet is to use 10x8 photos and have a mix of Black and White and Colour prints. And try and have a theme within the portfolio, either one theme throughout the entire portfolio or a couple of different ones. And when mounting your prints on backing paper, stick to one colour. Black really helps the photos stand out. And splash out on really good quality prints and a portfolio case (can be found in an good art supply store).]

Hope this helps and good luck. :-)

Answer 3

I made a website showing my photography, so it's much like a portfolio. Only I did mine on www.piczo.com and used some HTML. To make an actual portfolio, I don't really know, but you could try to search it on google.

Answer 4

Go and shoot some photos. ANything makes a great subject. If you want to get real thourough with it, keep a journal with your f-stop, exposure, film etc. date time place.light source camera used etc etc. It will make for great reference material later on during your studies

Answer 5

Start by taking pictures!!!! Seriously did you not think of that? Get creative and use your imagination when taking the pictures. Always have your cam to hand as never know when a good photo opportunity will come up.

Answer 6

you need to have photographs..........better get busy shooting. theres a section in my book, "Infrared Landscape Photography"...covers the topic well.