what should my photography portfolio look like?

Question

of course, it will have my work in it but what kind of binding and layout should it be? should there just be my photos or words too?

Answer 1

In general, your portfolio should exhibit 10-15 of your best images printed 8x10 or larger. A white bleed border on your print is very pleasing to the eye with or without a black mat board. Text isn't necessary, and might distract from the photos. The most impressive portfolios I've seen have been leather bound ring binders. They generally have 6-9 rings inside so you can insert as many pages as you need.

The images should show your versatility as a photographer. Include examples of all types of photography, no matter what the specific position calls for. For example: portrait, landscape, advertising, studio, photojournalistic, photoshopped, sports, wedding, etc. Be sure to include a really strong image that closely mirrors the work you are trying to obtain.

The order of the images is very important. Your absolute strongest image should be first in the book. This is their first impression of your work. Your second strongest image should be last, so that you'll leave them on a good note, possibly wanting to see more.

These are basic guidelines, but be creative.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Most colleges will like to see that you know the difference between a college and a collage. If you are talking about a for profit school like the Art Institutes, they could care less about your portfolio. They just want to see your checking account balance. I have never understood why any art school would want to see a portfolio for an undergraduate. You are attending the school to learn art. If you already have the mastery to produce a decent portfolio, why would you bother attending school in the first place?

Answer 3

You should customize your portfolio for the audience. If you're trying to sell portrature, beautiful landscapes won't help. etc. If your trying to show your versatility, then a mix of different subjects is in order. 8X10 is probably best. The only words should be your name and contact info, possibly titles of your pictures.
You could include an artists' statement, but I find them pretentious.

Answer 4

That all depends on who you intend to show it to! If you are looking for work as a Photographer, generally captions and titles are not needed and a general folio with transparent sleeves is best, especially sense you can pull the images out as you please.

Captions are okay for people in Social Documentary and Photo-Journalism and titles are best written on a single page with a cover-letter when trying to get a gallery showing.

Answer 5

it would not be yours if we told you how to create it, Art is
for the individual .unless its a group project. Words are good
but photos really don't need words A picture tells the story
Titles are nice to use . Get out there and create YOUR portfolio
from how you feel ? Expression is such a gift. But it's hard to
tell another what to create whatever feels right to you Go for it Good Luck

Answer 6

Get two pieces of clean cardboard or railroad paper.
Take your pictures, mounted on nice mounting boards (black or white, depends on the picture) and in terms of layout... make sure they're centered! You should probably sign the pictures, too. Lower right hand corner is generally the norm. Title goes on lower left hand side.

Put your pics between the cardboard.. and send away...

Answer 7

8 x 10 and it should have a variety of subjects and some black & white and color shots. No, it doesn't have to have any words on it. The pictures should speak for themself.