Creating a photography portfolio can be challenging. One of the things I recommend is to try to identify and organize your best work into a cohesive gallery. Here are some reasons why it can be tough to select and organize your work, along with tips on how to make the process easier.
Emotional Attachment: Photographers often have a strong emotional connection to their work, making it hard to objectively evaluate which pieces to include in a portfolio. Asking for feedback from trusted peers or mentors can provide a different perspective and help identify your strongest images.
Lack of Objectivity: It’s difficult to view your work from a client’s perspective. What you find technically impressive might not really resonate with your target audience/market. Consider that audience and the type of work you want to attract. Tailor your portfolio to showcase the style and subjects that align with your professional goals.
Overwhelming Choices: With a big collection of photos, narrowing down your best work can feel overwhelming. Start by selecting your top 20-30 images, then gradually refine this selection to 10-15 images that best represent your skills and style. More is not necessarily better (see Fear of Exclusion below).
Inconsistent Quality: It’s a really good idea to maintain a consistent quality and style throughout your portfolio, but it can be challenging if your work covers a lot of ground. Choose images that not only show technical proficiency but also a cohesive vision. Consistency in editing style, subject matter, and composition can make your portfolio more effective.
Fear of Exclusion: You might worry about leaving out good images that could impress potential clients. Remember that less is often more. A concise portfolio with fewer, stronger images is more effective than a larger collection with mixed quality. Quality over quantity will always win.
Difficulty in Presentation: How you present your portfolio can affect its impact. Poor organization can distract from the quality of your work. Arrange your images in a logical sequence that tells a story or highlights your versatility. Pay attention to layout, spacing, and image order to create a smooth viewing experience.
Focus on what you intend to communicate with your portfolio. Include images that your target audience will be most interested in viewing.
