Creating a top print photography portfolio is one of the first steps towards making it as a professional photographer. While creating a printed photography portfolio may seem like an old-school way to present your work, it is still a required asset when meeting with potential clients.
Take a look at how to create a top print photography portfolio, below.
Are you more interested in creating a digital portfolio? Skip ahead to learn how Cherrydeck can help you with this.
4 Steps to Creating a Top Print Photography Portfolio
#1 Collecting strong content
The first part in creating a top print photography portfolio is a given — you have to gather the content that you want to present to clients throughout. This may either be photography from past jobs or projects, or content that you have recently decided to shoot.
Don’t worry if you do not have an extensive photography collection to choose from. Once you do, you can always add this to your portfolio.
#2 The design and page layout
Now that you have your photographs selected, it is time to think about the way you want to design your print portfolio. Don’t underestimate this part, as the design as much as your photography reflects your aesthetic and style.
Before beginning the designing process, you have to decide on what size and format you want the book to be. Standard print sizes such as 8.5 x 11″, 11 x 14″, or 11 x 17″ are safe sizes to start with.
To be more specific, 11 x 14″ can be a great choice as it allows you to beautifully present your vertical and horizontal images if you are opting to present one image per page.
It is in this step that you have to decide what layout you are opting for before you start printing your photography in the next step.
Furthermore, opting for a book format with inlay sleeves or screwpost’s can be beneficial. This way you can easily access an image, reorganize, or replace it if needed.
Discover what Ben Reeves has to say about this layout option in an interview featured on the blog.
#3 Printing your photography
After you have selected your photography works and decided on the design of the portfolio, it is time to print your images. It is important to print your photo in high quality so that potential clients can truly see your skills. While this can be quite expensive, it will be worth it.
If you are taking your photography from your existing database, it would be advised to aim at including between 50 – 60 photos.
Before printing, think about whether you want the photos to be printed edge to edge or include a white frame around the image. Whatever you decide on, be sure to keep the consistency.
Also, don’t forget to decide on what type of paper is best to print your photographs on. You can base the decision of using glossy or matt paper, depending on the image and the tone that you are looking to bring across.
Keep in mind that when creating your printed photography portfolio how much you spend will determine the outcome. According to product photographer Inge Prins, €650 is not an unrealistic price. Read more about the average price and importance of investing in your portfolio, here.
Tip: Print more than one image so that you have backups in case anything goes wrong.
#4 Pagination
Let’s get to the crucial part. Now that you have selected your photographs and decided on your preferred formatting it is time to start filling your portfolio. For this, it is important that you tackle one page at a time.
Discover what the best pagination is below.
The first page — Image vs. Logo
If you decide to begin your portfolio with an image, then it is advised that you present a strong one. This way you will trigger the excitement of the client to view more of your work.
On the flip side, if you decide that you want to showcase your logo on the first page, make sure that you are clearly communication who you are and what you do. Triggering the interest of the client is extremely important here.
The middle
Between the first and last page, it is important that you show what you can do. Be sure to present what jobs and projects you have worked on and what your photography style is all about. Your photography portfolio is the first thing that a possible client will see of you so make sure that the photographs you include, as well as the flow of the portfolio, reflect you in a strong way.
For a greater visual impact, try to sort your photography with good color harmony. Through this, you can achieve active attentiveness.
The last page — Image vs. Contact details
Similar to the advice that applies to the first page, on the last page of your portfolio it is important to understand the decision between including an image or the contact details.
Including your contact details would be beneficial in helping an interested client know where to contact you for a possible collaboration.
Keep in mind, that for this your contact details should be presented in an uncomplicated way.
If you decide that alongside your contact details you also want to present an image, make sure — much like the first page — you select a strong one. Through this, you will increase your chances of leaving a long-lasting impression.
Create your photography portfolio on Cherrydeck
While it is great to have a printed photography portfolio when meeting with clients, presenting your work on a digital platform can help you grow your network.
Cherrydeck is a reliable online platform where photographers with all skill levels can showcase their work. Your profile will present your field of photography, location, level of expertise, contact information, and your work.
Simply create an account, to start uploading the photographs that you want brands and businesses to see.
Once you have created a Cherrydeck account, you can start uploading the work that you want to share. Your profile is divided up into two sections, the ‘Portfolio’ section, and the ‘Galleries’ section.
Under ‘Portfolio’ you can display a miscellaneous view of your work. This is the first tab that profile viewers will see. If, however, you are looking to sort your photos in a more organized method, for example by category, you can create this under the ‘Gallery’ section.
Once you have set up your portfolio in Cherrydeck and uploaded all your images, you can apply to jobs and opportunities with your profile, or share the specific link to potential clients.
Let’s sum it up!
Here is the shortlist of the steps you need to keep an eye on when creating a top print photography portfolio:
- Collecting strong content
- The design and page layout
- Printing your photography
- Pagination
With these top steps you are sure to create a stunning print photography portfolio that will speak to potential clients within the industry.
Are you on the hunt to also present your portfolio in a digital way? Signup to Cherrydeck. Or learn the tips and tricks our members have for you when it comes to creating a great paper portfolio, here.
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