If you’re going to create a photo portfolio you should understand that beautiful and creative shots are not the answer. There are some rules for online portfolios and you should follow them.
Here you’ll find some benefits of having an online photo portfolio (this part is for those photographers which feel unsure about such a necessity) and four suggestions on what to pay your attention to when creating a portfolio. So go ahead right now!
Benefits of having a photo portfolio
If you’re sure that a portfolio, in fact an online portfolio, is a must-have thing for every self-respecting photographer then you can easily skip this point. But still there are many people who doubt about a necessity of online portfolio. It doesn’t matter if your portfolio is good or bad, it requires some time, money and efforts investments. And nobody can guaranty that you’ll achieve a success. It’s all about resources. So weight the pros and cons and take a look at some benefits which a good portfolio can grant you.
- Digital photo portfolio is a long-time investment. If your photography activity is successful people will be able to find you on the web almost for ages.
- You can stop making unsubstantiated claims like “bla-bla-bla…I’m the best photographer to hire…”, it’s always better to show your skillfulness on stream.
- Your customers and partners will always be able to know and to find you. You can dress some promotional clothes and go down streets complimenting yourself or you can create several website pages which will push your artworks.
- A portfolio which is available 24 hours a day can save your time on negotiations.
- In a busy and highly-competitive world a portfolio is not some optative thing, it’s a must have feature.
- Thanks to an online photo portfolio you won’t probably need to talk with customers for too long. Everything is almost clear before a meeting/phone call/web chatting/correspondence.
- You’ll be able to proudly show your portfolio to grandkids.
Suggestions
Think over several accents of your portfolio
Please don’t make your portfolio look like a New Year tree. Know where to stop. Trendy functional options and vivid design elements are not always well for you. You should keep to the chosen course. So find 2-3 main things that you want to accentuate for your audience and work on them with a maximum diligence and passion
The rule of “the first and the last”
Pay attention to those images which you place at the beginning and at the end of your portfolio. People create an impression about something at first sight: if they like tings they see, they will continue viewing. Also our brain will more likely remember the last elements. Even if not all your photos are perfectly done take care of the first and the last ones.
Moreover many people think the more images they showcase, the better impression they create. But it’s a big mistake. Find several best photos you’ve ever taken and upload them to your digital photo portfolio. By the way, fill up the folio from time to time and your fans will be thankful.
Navigation
Surely you want to make your website popular, but complexity is not a good thing for it. Don’t complicate lives of your website visitors by choosing super innovative and not convenient menus. If it’s hard to navigate through the website, people will more likely give up it and find something more user-friendly. So make your photo portfolio as easy as ABC.
Ask Questions
When your portfolio is almost ready don’t forget to ask people’s impression of it. And don’t be upset if you get a negative appraisal. Be patient enough to hear an objective opinion. Those who create something themselves always think that their work is the best thing that have ever been built. Unfortunately very often it’s not so. Even if you feel that the portfolio is great don’t ignore outside opinions.
These are the most general tips for young photographers on how to create a photo portfolio. If you want to know more about it you can find our comprehensive guide on how to create a digital portfolio here.
Great post! Very helpfull!