Building my portfolio... in 2 days

[RMThompson]

So, as it turns out, I have to show a portfolio of advertisement photos in a few days to a possible client. In order to do so, I am hoping for some advice. Here are the questions I would like answered:

1. I know the old standby of 11x17 white foamboard with 10x13 or 8x10's mounted on it, in a leather case. For monetary reasons, and since this is sort of a one time thing, would a small 3 ring binder with 5x7 photos mounted on cardstock be acceptable?

2. How many photos?

Any other advice you can offer would be helpful. It is a big client.

Thanks!

 

[RMThompson]

1/2 a day gone... and no replies! lol

 

[photogincollege]

Id go with both, normally id say the small 3 ring would be ok, but since you say this is a big client id pull out all the stops. Maybe even use something that you can remove later so you can use it over again and just change the photos. I dont really have any experience in this field it just seems to me if they are a big client and your going to be making a decent amount from them you'll want to give the best presentation possible.

 

[JC1220]

Ask for an extension and do it right, mounted right with a representation of all your best work. 3 ring binders won't do it, if this potential client is so important treat it as such.

 

[kundalini]

As you will be representing yourself, how do you want to be received? A 3-ring binder will not present well. I'm thinking you could find some middle ground with a nice professional looking presentation binder that won't cost an arm and a leg. Just don't come off looking like a high school kid.

 

[Big Bully]

I agree, if you are really serious about getting this client, going cheap would really screw up the deal and they probably wouldn't take you seriously.

 

[RMThompson]

Well I certainly don't want to "go cheap" but there has to be a more cost effective solution than a 70 dollar presentation binder and 10x13 photos on thick foam board. That would cost over 200 dollars that I JUST don't have right now.

I think I am going to scale it down. I can buy a portfolio folder for like 5 bucks, and get some cardstock. Im going to mount regular 4x6 photos on 12x12 white cardstock. A good balance I think.

10 photos? 12?

 

[Big Bully]

Well I certainly don't want to "go cheap" but there has to be a more cost effective solution than a 70 dollar presentation binder and 10x13 photos on thick foam board. That would cost over 200 dollars that I JUST don't have right now.

I think I am going to scale it down. I can buy a portfolio folder for like 5 bucks, and get some cardstock. Im going to mount regular 4x6 photos on 12x12 white cardstock. A good balance I think.

10 photos? 12?

Sounds good to me.. I think that if you make it look nice then great.. Have you thought of 5x7's? It is a thought...
I would say 12, give the client a little more variety of what you can do for them.

 

[RMThompson]

5x7's just jump the price dramatically. 12 would cost me nearly 30 dollars.

 

[Big Bully]

5x7's just jump the price dramatically. 12 would cost me nearly 30 dollars.

Well it was a thought.

 

[Joves]

Well I would say go with what you can afford, that is about all you can do. If the client usderstands you are just starting out then they will usually understand.

 

[RMThompson]

Here is what I went with:

12x12 black cardstock.

I am going to double the cardstock and glue it.

I got 11 6x6 pictures printed, matte, at Ritz... first time using them, but I was happy with their online service... tonight Ill put it all together!

 

[nicfargo]

$30 for 12 5x7's...where do you print at? My local printer charges $.20 for a 4x6 and only slightly more for a 5x7. Someone is taking you for a ride. And I'm not talking about some crap printing place, this is a professional photography printing lab.

 

[RMThompson]

I thought they were charging me 2 dollars for a 5x7, but actually it was 1.50.

I like the square prints I picked out, to match the square paper, and they were only 50 cents each!

 

[Teresa]

when i was planning my wedding back in 2005, i dont know how many photographers that we met with that had 3 ring binders as their portfolios. i didnt see anything wrong with it