Portfolio help needed ASAP!

cbay · May 2, 2006

Hello

I have got an interview for my first proper photography job and I have just relised I havent got a portfolio or at least not that I know of as I am not sure what you have to include etc.

All the help anyone can give would be much appreicated!!

'Daniel' · May 2, 2006

Dont have too many pictures. Sometimes they wont get past the first few.
If the job is for a certain type of photography make sure that type of photography takes up the majority of the portfolio.

Rob · May 2, 2006

Yep, aim for 8 - 12 relevant images which demonstrate your understanding of the basics required for this kind of work.

Rob

Philip Weir · May 2, 2006

Morning cBay.
Not a great problem, depending on the time you have and how much you want to spend. You say "I haven't got a portfolio, or at least not that I know of" It's probably in the boot "trunk" or you left it at the pub after that last heavy night. [only kidding]. Basically, your prospective client wants to see what you can do, and is not normally interested in what gear you have, so if you are able, just make up a slide show of a dozen or so of your best images applicable to this particular client in one of the many software programs available [I use Photoshop CS] and take a CD with you to the interview with your lap-top [if you have one, if not the client should have a computer, check first]. Otherwise take a series of applicable prints with you [not postcards, but 20x16's or at least large prints] Make sure you take a few business cards with you, and have your costings either written down or well established in you mind, so you don't dither around. [act as if you do this every day, be professional]. I live in Australia, but was born in Birmingham a long time ago. Philip www.philipweirphotography.com

thebeginning · May 2, 2006

another thing you may want to consider is to include variety in the photographs you present. it's good to have both a variety of subjects (say don't present 4 pictures of the same subject, just in different ways) and a variety of styles, but that often depends on what you are going for in the job.

ksmattfish · May 2, 2006

Rob said:
Yep, aim for 8 - 12 relevant images which demonstrate your understanding of the basics required for this kind of work.

I would agree. If the client is hiring you to shoot a car, they probably aren't interested in how well you shoot weddings.

8 good photos are better than 8 good photos + 4 mediocre photos.

Ask other people (that will be honest with you) which photos they would choose for your portfolio.