I’m thinking about getting a portfolio together, hopefully after I get some business cards made. Who knows when that will be….any word from RB on those? Anyway. I was wondering if anyone could offer me some advice here. Which of my photos would be well placed in a portfolio? I’ve heard some advice about wanting it to be diverse, yet still showing a specialty. What kind of work sells? I have only sold one photo on here, that being “Driving Miss”, so I’m not sure if my work really has a market. I’m hoping to visit mostly galleries, perhaps a few gift shops for cards. How would I present my work? Do I need a resume of sorts? And what quality of prints would I need? Obviously the most financially possible would be cheap prints from the local convenience store, especially if I need to make multiple copies. Or I could do the high quality RB route. Anyone have any advice for me? Thanks!!
Jo O'Brien
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11 months ago
I’m thinking about getting a portfolio together, hopefully after I get some business cards made. Who knows when that will be….any word from RB on those?
They didn’t make an appearance on the 4 week road map so presumably it will still be a while
Anyway. I was wondering if anyone could offer me some advice here. Which of my photos would be well placed in a portfolio?
_Include your personal favourites, popular images, and not too many examples of the same thing (unless you want ot specialise)
I’ve heard some advice about wanting it to be diverse, yet still showing a specialty.
I say to my artists that I want to see a ‘style’ or ‘look’ that identifies a work as belonging to them but also a range of skills. It’s a fine line to walk and there are no right answers- don’t stress about it too much. If you submit good work, that’s great.
What kind of work sells? I have only sold one photo on here, that being “Driving Miss”, so I’m not sure if my work really has a market.
Selling art works a bit like selling anything- you need to find the correct market and then get your work exposure in front of people who are likely to buy it. You can also try to make art for a specific group. For example, inoffensive abstract work for coporate clients
I’m hoping to visit mostly galleries, perhaps a few gift shops for cards. How would I present my work? Do I need a resume of sorts? And what quality of prints would I need? Obviously the most financially possible would be cheap prints from the local convenience store, especially if I need to make multiple copies. Or I could do the high quality RB route. Anyone have any advice for me? Thanks!!
good presentation is important. Having an online portfolio is a great idea so that it can be looked up from anywhere by anoyone. Also have an example of the finished product for people to handle and look at. An artist statement is more relevant than a standard CV and a well printed catalogue can make you look more professional.
jenndes, 11 months ago
I have multiple portfolios – depending on the client/location I’m visiting. One for flower shots, one for BW, one for landscapes/hardscapes, one a mixture – all of them are 8×10’s. Then I have a small portfolio for 4×6 prints that I can carry around in my car for “on the fly” meetings. I would suggest going with the highest quality prints you can afford – it’s like dressing your best for an interview. I ALWAYS have business cards on me because wherever I go I end up having conversations with people about my photography and they want a card. I have a Canon MP530 for printing my own photos (up to size 8×11) and I actually think it does a better job than MPix, and it only cost $140. If a client wants to see a printed photo I can get it to them ASAP. A website/online gallery is definitely a must but many people don’t feel comfortable buying framed prints without seeing the print first. Before I approach a retailer I become familiar with their store. When I visit the manager, I bring samples of what I think they would be interested in, my portfolio, business cards and am prepared with prices – they may ask what their “wholesale” cost would be for your products. I try to think about not just what my profit will be but what profit they’re likely trying to make. I want the situation to be win-win. If either party isn’t happy, it won’t be a good, lasting relationship. I pulled my cards from a place (in a professional manner) where I wasn’t happy with where they located my cards (in a back, hidden corner). These are all things to think about. It’s hard to find a balance between expecting too much and selling yourself short. Hope this helps :)
- jenn