5 Tips For an Unforgettable Photography Portfolio

Dream of becoming the photographer that everyone wants to book? Whether you’re fresh to the field or have some experience under your belt, a strong portfolio is an absolute must.

Your portfolio is more than just a showcase of your skills; it's a visual testament to your strengths, artistry, and understanding of the craft. It also happens to be your most important tool for securing work. Beyond glowing reviews and beautifully finessed bios, portfolios are often the first thing clients check to see if a photographer is the right fit for their project.

How can you use yours to get noticed and make an impact? Well, here are 5 helpful tips for making your portfolio unforgettable.

Consider the bigger picture

When creating any kind of professional portfolio, the ultimate goal is to win over clients and get hired. But if you’re new to the industry or struggling to secure work, figuring out the right way to attract these clients can be tricky.

By asking yourself ‘bigger picture’ questions, you’ll be able to determine the type of clients you want to work with and how to appeal to them.

Here are a few questions that you might want to think about:

• What does my ideal client look like?
  
  
• Do I have a definitive style or niche that I want to push? 
  
  
• How does that style or niche align with my client’s needs? 
  
  
• What is my ideal client *not* looking for?

The more honestly you can answer these questions, the easier it will be to create a portfolio that your clients will really connect with.

Build up a solid body of work

A portfolio doesn’t need to be flooded with examples to be effective. Yet, when it comes to building an initial body of work, the more photos you take, the greater your pool of options to choose from.

To feed your creativity and develop your style, take time to explore work that inspires you. This might involve studying your favourite photographers, exploring photography Instagram feeds, or browsing other portfolio photography examples online.

And let’s not forget the gear. A high quality camera will make a world of difference to your photos. By experimenting with different lenses and features, you can fine-tune your approach and select the equipment that best complements your creative process.

Not ready to commit right away? Why not consider loaning a camera first? This allows you to ‘try before you buy’ so you can get familiar with a camera’s functionality and make sure it’s a good match for your photography goals.

Take care when curating your photos

Seeing your photos come together is satisfying, but deciding what stays and what goes can be a bit of a headache. 

When picking your final images, don’t be afraid to be ruthless with your selections. You might become attached to certain photos, but remember, quality always trumps quantity. Aim for a portfolio of around 10 to 20 images – this is enough to showcase your style without overwhelming clients.

As you go through the curation process, think carefully about your market. For example, if you're a wedding photographer and want to show versatility, try to include a mix of portraits, candid shots, and detail-oriented images. Or, if you’re focusing on something more niche, pick a selection that will help to deliver a consistent narrative. 

Feature your strongest work at the start and finish of your portfolio to engage clients and leave a long-lasting impression. 

Make your portfolio available online and off

There’s no doubt that in the digital age, an online portfolio is the go-to choice. By hosting your portfolio online, you can make changes quickly and share your images in an instant. This is particularly helpful if you’re working with clients in different locations.  

With that being said, possessing both a printed and digital photography portfolio gives you the best of both worlds. 

By converting your digital portfolio to a print format, you have something physical to hand to clients during face-to-face meetings. Finishing touches like high-quality paper, professional binding, and a custom cover can further enhance your portfolio's appeal, demonstrating your attention to detail and setting you apart from the competition.

Ask for feedback 

Last – but certainly not least – is feedback. 

As a professional photographer, feedback is invaluable. So, before you share your portfolio with clients, try to seek feedback from trusted peers or others in the industry. 

If you know any fellow photographers personally, ask them to take a look. While it can be daunting to open yourself up to potential criticism, taking on board an expert piece of feedback (whether positive or negative) could be the one thing that takes your portfolio from standard to standout.

Not sure who to ask? If you can’t find anyone suitable to review your work, consider heading to an online forum. Platforms like Reddit and Quora can be great places to upload your imagery and seek advice from experienced photographers. 

By listening to others’ suggestions, you’ll have a clearer picture of what’s required, allowing you to bat away the competition and increase your chances of winning work.

Ready to put these tips into practice?

These five handy tips will have you well on your way to creating a striking portfolio that gets you remembered for all the right reasons. 

But there’s just one final thing. Your portfolio is a work in progress, so don't forget to revisit these ideas from time to time to keep your work fresh. By aligning your portfolio with your goals and client needs, it’ll evolve alongside you, allowing you to present your best work at every stage of your career.

Enhance your skills with our FUJIFILM School

Want to take your portfolio to the next level? Sharpen your photography skills with our FUJIFILM School. Our friendly instructors can provide you with all the help and support you need to succeed as a professional photographer.

Join us for photowalks, workshops, courses – even holidays! Whether you're a passionate hobbyist or a first-time freelancer, we have something to offer for everyone.