Making a portfolio

I have, probably rather stupidly, applied for a retail photography job . I'm sure I'll not even get as far as interview, but if I do, and they ask to see a portfolio, how do I provide one? Should it be in book format, or, with the age of everything digital, should I have a really smooth online gallery? how would I go about presenting it? What should I include?

Bleh! wish i hadn't applied now, as I know i'll only feel like rubbish if i get rejected! Fortunately, it's not a proper photography job, it's sales more than anything.

xx

First of all i would only select your absolute best images. A book portfolio is good as you can carry it round to various interviews, i have mine on me all the time to showcase to possible clients. Although it's in serious need of an update now.

Keep it clean and simple, maybe a small caption below the images saying what camera and Exif Data but keep it basic and essential information only.

As for the interview (if you get it) just relax and be yourself. Also think up some questions so you have something to ask at the end of the interview... if you don' get the job... don't feel down just use it as experience and a way of improving interview techniques in the future... ask for feedback on where you can do better in an interview if they are willing to give you feedback... don't ask, don't get

thanks for the advice

I don't expect there's much I can do as I only have a little compact so putting the data underneath will be a bit embarrassing - or rather, unimportant lol!

Will probably do a book one, shows a mite moer effort, plus can carry it round with me as you said

xx

Funnily enough, Zoundz has saved me from asking the same question I was asked today if I had a portfolio and I had to asmit that no, I don;t. So guess what MY job this weekend with be?

What sort of book is best? I photo album I guess....A5 sized pics and some A4's or not?

Is anyone willing to post a photo of their portfolio book so we can see what everyone is doing.

I really need to get one sorted properly and my old ones are looking a tad tired.

So any input would be greatly received.

[Maybe a pic of the outside and one pic of the inside to see how you present them]

I got mine made by Apple... and to be honest i am not overly impressed with the overall finished so willbe going elsewhere when i update it.

Mine is like a proper printed book with my logo on the front of it. The outside is black canvass effect. When i update it i will post a picture of it... its looking a little tatty as it does go everywhere with me as you never know where work will come from.

I have several different sections in the book and at the start of each section i have a paragraph saying why i like this sort of photography... ie: Sport - I like sports photography because blah blah blah.... Portraiture - Portraiture is my favourite subject because..... (not exactly what i have put but gives you an idea).

I have a selection of my absolute favourite images only if i have to think twice about putting an image in the portfolio it isn't good enough.

My photography has improved since my last portfolio was made and i am now taking images that a year ago i thought i would never get, particularly dog racing and motorbike racing photography, that my last portfolio doesn't really reflect what i do now. Therefore my next portfolio might be a little easier to change the photo's instead of having to buy a new one each time.

I have a range of image sizes in my book, some are A5 (portrait and landscape) and some are A4 (Landscape as my book is landscape), some are double page width. Whatever works really

Sorry for the ramble but HTH!!

Sammy x

Great info sammy.

Are your photos in like a photobook type book or are they actual glossy photos stuck in the book or mounted?

They are printed as if it was a proper photobook so not actual photos

I have a leather bound one. By the sounds of it its similar to Sams. Pictures printed direct onto the page. The the front has my details and a picture and the inside pages are taupe in colour with a cream stroke around each image (matching my website). I have a for word at the beginning and a pocket at the back for my business cards.

The book is A4 in size and my omages range from 1 - 6 images per page

The images you put in have to be your complete best TECNICALLY and VISUALLY. You need to be confident and proud of what you are showing to your potential clients and/or employees.

If your struggling as to which shots should go in, maybe someone here could help you out and give you some further advice via another thread

HTH

I would get colour lazer print outs of you best, and get a nice A4 portfolio, with sleeves - almost like a photo album.

We used to do this when we didn't have enough laptops to go around when show casing our designs to clients

Good Luck!