Comments on: Eye on Image-Making: Portfolios

By: Dave Roels

Dave Roels — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 01:37:13 +0000

The above two stories are both very good. However, if you show someone a good portrait studio or on location of an executive and you like the feeling, expression and the lighting and all of a sudden you need to do a Board Room shot, then so what if there is no board room shot in the samples. You as a buyer should at least be able to figure out that if they can do this and get that expression then they can do what I need.
The question is Can you do this type of shot, Yes, or No.

By: scott b

scott b — Fri, 16 May 2008 09:50:13 +0000

I have to admit, as someone who has been a frequent buyer of corporate photography services, that I can be as literal-minded in my portfolio reviews as David says here.

If I'm doing a shoot of a company's board of directors, for example, I'm more likely to choose the photographer who has a photo similar to what I'm looking for in the portfolio they provide me.

After reading David's column, this admission makes me feel a bit dopey -- but it's true. It falls into the OLTTTA category (one less thing to think about...)

By: Stanley Leary

Stanley Leary — Fri, 16 May 2008 09:05:01 +0000

I believe your portfolio should be skilled oriented. Three photos of the same type of photo will not help you as three different types of photos.

Example would be a photo using available light for portrait, one with mixed light and then with all strobes will show you know how and when to use lights.

A photo of CEO in formal portrait with studio background, a photo of the CEO in factory and then stylistic environmental portrait in a board room also show some variety in skills.

Showing portraits of man, woman and children show variety as well.

Too many people have little skill variety in their portfolio. I think knowing your niche and showing you can cover your niche in a variety of ways will get you more jobs.