How to create a good portfolio of a beginner photographer - Part 1. Secrets and examples of photographer portfolio creation options for photographer portfolio design on paper

The photographer is celebrated on the portfolio, so it is profitable to show your work - this is important. Modern tools Allow not to post photos, but also create history around them. Beautiful site will help you understand that you are a professional and distinguish you from inexperienced lovers. We asked Jan Plushev, Tilda Publishing Platform Designer, tell how to make a site for a photographer. https://tilda.cc/ru/tpls/ tilda publishing https://tilda.cc/ - - the idea and structure of the site - Study and inspiration - Sketch of the site or prototype - Preparation of content - site design Step 1 - Idea and Structure of the site Step 2 - Research and inspiration Look sites in related categories: designers, illustrators or even photo agencies. It is possible that you will find an interesting move that you can apply. https://httpster.net https://www.siteinspire.com/ http://www.designmadeingermany.de/sites-we-like/sebastian/ http://thegallery.io/ step 3 - Sketch site or prototype Step 4 - Preparing content Step 5 - site design Margetize onhttps://tilda.cc/ 1) commercial photographer 2) wedding photographer https://tilda.cc/tpls/page/?Q\u003dmelissaweis 3) photo studio https://tilda.cc/tpls/page/?Q\u003dBallanceStudios First screen navigation

Portfolio Blog Price List Add a section on the rules to the photo gallery site. For example, that you can cancel the reservation at least in three days. Or about how to return payment. Customer reviews After the price list, do not forget to add customer reviews. It attracts attention and trust. And at the very end, repeat the contact details. Use for this blocks from the category "Contacts" Before publishing, take care of SEO - write the title, description in the page settings, description and add a decrease in the social network. If you want the site to open at your own address - connect the domain. To do this, in the site settings, we write the address, and the registrar, where the domain was purchased, specify the IP tildes to one line. Do not forget about statistics. Register onGoogle Analytics. or Yandex Metric And connect the counters in the site settings. Before showing a site to friends and customers, look again at him with a fresh look: pay attention to the overall accuracy and style - there is no free space on the site, whether there is enough free space between the elements. Try to be ascetic. The easier you do, the less errors and the site will get stylish. Examples of photographers sites made on Tilde: http://alxmatamata.com/ http://christinaabdeeva.com/ http://oleg-fedorov.ru/

The photographer is celebrated on the portfolio, so it is profitable to show your work - this is important. Modern tools allow you not to simply post photos, but also create history around them. Beautiful site will help you understand that you are a professional and distinguish you from inexperienced lovers.

We asked Jan Plushev, Tilda Publishing Platform Designer, tell how to make a site for a photographer.

Yana: One of my tasks in Tilde - Create website templateshttps://tilda.cc/ru/tpls/ For users. Templates are ready-made pages that users can take the basis and adapt, creating a site on their own. Therefore, my task is to think over all-all-all and make functional pages that will be beautiful, and comfortable.

Tilda Publishing https://tilda.cc/ - modular designer, which allows you to create cool sites in a short time: Portfolio, Landing, Longrides, Special Projects, Interactive Stories, Blogs.

In general, the process of creating a site consists of the following steps:

Site idea and structure

Research and inspiration

Sketch of the site or prototype

Preparation of content

Site design

Step 1 - the idea and structure of the site

Before starting, determine for yourself, what is the main idea and the task of your site and what exactly you want to show. Think about those people you would like to see on your website: these are your customers, fans, gallery owners, maybe just your friends? Decide with the audience - for whom you create a website. Then try to put yourself in their place and assume: why they came to you and what they expect to see.

Take a regular sheet of paper and sketch the structure. Think about whether you need a multi-page site or it is enough to choose 10 best works and place on one page, which will be easy to scroll. If you are a photographer and own a visual language, then most likely write good things too. Will you have a blog? On the same domain as the main site or on a separate? Your work is divided into categories or you do not go beyond one genre?

The page structure will depend on your activities - if you are shooting in several directions or only one type of activity.

Step 2 - Research and Inspiration

When you roughly understood what site you need, do a little study.

Most likely you and so regularly view sites and portfolio of photographers, whose works you admire. But now you need to look at a different angle - you need to notice which sections use other photographers and make a list of main or repetitive elements. For example, it may be a story about himself, about his classes, about its history (as photography began to engage), the cost of services.

Look like it looks like modern Internet, without binding to a specific topic. There are quite a few resources on the network, where enthusiasts collect good samples:

Try noting what exactly you like. It may be a good rhythm, a good typography or a combination of colors.

Step 3 - Sketch of the site or prototype

Sketch or prototype is a schematic image of the blocks from which the site consists. Your visual scenario. It is just done: take a sheet of paper, felt-tip and draw a scheme that it will go. No need to draw in detail everything, only a common idea.

Step 4 - Preparation of Content

Select the photos in advance that you will have on the site, fold them into a separate folder, and ideally reduce size up to 1680px to more side. So photos will save good qualityBut they will not slow down the site load. Because if you put on the site of Hayrez, and then open the site on the phone, it will be hard.

Text Write B. text editor. So it will be convenient to edit it. Some moments can be changed directly on the page, but the basis should be.

How to write text for the site. If you write text on your own, use the following scheme:

Write a short text about yourself. It should be one phrase that appears on what you specialize. For example, Alina Lyalina is a children's photographer in Moscow.
Write a little more detailed text. Explain what your features are. Write simply - as if you told it a friend for a cup of coffee - the most understandable language.
Highlight three main chips - why people order photos from you.
Describe the advantages. Tell us that your customers get when they appeal to you, give details.
Think about headlines. Thought in a solid text, people are often brought, and the headlines are read without effort, so do not get carried away with beautiful metaphors, write in the headlines.
Take reviews. Ask your customers to say a few words about you. Work perfectly.

When you are ready content - photos are selected and the text is written to the direct creation of the site.

Step 5 - site design

Margetize onhttps://tilda.cc/ , Immediately after registration, Tilda will offer to choose the page template. Especially for photographers on Tilde there are templates:

1) commercial photographerhttps://tilda.cc/tpls/page/?Q\u003dsamphotographer

2) wedding photographer https://tilda.cc/tpls/page/?Q\u003dmelissaweis

3) photo studio https://tilda.cc/tpls/page/?Q\u003dBallanceStudios

If these templates are not suitable, look at others. The template is a sample of a good design and an example of using blocks. The selection of the template does not limit your creativity - at any time you can change it beyond recognition and even start with a clean sheet.

You work with images, so the first thing that the visitor of your site should see is a photo that will immediately show your specialization (for example, weddings, food, exhibitions, photo studio interior).

First screen

Specify the first screen contacts: email, phone, link to social networks, city where you work. It is convenient for the client. In the header, be sure to specify your name and surname. Place your logo there. If you wish, you can put a big photo of half the screen so that the client saw your face.

On the cover of the site of the wedding photographer, create a gallery on which you will place your favorite photos about your activities, as well as headlines for popular Internet requests, such as wedding photographer in Reykjavik

Navigation

Think of navigation - as a visitor will focus on the site, go through pages or move inside one page. For the organization, add a menu: a roll with references that will be at the top of the site. It can be static or fixed with scrolling to always be before your eyes. And can meet the laconic "hamburger." Learn more about the menu design, you can read in the article "Design Menu Site and Application in Practice"http://help-ru.tilda.ws/Design-menu.

Important: Do not overload the menu, this is a functional part that should help navigate. Use short words to name items, do not make items more than 5.

In the library of the Tilda blocks there special category "Menu"

Portfolio

Select several blocks to show the portfolio. Add tabs if you want to submit multiple photos of photos. Click on names, go from the section to the section. Each section is worth showing best photos Specific activities.

For example, if you are photographing the wedding, add a gallery with selected photos increasing under the click. Next, you can add photo historical information about where there was a wedding and what date. You can enable the section on the best weddings of the last year.

Under photos it is worth adding a button when you click on which you can go to a separate project page and see more works.

Blog

If you have a blog, place it on the page. Show the last three posts and add a button by clicking on which the user will turn on the link to other posts.

Price list

The next block on the cost of shooting can be made in the form of a table or cards. Specify the popular services and prices for them. Add a button "Order Photossessia". Clicking on it, the client enters the form for collecting data, which he will send to the photographer's mail.

If you sell photo studio services, tell me what premises and equipment you provide for rent, specify the cost and tell us why it is worth choosing your room and equipment. By adding images of backgrounds, reflectors, diffusers, cameras, cyclora, water zones, etc., you significantly increase your chances of being noticed (and earn).

Work with color filters.

Colored filters are a tool that will help convert the usual space, support the selected color scheme or add intrigue into a calm plot. An orange filter will help to create an atmospheric, a combination of blue and orange filters will create a cold and heat confrontation, which is a top combination of colors pleasing to the eye. Pink filter will add tenderness to a bright interior, and purple will add mystery. Most often, I use color filters on the context and background light so that the model does not get extra colors. An exception is a diagram with a low white balance point, in this case the orange filter on the drawing light will compensate for the temperature of the picture and return the skin warm natural shade.
In bright photo studio, the color filter is used especially accurately, choosing tender, calm tones.
Working with color filters is a huge field for experiments, but I would recommend to think through the flower scheme in advance and not use filters without need. Too active color can divert attention from the model, the wrong color choice may disrupt the color balance.

Studio light in the photo

Everyone love to shoot with natural light. In plus to multiple soft lighting - wonderful blur on an open diaphragm. But competent and skillful management of several light sources will allow you to manage the situation always - make an evening twilight on a sunny day and bright sunny photos in the evening.
Any novice photographer is familiar with the pictures common on the Internet with studio light schemes. Conterior light, classic scheme and so on. Understand the studio flash control is also quite simple.

Working with green

Work with green.

Green color-fresh, juicy, cheerful - has a huge amount of shades and looks completely different in different situations.
Warm, cold, with yellow, blue, brown semitones - shades vary depending on the season, plant types, time of day and lighting.
Anyone who is familiar with the circle of ytten knows that the easiest way to achieve a harmonious combination of colors is to oppose colors in a circle (complementary scheme).
For example, in a circle of yttn green color combined with red.
And then the most interesting begins. After all, colors are divided into hundreds of shades.
And if your model is dressed in the terracotta-colored dress (red closer to orange), then, when using the complementary scheme, the cold shade of green will look more profitable than warm. And here the saturated burgundy color will work well with warm green (on a summer sunny day, eg).
On the other hand, an analog scheme (three colors nearby) for such a dress will require a gentle lightweight shade and adding yellow elements.
Thus, starting to handle photography, you must understand what shade of green will be the most advantageous look at the color of clothes and other items in your photo.
And then - the case of technology.
First of all, I ask the tone of greenery in the Lightroom program. This is working with color in HSL (Hue, Saturation, Luminance).
With further retouching photo in the Photoshop program of the desired shade of green we achieve through the color balance, selective color correction (yellow, green, blue), color (soft light overlay mode) and, if necessary, saturate shades in the LAB space.
An example of working with green you can look at the video.

Please Enable JavaScript.

5 reasons why the photo does not like.

Imagine that tomorrow you have an interesting photo session. You close your eyes and see your tomorrow's photo as if it already exists. And your brain draws you ideal. The heroes are well lit and look bulk, and the background delicately retreats into beautiful blur, the colors are harmoniously combined.
But in fact, everything can be completely wrong.
I collected 5 reasons why:
1. Extra details.
When the artist writes the picture, it includes only those objects that have a semantic load. The photographer is faced with the problem of "photographic garbage", it can be cars, urns, ugly branches, borders. The fact that the artist cuts off in his picture becomes an obstacle on the way to a holistic and harmonious photo. Therefore, the photographer is important to see this garbage and be able to do not include it in the frame. Some items can be hidden behind the model, some cut off with cropping. Of course, many details can be removed in the retouching process, but it will increase the time you spend on processing.
2. Volume.
We all like the volume in the photo, the picture in which you want to dive, something like the tunnel. If you have a foreground (photographers often use twigs for this) and a lot of air behind the model, the viewer will dare to your photo. But if, for example, behind the model, the model will turn out to be a tree, then the sensation of the tunnel will collapse.
3. Color harmony.
If the family of three moms will be dressed in a green dress, a child in a yellow jumpsuit, and dad into blue jeans and a red t-shirt - even the golden hands will not be saved. That is why the selection of clothing to the photo session must be carefully controlled.
4. Emotions.
I will not open America if I say that the photographer should be a psychologist and be able to create a comfortable atmosphere on a photo shoot. I often say the heroes of my photo shoots that the shooting process is like a game in the theater. Just plunging into your story Heroes shooting will be able to transfer the desired mood, and the photo will acquire conceived meaning.
5. Light.
Take the light into your allies, manage the light so that it worked for your idea. First, the light should work on creating volume. Incorrectly filed light can make an image flat, and you will spend a lot of extra time on the drawing of shots. Secondly, the flow of light should support your idea - hard light is suitable for a dynamic plot or creating a dramatic effect, while soft scattered lighting will emphasize the tenderness of the moment. And thirdly, driving the light can be paid to the viewer's attention to the desired details.

How to start creating photoportifolio?

The portfolio is not necessarily "the best", it is sure, and it is much more logical to try to disassemble the pictures on the series, and not at a subjective opinion on the number of stars in their assessment. As criteria for combining into one set, a genre, shooting style or specific technical parameters can be considered: the type of camera or image - for example, cyanotype, pinhol, droneophothography and many others.

Experts in the field of photography and design advise to divide the burden of selection of photos with a designer or colleague, whose opinions you trust. A foreign look and a dialogue on the obvious advantages and the possible mines of work with a person who are not indifferent to the topic will help to feel at the site of the audience. Is it good as it seems to us, this blurry sketch of the evening capital? Does all the mysterious inexpensive portrait of the niece of the nearest lights in the country notice?

Wonderful critic Jorg Colberg (Jorg Colberg), quoting in his book about the science of a photo-book case about the Dutch designer Sibrene Kuyper (Sybren Kuiper), agrees with the opinion of the latter: "Never listen to the photographer!"

Do not, of course, perceive the advice literally, but think about what. "The fact is that photographers are often too involved in their own projects and pictures - so much that they stop adequately perceive," says Kuyper. - Photos may seem too boring [or too brilliant - my note], because they already flashed so many times before our eyes. There is a risk not to include in the final sample really best pictures Or focus on minor details. Definitely, you need a person with a fresh look, which can comment on what work reaches the goal, and which is no. "

But the conversion of the electoral committee is also not worth it. The opinions of one or two honest buddies, who disassemble in science visual, considers Kolberg. Brune with cooks in the kitchen never led to anything else.

For whom is the photographer's portfolio intended?

The next question to which you should answer before you begin to dive thousands, and perhaps millions, photos accumulated during the years of the "on the table" or uploaded to the computer, is logical and correct "why?" Who exactly will be the first to whom do you plan to show the portfolio? Potential employers? So far, do not know anything about your talents, gallery owners or photographic publishers? And maybe while your main task is to simply reflect on a variety of pictures in "for yourself" mode? So it also happens - Moscow was not immediately built.

Night Portfolio Review in Houston. March, 2012 Andrey Union

Nevertheless, a possible "consumer" photo of the portfolio would be good to keep in mind now. After all, if you intend to look for work in the field of photography, let's say in photojournalism, it is better to show the future editor diverse in the form and content of the series, hint at the variability of skills, the ability to operate and "on the dood", and in the field. A little to another should pay attention to those whose photographic interests are related to creative or conceptual shooting - in this case it is recommended to lay out pictures in the sequence of theoretical wrestlers in the gallery and, of course, in series.

Another point associated with the "recipients" of the image, which is not necessary to forget, according to Simon Bara, is the audience reaction. "Try to imagine which emotions you expect to get from the audience - do you want to surprise, shock or entertain them? - advises the British expert. - Believe me, not everyone is interested in views with your favorite landscapes or the next clones from the photo sets, daily flashing people in front of the eyes. A much more logical choice towards photographs, which in any way differ from the rest and will be able to draw attention to the audience. " However, you should not bet on obviously defective images, they are hardly attracting the audience and experts. Therefore, with the works containing obvious flaws, it is worth saying goodbye.

Here, perhaps, it is worth making a reservation that under this "Rule of shaving" does not fall, of course, intentional distortions that can be part of the author's visual language or conceptual idea. Suddenly you are a fan of glitch art.

How to show the portfolio?

The next step is a solution regarding the method of presentation of the portfolio. During the meeting with experts, the portfolio is considered more professional and respectful, which is natural, more appropriate in the situation of "living" communications with them. But the personal bet still need to achieve, so it makes sense to think about online format first.

First, social networks. For the first steps in the world of large and small photos, Facebook, Instagram and Vkontakte, are quite enough - create folders, load photos, invite familiar and not very. What to smoke, the Internet is big, and anyone, even the most (so far) a middle photographer with a mirror donated for a birthday, will find its fans. But if you plan to move from the level of Sunday shooting of the niece in the country, and Glory George Pinhasova causes you a "white envy", then it is worth thinking about a personal site. It is unlikely that the link to the VKontakte group can not be blushing even to show even democratic criticism or editor.

Since the creation and support of the site requires serious financial investments and deep technical knowledgeMost photographers use specialized online platforms with ready templates. Many of them are inexpensive, easy to manage and do not require programmer skills or web designer. You just need to register and upload photos.

In WIX, we often get questions from freelance photographers who want to learn how to create a professional online portfolio. And although we have enough material on the topic of how and how best to use the tools of the WIX editor, especially in relation to photographers, experience shows that one picture costs thousands of words.

It encouraged us to walk on a hundred recently created Wix sites to choose the top 10 of them and demonstrate them to you. Nothing contributes to the flow of creative ideas to create its own portfolio, like watching beautiful, high-quality photos-portfolio. It will help you understand that your colleagues do to attract the attention of potential customers, plus you will learn that now it is fashionable in web design and interface design.

But before we start, here are a few questions that you should ask yourself along the view of other portfolio:

What highlights this site, and how can I play on this?

What are the cons of the design of this site, and how could you fix it?

How is the photoportopholio itself organized, is there a breakdown in the category and is there a slideshow?

What in addition to the portfolio is on the site, and how does this content help potential customers to make their choice?

Born in Cuba, and now living in Miami, this photographer specializes in photographs for selling real estate, making menu, weddings and various products. Its site is dynamic and simple, it uses large sliders that perform the role of the background and demonstrating the best work of the photographer. The "Services" page presents a typical set of job descriptions and prices.

The Austrian photographer-paparazzi David Bean is actively engaged in professional shooting for the last 4 years. At first glance, his portfolio looks very unfoundedly: nothing superfluous and simple white background. The photo gallery is divided into 14 sections, for which it is very convenient to move, and decorated as a modular grid. On his portraits there are very curious characters (and among them a lot of businessmen!), Photos of architecture are distinguished by unconventional compositions and the use of special lenses, and snapshots from weddings transmit a festive mood.

Photographer with 20 years of experience in photography of sport, travel, portraits and advertising, talented German Yerh Polax created a site in the design of which he decided to use a minimalist style. Using photo miniatures allows you to demonstrate all its work regardless of their size and proportions on one page.

Canadian married couple makes "bright, exciting, spectacular, exciting, and most importantly emotional" snapshots. In the section "About us", their children's photos are posted on their website with a brief biographical information about each of them - a great way to give the brand. Human face.

Carlo Hatchtot from Singapore presents its portfolio as a activist project, aims to attract attention to the global problems of humanity. His pictures tell about mass hunger in Niger, about the victims during the earthquake in Kashmir and military conflicts in Afghanistan. "This exhibition was created to give a voice to people depicted in photographs in the most difficult moments of their lives," so writes Hitkot on the page "About me."

Japanese China Koya specializes in studio photos of various products and models, but it works no worse and with wedding photos, and with illustrations for guidebooks. Calm gray tones on the site helps to focus on the photos themselves, which is actually the goal of the portfolio.

Laura Garilio is not afraid to use saturated colors on its website, starting with many green shades, ending with a palette of gray tones diluted with bright pink spots. This approach requires careful thinking and neat work, but the result is worth it.

The wise decision was to create the "My style" section, in which it shares the way to draw inspiration in every day, in addition to the classic page "About me," where Laura tells how once she was an artist, and then moved to Canary Islands and changed their lives. The "Your Photo Session" section is dedicated to rates for various shooting options. It is fine that its portfolio is supplied with so much information: so it does not only represent itself to potential customers, but also works to promote the site in search engines.

Broken galleries look very carefully. In them you will find photos of people on vacation, enjoying life, and the nature of the Canary Islands environment enhances this impression. The photo project "Future Pope" with its emotional pictures of new fathers are especially attracted.

Businessman portfolio - Labor book.

Detailed manual for photographers who want to make their portfolio competently and independently. Based on note: basic knowledge, private cases, minor differences that need to be considered if you work with the customer. Free photographers will also find useful information for themselves, because the basic principles do not depend on the genre, geography and others, external differences. To confess, as they develop in the profession, I even less notice that the role of the designer's portfolio or architect, for example, is something different from the photographer and it is not surprising, as the fact that the authors, like profession, distinguishes the specificity that It ignores, and creates a stamp, and the other notes, and finds his viewer.

I do not strive to move anyone, but I will not be misleading. In the compilation or in updating the portfolio there are no receptions, but there is a method to master times, and then go on your own, as you believe and feel: your creativity, your viewer. Please note that portfolio:

This is not a meeting of technically loyal work, but a selection of the works of the author who are united by style and topics, copyright.
It can be compiled both from the newest work and old, because the true, the most valuable photo is always out of time.

With the help of a portfolio, the photographer solves the task:

Creation of a single visual series, demonstration of narration.
Search for your viewer and drawing attention to your creativity.

The compilation of the portfolio is not a mad emotional impulse, according to the principle of "both at all and I", and a meaningful decision - to create a tool that will help get away from the mass, and convey your message to the audience with which the author has common views on life and values \u200b\u200bthat are reflected in the portfolio; That is why, I believe that the preparation of the portfolio is not a whim, and not the process, "left for tomorrow", but the primary task that the photographer if he reads these lines should be solved first, because:

Portfolio saves photographer time.
Portfolio demonstrates the skills and experience of the author.
The portfolio enriches the photographer if he updates it.

Photographic equipment is secondary, portfolio is the main asset of the photographer.

Basic knowledge is the volume of text. Of course, I will try to write compressed, where possible, but still, for convenience, I will make a list of chapters:

General recommendations for the preparation of portfolio
- Compilation
  - Study
  - Selection of pictures
  - Selection of format
  - Selection of registration
- Update
  - How often update portfolio
Instead of imprisonment

The first thing I would like to draw the attention of the reader is self-critical. Only a sober, removed look at her creativity will help to make a portfolio that will appeal to attract the viewer's attention. I understand it is difficult. But the first impression can be made (and do not be surprised) only once. Random work must be eliminated: passing and those who awaken our memories, which the viewer is deprived. If this is not done, you can independently make sure that the patience of man ends faster than it seems to us.

The second thing is necessary to remember, the portfolio is not a static product. As if ingenious and, I do not exclude, professionally did not make up the portfolio, once it will have to once again collect anew, because the creativity grows up, the client changes, or the place of residence, and the works that previously guaranteed cooperation is not enough for the customer, his View and thought, could understand the photographer. Hence the other advice, combine and constantly revise the portfolio, and if you stopped the frame - remove it; Do not be afraid of laconic series, be afraid of boring.

Compilation

If you do not have a portfolio - you have nothing to sell.

What thoughts to approach the preparation of the portfolio? Portfolio - a photographer tool and can not find a client without it? No, although they are useful, but it is better to think about a friend - in what sequence to work on a portfolio, who will be the first to see him, what sensations, thoughts and desires should awaken in a person with whom the photographer would like to work. In many portfolio guidelines, a common problem is visible - they call for the author to select the best pictures and presented. I suggest to do a little differently: think, decide whether to make a selection, think again, arrange and show.

Creating a portfolio - time, strength, financial costs. That is why, I propose not to hurry, and make up a viewer, and not your capabilities that will grow:

Master the technical skills - time, and its enough.
Extraked missing frames - a desire that will appear if you are busy.

More importantly, the other: themes that will unite work; Style, alone, and original. To you, and I, it was easier, I will describe the sequence:

Study
Selection of pictures
Selection of format
Selection of registration

Now consider all the stages.

Studying the target audience

The good portfolio is not all causes delight and it is normal, because among the audience, and it is also normal, not so many of our customers:

One like to watch.
Another is to discuss or condemn.
There are third - they like it, but they will not buy.

Therefore, you need to look for those who will understand our work and say: "This is mine! Tell me when you have time to be able to discuss the conditions of cooperation? " The portfolio must remove the viewer from the photographer's information field and attract the customer. How to do it? First learn everything charactersBut the first thing is to make a portrait of my client.

It is necessary to take into account age, profession, social status, if important - material and emotional data; Hobbies, habits, problems and desires (sometimes hidden, when the customer himself does not confess in them); Sometimes you have to take into account appearance, diet, music and cosmetics (related to it), preferred wardrobe, method of movement; Holidays, family and national traditions. There are many criteria, but they, as a designer, help not only make up the portrait of Central Asia, but also correctly pick up the quantity, theme, style, design (about which you should not forget) of your portfolio.

Selection of pictures

The market segment was chosen, the main actors were designated, it's time to take pictures, but what and how much? There is no uniform opinion, but there are important comments:

Quality. Stability in the works speaks about the level - the first thing to be taken into account during the selection. The rule is that the first and last 2 photos are important - erroneous, as well as the fact that in the middle you can mix weak work for quantity. All photos should be one for technical execution, or in style (not stylization). Somewhere I have long heard that one bad job translate 100 good; Social networks, such as VKontakte and Instagram, convinced. Snapshots are required to delay attention, cause a response to the heart of the viewer; Busy works can not be shown.
number. The optimal number of photos is 20. But the "screening" is better to start when 100 or more. Select 30-40 yourself best photosIn which you are sure, and show the rough version of the portfolio of familiar or loved ones who are strong in understanding visual art and are similar to the portrait of your CCA, and are ready to give a response to your portfolio. Snapshots that did not cause emotions, and you need to delete. If the work is more or less than 20, for example, 12 or 21, then nothing terrible, the optimal amount is not a tough rule, but a recommendation.

When you independently select the photos, it is important not to think about the numbers. More importantly - in what potential client It will be reflected (after all, as you know, we see it in the work of the author), what he will present his soul of the photographer. Contrary to collective opinion, the client needs confidence, so he looks at the portfolio; Who needs emotion, he asks - how much is it?

Selection of format

"Digital portfolio or traditional, decorated prints?" - the question that I often write, in emails, or in personal messages VK. I understand, relevant, but my opinion is consistently - a compromise. Look for it. Consider the benefits of a particular solution. The portfolio on the Internet is convenient, imprints - weighty. I propose to combine and find optimal, for yourself, combinations. For example, it is convenient to place prints in the folder, I don't like photo books, and I do not consider it all; But it is convenient for a meeting, the Internet site (personal choice), but options are significantly more:

Digital portfolio
- Personal site
- Social networks
- Photosight
- Slide show
- Photo Archive
Printed portfolio
- Print
- Pasparta prints
- Photo books

Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each solution.

Digital portfolio

Photos B. in electronic format - no dependence on geography, time saving, strength and the ability to demonstrate the portfolio in passive mode, as it is available, and works on the author, the clock. But there is a problem - technology. All devices are different, and their screens, for the most part, do not pass colorimetric setting, and what is unpleasant for us, the photo in electronic form is the glow on the screen, while prints and photo books - reflected light, like all the information from real Mira. We humble, read and choose one (or several) solutions for yourself that complement the prints.

Personal site

Benefits:

Confidence. Many do not know how the site works, but they understand the costs of the intentions of those who are inserted into the development and update. Other things being equal, the customer will look at the portfolio on the site, and not in social networks (for example).
Independence. From moderators, their mood and rules, technical restrictions and, most unpleasant, legal trading in a user agreement. Somewhere else happens, but in most cases: the service is not obliged, no one for the photographer.
Universality. Not need accounts, registration, personal data and any, to some extent useful, services. All the necessary information: contacts and price lists, frequently asked questions and reviews, can be collected in one project. Conveniently!
Quality control. As images so that the customer saw the portfolio in the most best of sight, without serious visible distortion and the surrounding space (in some projects, comments are needed, and there is no other, for example).
Management of attention. Your project is freedom of action. You can implement different material supply schemes to output the optimal sequence and portfolio viewing speed; Exclude distracting moments in the interface.

Disadvantages:

Long. Website - a separate project. It takes a long time to discuss, develop and, not yet the end, implementation; Next, tests, entry, promotion, constant monitoring and refinement: update portfolio, structures, etc.
Expensive. Creating and support in working condition - money, if not your own hands - considerable. We'll have to or learn (and this time and money), or constantly pay, keep on the balance sheet, a freelance employee (which is also expensive).
Responsible. The owner itself, but there is a limitation - the legislation of the Russian Federation.

Personal site, in my opinion, is the most convenient and qualitative option for your portfolio on the Internet.

Social networks

Benefits:

Fast. Completely configure the battery, place your portfolio and configure a public page or community, it will take less than an hour. Light in the advertising office, without which the presence in social networks is deprived of meaning, another one or two hours.
Is free. Relatively.

Disadvantages:

Addiction. From the leadership, the popularity of the selected platform; Mood and user agreement varies unilaterally. The photographer cannot withdraw all data after shift or leaving the site (Delete button - fiction).
Restrictions. Viewing portfolio is available without registration (if you do not limit this in the settings), but contact the photographer - you need an account. Publish snapshots - easy, but manage quality and sequence of viewing is impossible.
DISTRIBUTY. The practice of blocking Socredia, under one or another pretext, will be intensified. The impact of politics and augmented reality will result in disappearance, or a decline in popularity, domestic sites, and blocking of unwanted "other".

Social networks are a free platform, which is considered by each photographer. One in it sees the possibilities, the other is the restrictions: inconvenient navigation (the long path to the target increases the revenues of the owners), the distortion of color rendering (for 10 years nothing has changed in this matter), the lack of customization (design decisions can be left with them, no one considers them ); Sotsmedia can be viewed both an independent decision and as an advertising channel, for the influx of additional traffic to a personal site.

Photosight

Benefits:

Status. Portfolio on PhotovoGue is not easy, work is selected by the editors of Vogue.it; on mywed visible appearance wedding photo Runet; Behance is the association of talents, and employers, from around the world. Recognition among colleagues forms customer confidence.
Quality. Color profile From the file is not deleted, the optimal size of the photo, for the Internet, does not change; Colors are not distorted, the detail does not fall. It is on these sites that can, without fears, place your portfolio.
Is free. Pleasantly.

Disadvantages:

Addiction. A third solution is the dependence on its owners and photosaytes, alas, no exception. How much the publication will last how the project will change and what will happen if, for example, new design will cause hostility among photographer clients?
Sleepiness. Change the layout, recycle design and implement new technologywhich spied at the colleague - it will not work; The technical part is hidden from the author (and in many situations it is good, but still, the restriction is a flaw).

Photosaytes are closest to the usual site - allow you to place the author's portfolio and, that pleases, do not spoil the image. Provide convenient navigation and demonstrate the opinion of the professional board: editors and photographers; Of course, this is a possible, and largely controversial, argument is public opinion, but consider it if you choose the path of the free photographer.

Slide show

Benefits:

Is free. Regarding, because good is money. Free solutions - outside of Windows, for example, Linux, but to master this OS - time; Pick up the program - again time, figure it out ... Well, you understood. Relative advantage.
Qualitatively. The only limitation is srgb (but its photographer is used to take into account always: when printing, publishing on the Internet, viewing on devices screen). In other, we are limited to your experience or choice: rally no (photo and video).
Management of attention. There are no restrictions, except for the author's fantasy. You can manage and manipulate attention, and an emotional state, the viewer. It will be useful, and more than once, the experience of the bildrector, director, designer, marketer and psychologist.

Disadvantages:

Uncomfortable. Mandatory portfolio condition - update; Slideshow makes it excluding, because it is removed, add or adjust the sequence of photos - it is equivalent to creating a new project. Reminds card house.
Waste of time. As in the literal sense - to master the software, pick up the plot, tempo and music, and in the portable - not interesting, no one looks over. It took time.

Another 10 years ago this way of demonstrating the portfolio was convenient, but now, people do not want, or can not waste time on viewing a slideshow. Statistics, user experience and new Web development paradigm, convince us of us.

Photo Archive

Benefits:

No missing. This is not a portfolio.

Disadvantages:

Erroneous solution.

Send snapshots by mail so that the customer appreciates the level of work - probably once was in this sense, just for the portfolio it has nothing to do. Considering this version of the demonstration of their works can not, it is necessary to learn to select work and draw up thematic selections; To arrange them and provide the viewer with a complete product, and not a heap of fragments.

The electronic portfolio is part of the Internet marketing strategy that the photographer must, if not to say, is obliged to develop before will take the camera (which lies on the shelf in the store); From this position it is better to estimate the prospects for one or another solution, and not in the global, but in a narrower direction - for yourself.

Printed portfolio

Traditional portfolio, prints in a folder or photo book - an elegant and solid solution that is suitable for personal meetings with the customer, finding a mentor and a visit to a friend on the craft, with which it is better to communicate outside the virtual world.

Classic printed portfolio, unlike electronic, - tactile sensations, without which, sometimes, it is difficult to realize the real cost of the work. If the photographer decides to work with agencies or magazines, then without prints, he will not be able to declare himself.

Print

Benefits:

The photo. Real, desired. Liked paper, condition and print method. There are not semi-finished products in hand, but a complete product that is exhibited, fixed, is decorated and packaged.
Tactile sensations. Without them, the photo does not remain in memory for a long time. Our forces at the limit, the information field is overloaded and keep another picture in mind - it is difficult if you do not touch it with your hands, do not feel weight and texture.
Visibility in the reflected light. Traditional perception of information around the world. This is valuable traditional photography, despite the fact that for the most part, modern devices reproduce broader color coverage.

Disadvantages:

Expensive. Of course, depends on the format, the printing method and the type of paper, but on average the price of 40-50r to 900r for the A4 imprint. With regular updating and replacing spoiled photos, you will have to fork out the amount equal to the Medium-budget lens.
Shortly. Paper she is paper. Accidentally overturned the glass of water, or a cup of coffee, everything, a snapshot is spoiled, you have to replace. Additional costs of visiting the printing house and printing (cost costs).
Personal contact. The traditional portfolio requires, from the author, the ability to present, in many ways - to be interested in the demonstration of your product. Without sociability and the experience of the marketer can not do. Additional self-education is necessary.

Traditional fingerprints decorated in the album folder is not a relic of the past, but rather, on the contrary, the basic portfolio of the photographer. Other, more expensive and secure version - pictures are decorated on museum standards, consider them in detail.

Pasparta prints

Benefits:

Durability. The cardboard protects the imprint from the beggars and chips (in case of falls), but this is a semi-meter, because the main threat of photography is humidity and ultraviolet, which protects full design (baguette and glass). It looks expensive.
Visual perception. Pasparta is not just a piece of cardboard, but an additional, or that rather, an artistic element, a tool, with which it is quite easy to manage the visual perception of the client. The main thing is to choose the size and color.
Final appearance photo. Museum standard for design - 200 years of imprint, and aesthetic pleasure from viewing. The ideal version of the portfolio of a mature author, the owner of the photo studio.

Disadvantages:

Dimensions. The weight and size of the decorated prints are great, which makes them uncomfortable, I would even say - unsuitable for meetings outside the space where they are placed, and their own studio - prerequisite To accommodate and show this portfolio.
Cost. Quality is expensive, museum is even more expensive.

The pictures decorated in a classic passecut, complemented by baguette and museum glass, and marked by the author's personal seal - an expensive view of a portfolio, which is not convenient or, more or rather, unsuitable for meetings outside the photo studio.

Photo books

Benefits:

Conveniently. Most books are packaged in "boxes", wooden boxes that can be taken to meet or transfer to familiarize yourself. The format of the book is the value of "in taste and requirement", which is also convenient.
Origine. The book, in some sense, is the element of the brand. There are no restrictions on the layout or paper type, existing standards are a big convention, the restriction of those in whom there is no need to "find their".

Disadvantages:

Collage. Photo book - not a photo album; There is no scene in it, understanding the plot - a snapshot and it is bad; Fill the space and create visual noise that you can convey to the viewer - it is not clear. Photobooks are exclusively for serial filming.
Cost. High-quality product is expensive, packaging is even more expensive. "Paradox" is that the cost of printing is below the cost of manufacture; The photographer does not pay for the appearance, his duty is to make up for production. Although he needs a portfolio.
DISTRIBUTY. Print, for the most part, low quality, but often, the author does not know about it, because he will throw away the book much earlier, because the frame is outdated, how to update it? How to supplement the portfolio? That's right, printing in a new one.
Uncomfortable format. You can not update, it is impossible to be viewed with the customer: a frame, even if he is in turn, is small, to transfer it to it is not an easy task. It is impossible to hang on the wall, which eliminates the possibility of placing such a portfolio in the studio.

Photobook - a strange phenomenon. It is expensive and looks beautiful, but its main task, if you have "picky," performs perfectly. Of course, it accommodates a large number and, not surprising, compact, but whether it is when you work on a photo out of time?

The printed portfolio - qualitatively, solid and durable, but he has one common, and unpleasant, in the beginning, the problem is where to give outdated photos? Electronic photos, files on the disk, easy to remove, but what about the seal? I propose to give: those who are in the frame and those who are interested in these personnel. From the photographer will not lose.

I understand, genres and styles are different, but try to combine different formats, types and versions of the portfolio; Take into account the portrait of your target audience, so as not to make a mistake or in time to exclude the attention of those who take time, but will not pay labor. There will be questions - write letters, I will try to help.

Selection of registration

Registration begins with the choice of format. Optimal, for viewing from hand, 20x30 (A4), and this naturally concerns the printed portfolio. The basic design is a passe, but it is not used everywhere to use, in most cases - a folder (from leatherette or skin) and transparent photo storage files in it. there is ready solutions (on the Internet and beyond it), but better handmade, which does not limit the flight of fantasy; The main thing is not to forget that the alayer design is bad, and not because around the ignorance - they can not appreciate the "beauty", just the photographer should show photos, for the portfolio.

I can't say anything about the design of books, I didn't like it from the very beginning, and I use folders, in the near future - handmade, since it is possible and why not get away from an impersonal format.

The electronic portfolio does not need to be design (in the charm) and, rather, on the contrary, it requires cleaning: in social networks distracts advertising; on photosaytes - extra buttons and ads; Personal sites we port yourself. Look at the pictures and on the portrait of the target audience, think - that spoils the impression of viewing the pictures and is it possible to fix it; The design of the portfolio, like its compilation, is not to show everything that you can, but show what I would like to see the client; What would like to reproduce again, but at a higher level; Yes, the design of the portfolio is a demonstration of taste.

Update

Portfolio is not a static product. The photographer honle the skills, looking for new solutions - in the means of expressiveness, and inevitably comes to understanding: "We must change something!". This is where self-criticism comes in handy, the ability to figure it out (as F. M. Dostoevsky said); But just remove the "old" to give the "New" road - an error. "Production Date" is not a selection criterion; The photographer should understand - what pictures are missing in his portfolio, and what will change in his work, if you make "edits."

How often update portfolio

There are many opinions, but I believe that the portfolio is necessary once for many years. No, I'm not against small edits, but if the relevance of the portfolio is rapidly falling, for example, from the season for the season, it is better to make a portfolio re-(and advertising it well). The list below will list all thoughts on this issue:

The frequency of updates is the stability indicator, the completion of the portfolio. If not, or almost no, day without edit, then the portfolio is drawn up for a wide audience, and its purpose is simple - an increase in coverage. The price of its low, there is no value.
Schedule of updates - an erroneous phenomenon in the life of the photographer. A valuable frame appeared and he found a place in the portfolio - well; No - the reason to work further. A snapshot in the portfolio is not a fixed result, but the share of luck.
Updating portfolio - work on quality, not quantity. Sometimes, and nothing in this scary, add one frame and remove three, the portfolio decreases and empty files appear (about printing), but the general picture is clarified. Here is the price.

Competent updates allocate "Bones", the foundation, - photos of time; Show, attract attention, confirm the achievements, skills and experience of the author. Such photos lead the "viewer", the customer who needs the author, and not his price tag.

How to take pictures for updates

Opinion is not a dogma, but may come in handy to someone:

Ignore fashion, seasonal trends. The season of that ... this season ... Stupidity and Instagram do it yourself. Take into account the values \u200b\u200b(not material) of your client and publish photos out of time, in which you are confident, and the customer - found yourself.
Durability - the main criterion. Past snapshots or sketches - this is not what the years will live. Do not publish them even in Sotsmedia, teach yourself to see, and discuss only the fact that it is not deprived of meaning, value (bypassing the price tag).
Place the pictures in the portfolio that managed to forget. Like a snapshot? Hide it from myself for a month, and better - half a year or a year, to leave emotions, feelings, the thoughts with which this frame is associated. After a while, the frame is interesting - publish, no - in the urn of it.

Instead of imprisonment

Businessman portfolio - Labor book.

not loud words, but meek truth.

ADDED 05.01.2018

Peace to all, and passing light on the places of photographic battles.
Your,
Andrei Bondar.

Perhaps it will be useful to read: