There are so many ways to present your images today. When you want to sell yopur images within the professional market then one way to do this is via a portfolio. If you are visiting a client then this is a good way to show them your work, as well as referring to your web site. But choosing the right portfolio can be very difficult, and this is the one opportunity that you have to amke an impression.
With the great variety and types on offer, re finish, size, binding method and cost.
The portfolio must be presented in a clear and logical way, as it does represent your work and methods to some extent, and be relevant to the job in hand. Don't forget that this portfolio will probably go through several hands and therefore needs to be robust as well as artistic, therefore durabilty, flexibility, persentation and cost will all need to be considered.
These are the parts to be considered:-
Bindings- needs to be flexible enough to update content, but depends on your type of work and how often you need to update. Permanent bindings are veruy good if you do not intend to update eg for 6 months.
Orientation - this is very much a personal choice and depends on the type and style of your photography. It is not a good idea to mix landscape and portrait orientation together. Consider using A3 eg then you can use a combination of portrait and landscape. Some books of photographs use this method to save the reader spinning the book round.
Robustness - Waterproofing, protective bags, slip boxes and a good binding help to withstand the elements, and being thrown around floors, couriers etc. Will the client put the cover on a again????
Size - This is purely a personal matter and to how you want to present your work. The most common sizes tend to be 14x 11ins A4 and A3. Depends on the siz eof your wallet!
Design - A smart and eye catching design can really work, but can be more expensive, but will stand out from the off-the-peg portfolios. Subtle personalisation will really work better.
Quality - Do you offer an quality photographic product? Your portfolio will reflect this. A bespoke or high end portfolio is a quality product and is an investment in yourself, as it demonstrates that you are serious and pay attention to detail.
There are many types of portfolio and listed below are some common types
Leather embossed portfolios- these are like books and come with a variety of binding methods
Ipad folio- to keep up with the latest the this folio has been designed around the apple ipad. Needs technical expertise to view though.
Machina presentation books- these are aluminium covers and lies flat when open, and nylon jackets are available to protect from light, dust and scratches.
Portfolio boxes - been around a long time in any forms, and is a very popular way of showing your images.
BUT YOUR IMAGES HAVE TO BE FIRST CLASS, WELL PRITED AND RELEVANT
