Gee

Heey

I'm really new to this but i thought it was a great opportunity to learn new things and one day i hope to have a career involving photography. Anyway i was wondering if anyone could give links or perhaps any information on how to make a photography portfolio like how long it would need to be, what pictures you put in and really anything you know.

thank you.

snowbear

Is this for a specific purpose?

Art colleges typically want between 10 and 20 of your best images from the past two years.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Not to be rude but...how long have you been into photography?

It might be wise to get the craft of Photography more "nailed down" before worrying about going pro and getting a portfolio.

If you get to the point where your shots are noticeably "pro quality" then figuring out a portfolio will be the easy part.

I only point this out because I'm a noob and I know how long I have to go to get the skills necessary to get to that level.

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

rpavich makes a great point. Let me say this before I continue, I am not a professional photographer, photography is my hobby and I am always learning how to do things better. I have read many books on photography and practice what they have said (Bryan Petterson and those for Dummy books). Pro's in photography have dedicated there lives to capturing great images, the question that comes up a lot is are you willing to make that effort, endure the beginning pains of the starving artist? I am working on 365project.org, which is taking a picture a day and posting on that site, this is harder than it sounds. I state this to make the point that being a professional photographer is hard work. Remember I am someone who is observing this from the outside of that profession.

westernlifestyles Loc: NV

Gee, while you are learning, make sure that storage of your select prints is a priority. You can order portfolio storage boxes online or purchase at art stores, make sure they are acid free. You may want to keep your matting somewhat "museum" consistent (usually the same color of white). A brief introduction or short Bio letter is a nice detail. Best wishes, I think you are wise to prepare as you learn. Welcome to a fascinating addiction!!!! WSL

MWAC Loc: Somewhere East Of Crazy

what type of photography are you looking to get into? portrait, landscape, commerical product photography??? all have different requirements for a portfolio.

I also agree with rpavich, work on improving your photography before worring about a portfolio or turning pro (of course this is said before I have seen any of your work, you could be a natural.

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

Good advice!!
Looking forward to see your images!
Welcome to the forum!
Pat

Dryart38 Loc: Carlsbad, NM

Gee! Like MWAC noted find out what you really want to photograph before trying to put a portfolio together. Keep your photos together in proof sheets, with dates, and subject matter - I use clear sheet covers in a looseleaf notebook. I use Nikon Picture Project to transfer pix from my memory cards, and Picasa 3, to make the proof sheets and to also, store shoots, giving each shoot it's own number in the Picasa 3 folders. When I get too many folders on the pc, I save them to DVD's, from which you can make as many prints as you need. This way, you don't have to make prints of everything, which is a waste of money and printing supplies - photography is a very expensive business, so be sure you have all your resources before you jump in with both feet! "Nuf Said!" Good Luck!!!