I have a handful of friends who are CRAZY talented at photography and they are only in college! They get major gigs from weddings to senior pictures, so they know a thing or two about building strong portfolios.
I picked their brains to see what they recommend …
When it comes to actually taking the photos you should consider this:
“I’d probably say that you should photograph and focus on what you’re attempting to portray. What are you trying to convey to the viewer?
For example, if you’re trying to shoot an engagement session, you really want to focus on capturing the intimacy between the two people you’re shooting. You really want them to look comfortable and themselves in the photos and not staged/posed.
If you’re shooting a clothing line… you want to shoot it in the people you are wanting to wear/buy the pieces. Like, if you were shooting pieces for Free People, you’d want the models to look more whimsical, creative and unposed as possible and you’d edit the images with more of a film look. It’s important to consider the store/brand’s aesthetic when shooting for them. You’re trying to build their look and make their brand more coherent with your photographs. ”
This increases your chance for referrals and gives your photographs purpose!
Also:
“Building a strong portfolio is essential to getting the clientele you desire. You always want to make sure that the work you are creating not only pleases your client, but also the vision you have for your own work.
It’s important to always keep in mind what you are shooting as well.
With portraits, you want to make the individual feel comfortable and pose them in ways that are flattering to their bodies as well as their personalities.
If you are shooting a couple, you want them to feel at ease and let them interact together to get the true emotion they are feeling towards each other.
When building a portfolio it’s really vital to practice and make sure that you are capturing the look you’re wanting to achieve, so when you show people your portfolio they can see your vision for your work.”
I agree! Make an effort to show that your pictures have a purpose and direction. Pictures are worth 1,000 words and people like photos that tell a story!
Good luck and have fun!
A special thank you to my friends for providing awesome advice!