How do I build a portfolio to demonstrate my work?

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Question from Kat: “Hello everyone! I am looking to build a portfolio to demonstrate my work and would love suggestions to help me get started. I primarily shoot children, but have also done seniors, couples, (some landscape), and youth sports. I’d like to (eventually) dabble into weddings. (I realize I haven’t found my “niche” yet.) My questions are: (see below)

1. What size photographs are best (is 8×10 to small)?

2. What should I include (date, location, shutterspeed, aperture??)

3. How many images should I include?

4. Can I use color or should the photos all be b&w?

5. Do you recommend a brand/style portfolio??? For now I plan on showing my portfolio primarily to local businesses, and individuals (potential clients). Thanks so much!!!

Bill: u shot school pics.

Dena:  I made a photo book on Shutterfly with some of my work in it.

Ruby:  Edibooks from Edibility Solutions are great, and you can add additional pages later. They’re beautiful and economical.

Scott: 1.Well, it used to be the larger the original the better.2 A log of all data is useful. 3, Good question. 4. Most people prefer the razzle dazzlee of color, I prefer of black and white (but then I go back to film in the darkroom.) Just go along and adjust and tune along the way,

Kat:  Thank you so much for the feedback!!

Mollie:  If you’re looking to book clients, the settings aren’t necessary I don’t think. I feel like that’d ruin the “magic.” =]

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