Reply To: Portfolio

[Nicolas]

Hi @billkuiper

If I was asked to prepare a portfolio (for example, because I’m am being featured in a magazine article) without further context, I’d interpret this as the editor wants a selection of my very best images, 10 to 20, and that provides a good overview of what my photography is about. Now as an artist, I am free to decide if I don’t want to include images of a particular style/subject I used to shoot a lot 10 years before, because I don’t like that type of imagery anymore.

But usually you get more context when being asked to come with a portfolio. For example in competitions, you’d have a set number of images (maybe 6, 10 etc.) and guidelines: “cohesive body of work”, “representation of the breadth of your work” or “ a series that tell a story”.

If theres is no such guideline, then unfortunately the jury will be left picking between sets of strongly related images and sets of images showing a broad range of skills, both having their merits.

Back to your question, is this set of image a portfolio? Again it depends on the theme/who you are presenting to. Knowing you, I’d say this isn’t representative of your complete skillsets (I can’t see any wide angle), but if the theme was “macro portfolio” then why not.

One thing is sure: a successful portfolio need to have all images at a consistent “standard”. Otherwise, the weakest photo takes down the whole set. I like a lot your images 2, 3 and 4, but the nudi doesn’t feel part of the same class.

• This reply was modified 1 month, 1 week ago by  Nicolas Remy.