I'm in the process of putting my portfolio together. I have 18 11x14 prints and a large clam shell case. What I need to know is how I should present my images. Should each print be matted and encased in mylar (as one of my instructors did her portfolio)? Or, should each print be on its own (no backing, no mylar cover, nothing), as another one of my instructors did his portfolio? There seems to be a great deal of variety out there and I simply want to put my best, most professional foot forward.
is this going to be a commercial portfolio or fine art? Either way skip the mylar it's distracting and makes the work hard to view. It's so easy to make new prints today if they get damaged just swap them out. If your going for galleries matted prints make a nice presentation (although heavy to ship). Commercial folks probably wouldn't care for the matted work. Most commercial portfolios these days are more book like.
I would mat or mount them so all the mats are the same size and fit nicely into the case. I had a similar clamshell case when I used to show large format transparencies. Don't use the Mylar.
Posts: 608 | Location: Los Angeles, where fun goes to die. | Registered: 25 October 2000
I'm a Graphic Designer and as I'm interviewing for jobs, I have been told not to have both. A physical portfolio, and a digital one. Digital may be the way the world is going, but everything looks different in actual print. So they like to see how it would look if you printed it.
I'm a fine art photographer and have both, website and physical portfolio - it is always the portfolio that wins the clients over, they love to see the photos in person - always have them mounted and matted in simple off-white archival cotton or linen blend, all same size and present them by theme and orientation - also have a write up about the printing process and archival quality, together with your tearsheet or one of your best shots with your CV printed on back - leave business cards and make sure you answer the phone! Take care and good luck Lucia http://www.recordingbeauty.com
As a Advertising Photographer I can tell you that I have 10 books as well as my website, my reps site, Workbook spread, Workbook Online & the Blackbook Online. All of the Workbook spread as well as the Workbook & Blackbook online portfolios are for the purpose of helping Art Buyers find me and then a book is ALWAYS called in.
Currently right now - 7 of my books are out across the country.
Posts: 2144 | Location: Chicago | Registered: 21 January 2001
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