How to create a successful photography portfolio

Jessica Miller speaks with a selection of photographers, curators, judges, and portfolio reviewers for their input

- Jessica Miller

Simply put, a photography portfolio is a curated set of photographs. It can be presented for exhibition, submitted to competitions, help build business or be just a personal selection of the best images you have made. It is likely you will build multiple portfolios in your photographic career. Regardless of the type of portfolio you are creating, the one thing that all portfolios require is some editing.

Understanding how to not only create, but select and edit, could make the difference in being shortlisted or winning in a competition, or to landing a professional commission.

Different competitions and exhibition open calls will have their own recommended number of images to include in a portfolio. The EISA Maestro Photography Contest requires five to eight images and Travel Photographer of the Year, four. But the rule of thumb is to select around 6-10. Your work itself will also influence how many images are needed; you may decide to include more or fewer.

Annaïck Guitteny
Garden and Flower Photographer
Websites: (Editorial) www.ag-photography.co.uk,
(Personal) www.flore-eau.co.uk
Instagram: @aguittenyphoto