What makes a good portfolio?

[texkam]

I can tell who is a beast here on the Forum just by looking at their digital images. I could certainly hire based on some of the work I see here. I guess what I'm saying is I don't need to see nice prints to tell who can shoot. If hard copy presentation is relevant to the position then by all means print them up, but I wonder how much of this is "old school" mentality on the part of ADs and/or editors. ..."Well I had to have a printed portfolio back in the day so that's what I need to see." Maybe a little bit of snobbish elitism going on? I know a very progressive school principal who can't stand to hear teachers and administrators say.. "Well that's the way we've always done it."

[mschulz]

Originally Posted by texkam

I can tell who is a beast here on the Forum just by looking at their digital images. I could certainly hire based on some of the work I see here. I guess what I'm saying is I don't need to see nice prints to tell who can shoot. If hard copy presentation is relevant to the position then by all means print them up, but I wonder how much of this is "old school" mentality on the part of ADs and/or editors. ..."Well I had to have a printed portfolio back in the day so that's what I need to see." Maybe a little bit of snobbish elitism going on? I know a very progressive school principal who can't stand to hear teachers and administrators say.. "Well that's the way we've always done it."

It's the reality. Call it old-school call it whatever. If you're going to meet with an art buyer at an agency they expect you to bring your book. Just returned from a trip. Met with three international agencies and all expected to see my printed book.

But that's just my $0.02 experience. If you prefer to show your work on a laptop screen while sitting in that office (if you get that far) that's your choice :).

It all depends on your audience and who you're dealing with.

[toverman]

As for me, I was talking as (former) editor of a small publication. I didn't have time to deal with discs and whatnot. I only had time to review portfolios that walked in the door with photographers, and then decide then are there whether or not we'd give him or her a shot to freelance. Landing a staff job at a major publication is a different animal entirely.

As far as "old school," I bet there are still some working curmudgeons who insist on seeing slides.