Portfolio question

[Dobick]

Wasn't sure which section this should go into, so I figured here would be ok?

My question is this:

In putting together a portfolio to show to potential clients, what is the maximum number of images that you would want to consider including?

My dilema is that I have shot sports, and some portrait, and then have my general photography of random places, things, etc.

I have the shots broken down into 4 categories, but in each category, I am having a tough time narrowing down past 60 or so images. I know that is way too many, but before I go any further, I would like to get a target number of maximum number to be included for each category, so that I have a goal.

The really sad part is, that if I was to be very critical, then I would probably only have 3 or four images total that I think are stellar, but if I loosen the critique, then I end up with 200.

I am not sure where the middle ground is? Outside help would be great, but enlisting someone to sift through 200 images of mine would be torturous to do to someone.

How much do you think it would cost me to get 4 or five people to sit down and rate images on a scale of 1 to 10, and then take the ones with the best score?


Wow -- long and rambling diatribe, but I guess I am seeking ideas to get down to some specific images that I can slide infront of a client, or direct them to on a website?

[d2creative]

The only advice I can give you is that you need to tailor your portfolio to each client, which means you need more than one or you need to have one that will easily let you change on the fly.
I'm also wondering how often a physical touchy feely portfolio is used anymore. Everyone just seems to want to look at a website, where it's easy to break down by category.

[ramblinray]

I wouldn't put more than about 15 images in a portfolio. They should obviously be your very best. I you want a second opinion on your choices, ask a trusted friend with an eye for such things. Like Dennis said, tailor your portfolio to the client. Perhaps you could have one with 3 - 4 images of each of your catagories with a total of 12 - 16 for three to four categories respectively. Then have your specific catagory portfolio with 12 - 15 images, containing the same 3 - 4 images as in your general portfolio. You always want to show your strongest images even if you have to repeat then from the general to the specific port. Be sure to arrange the images so that they lead the eye from one page to the next. I am sure there are others on here that can give you more help, but this is a start.