Need Help Creating Photo Portfolio

[p4R4d0x]

So some of you know I take pictures as a hobby. Apparently my girlfriend showed a couple of my pictures of her nephew to her boss at my university, and they somehow made their way to the person in charge of hiring freelance photographers for the school. That person just emailed me asking if I would be free to do freelance work for them, and if I could share my portfolio with her and her staff who evaluates/chooses the photographers. Here's my problem: I don't have a portfolio! I would really, really love to do this, though, so if you have a few spare minutes and are bored, I would really appreciate it if you could look through my Flickr and post a few of what you consider to be my better images. I realize most are crap, and probably not what they're looking for, but like I said, I would really like to do this and it's hard for me to evaluate my own pictures because I don't know if I like a picture because I took it, and know what went into taking it, or if it's actually good, so any input you have would be great.

Thanks so much in advance!


My Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alstauffer/sets/

[Rob®]

You should probably take some new ones. I know a certain couple that would be up for some engagement or animal/family pictures. :cough: me :cough:



Please note I said that not looking through your link

[p4R4d0x]

You should probably take some new ones.

I read that and was like "Ouch.."

I know a certain couple that would be up for some engagement or animal/family pictures. :cough: me :cough:

It would be good experience for me, since I haven't yet done a shoot that wasn't just something for me, and you're very helpful on the boards here, and people-photography is probably my weakest area I'm sure I can try to help you guys out. What kind of animals do you have? Do you have a location in mind for the engagement photos, somewhere that might mean something to you two that might make a good background? I don't have a studio or anything..

[Rob®]

We've actually been going back and forth on dates with our wedding photographers for our engagement pics. I was just throwing that out there to help you, and yes, just give us more options of pics to use. We don't actually need them in the sense that we aren't already getting any.

The animals: We have a 2-year old Papillon (will be 2 in three days), a fat ass 5 or 6 year old Chihuahua, and a cat. The Chihuahua would sit still for pics no problem, but the Pap not so much. Our cat is so black you can't get good pics of her. I just want a huge fireplace-sized picture of us all (wifey and I with the 3 critters) that I can photoshop different outfits on for the various holidays. So again, that was sort of a joking but serious suggestion.

As a fully legit suggestion: See about "trade for pay" pics to add people pics to your portfolio. When I used to do a tiny bit of modelling (seriously), that's usually how new photographers would start out. It would get me more pics for my portfolio for no cost, and would get them the same as well. No money would be exchanged and expectations were usually in line with that. Works very well for people that either want to get into modelling or just don't have the money to pay for professional pictures. When I moved out here that's how we got a few pictures for free (my "cowboy" pics on facebook for anyone that saw them), and once I get back into shape the same lady wants to do another shoot. She's been mentioned on the cover of some major photographer/model magazine in the last year, but she was just barely starting when we did our TFP shoot. Oh, and she was hired by TCC to do a 12-picture shoot this past year. Just something to consider if you're trying to get your foot in the game.

[p4R4d0x]

Ah, that's good - As I said, people-photography is one of my (many) weaker areas, so it's good to hear that I would just be the bonus/backup. A lot less pressure. If that is something you'd like to do sometime let me know - it certainly would help me.

I was having a hard time picturing a fat chihuahua, since the old taco bell dog is pretty much the only one I could recall, so I google'd it, pretty entertaining I do like taking pictures of animals though, probably 50% of my Flickr is taken up by pictures of my cats..

Thanks for the 'trade for pay' tip. I probably won't have time to set something like that up in time to answer her email, but I will have to keep that in mind for the future - did you do this on craigslist or something, or somewhere more legit?

[Rob®]

I'd be a bit nervous about the people you'd find on craigslist, but it would certainly get you more practice, both with pictures and just dealing with people you don't know while taking pics of them. Find friends that have children, babies, new puppies, etc. Generally they want as many pictures as possible, but not enough to pay a professional photographer. So you get your practice, they get their free "semi-pro" pics. Eventually they tell their friends, and it goes on and on until you feel like you're ready to start charging (if ever). Just ask them if they post on facebook or some other site like that they at least tag you (watermarks on facebook pics are eh to me, but I'm not a photographer). I'm not a facebook fan, but it certainly has its uses. Even if you just use it for the "business" side of what you want, you'd probably be surprised how much more exposure you'll get over time.

The lady we met through some housewives club thingy my fiance joined when we first moved out this way. She was at the point where she was just taking pics of friends: we were the first, if not one of the first friend of friends she shot. Shortly after she started charging families/babies/etc like $20 a shoot. Her prices kept increasing as her skills did. Almost positive she does it professionally/full time now. And like I said, it's been two years at most since she started.

And our Chihuahua is 14 pounds. He's a fatty. Picture a football with skinny legs. Pencil-thin legs.

[Ataim]

Can find out exactly they are looking for in your photographs. Although you have a large array of pictures, targeting them would be the hard part. Are they wanting sports, architectural, students, or photos to go along with editorial pieces?

[p4R4d0x]

Can find out exactly they are looking for in your photographs. Although you have a large array of pictures, targeting them would be the hard part. Are they wanting sports, architectural, students, or photos to go along with editorial pieces?

They weren't very specific.. Her exact words were "Are you ever available for freelance assignments? Would you be willing to share your portfolio with me and some others on my staff who evaluate and hire freelancers?"

I had to move quickly so I could respond, so I ended up setting up this:

http://shownd.com/alstauffer


I think it turned out alright, though I'll definitely be replacing a lot of the pictures..

[onething]

When I worked as a photog many years ago, I did the tradeout with students at a friend's modeling school. Most of my experience at that time was more product than fashion, and it gave me some good experience. Also, the owner of the school would critique both my work and her students from the same shoot. It was a win-win that led to some freelance gigs and a one man show.

Your stuff is good. You should persue it far enough to know if you want it to be more than a hobby.

Dealing with clients drove me into another line of work.

[p4R4d0x]

When I worked as a photog many years ago, I did the tradeout with students at a friend's modeling school. Most of my experience at that time was more product than fashion, and it gave me some good experience. Also, the owner of the school would critique both my work and her students from the same shoot. It was a win-win that led to some freelance gigs and a one man show.

Your stuff is good. You should persue it far enough to know if you want it to be more than a hobby.

Dealing with clients drove me into another line of work.

Thank you for the kind words :)

I would love for this to be more than a hobby. <snippity snip..>

Was there anything specific about dealing with clients that drove you away?

[onething]

Thank you for the kind words :)

Was there anything specific about dealing with clients that drove you away?

Mostly, it was telling me too much personal information

Seriously, it was a combination of things:

1. I hated dunning people. Because photography is something 'anybody can do', nobody ever likes paying for it.
2. Do what they want, and half the time they have a better idea and want it redone for free (see #1).
3. Nobody ever likes the way they look. If you take their picture and it is a perfect likeness, 90% of the time it is your fault.
4. No salary and no benefits. I like a steady paycheck. Some people don't need that, and enjoy the fear of not knowing if they can pay their bills; I still like a steady paycheck.

[p4R4d0x]

Mostly, it was telling me too much personal information

Yeah, oops.. I removed it. I was frazzled.

Seriously, it was a combination of things:

1. I hated dunning people. Because photography is something 'anybody can do', nobody ever likes paying for it.
2. Do what they want, and half the time they have a better idea and want it redone for free (see #1).
3. Nobody ever likes the way they look. If you take their picture and it is a perfect likeness, 90% of the time it is your fault.
4. No salary and no benefits. I like a steady paycheck. Some people don't need that, and enjoy the fear of not knowing if they can pay their bills; I still like a steady paycheck.

None of those sound like all that much fun, but I could definitely see it being the norm. I like a steady paycheck as well, so that's all good to know..