Results 1 to 6 of 6

Thread: How many images in a printed portfolio?

Hybrid View

Previous Post Previous Post   Next Post Next Post
  1. #1

    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Berlin
    Posts
    51

    How many images in a printed portfolio?

    Hi,

    I am just about to finish a printed Portfolio to show to galleries and want to get your opinion on the optimum number of images to put in it. I am shooting for something like 20, but also heard of people including much less or more, some even making a photobook.

    As form of presentation I think about gluing the images on black cardboard and put them loosely into a nice box to allow easy flipping without touching the actual prints - any opinion on that?

    thanks, Thomas.
    Thomas Birke
    blog -> http://thomasbirke.com
    portfolio -> http://www.birke.net

  2. #2

    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Westminster, MD
    Posts
    1,653

    Re: How many images in a printed portfolio?

    There is no set number. Your portfolio is only as good as the weakest image. Play to your strength, not to a number.
    When I grow up, I want to be a photographer.

    http://www.walterpcalahan.com/Photography/index.html

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Aug 2000
    Location
    California
    Posts
    3,908

    Re: How many images in a printed portfolio?

    Most gallery owners dislike black mat board, and certainly black cardboard. Don't go for a number, go for your very best images presented in a professional manner.

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Berlin
    Posts
    51

    Re: How many images in a printed portfolio?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Noel View Post
    Most gallery owners dislike black mat board, and certainly black cardboard. Don't go for a number, go for your very best images presented in a professional manner.
    Why is that? Most images are shot at night and look best against a dark background. Any obvious reson I don't see?

    Otherwise, thanks for the advice. I think I will go with my current selection, since it's all what I would consider 5 Star images...
    Thomas Birke
    blog -> http://thomasbirke.com
    portfolio -> http://www.birke.net

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Posts
    9,487

    Re: How many images in a printed portfolio?

    For an in-person gallery interview, I'd do at least one image using the size and presentation that you wish they would use for display and sale.

    While traditionally photographers have used matted prints in boxes for gallery presentations, if your work is large or expensive to produce it may make sense to do one large sample and put the rest of the series in a sequenced portfolio book.

    Portfolio books are much better if you show your work a lot. Individual matted prints in boxes are easily damaged when many people look at them, and most commercial clients such as ad agencies do not wish to be responsible or careful with "precious" work. They flip through books much faster than you might like, but at least they look. Many won't bother with fancy presentations, they just want to see good pictures quickly and easily.

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    God's Country
    Posts
    2,080

    Re: How many images in a printed portfolio?

    Thomas,

    Aside from Frank's recommendation of the portfolio book, you might also want to take a look at the Folio cases that Jim Becia was offering up "For Sale" here on the fourm a short while back.

    They're terrific folios and Jim is a great fellow to work with.

    Cheers
    Life in the fast lane!

Similar Threads

  1. Images of mistakes - good or bad..
    By Emil Schildt in forum Image Sharing (LF) & Discussion
    Replies: 945
    Last Post: 24-Mar-2024, 17:58
  2. Beautiful Images... What Scanning Method ?
    By ashlee52 in forum Digital Processing
    Replies: 49
    Last Post: 13-Apr-2010, 13:16
  3. Resizing Images for Web - Frustrated!!!
    By Mike Chini in forum Digital Processing
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 30-Jun-2007, 10:18
  4. Web Sites - Protecting our displayed images?
    By Jack Brady in forum On Photography
    Replies: 22
    Last Post: 10-Aug-2006, 22:13
  5. Does Storing images digitally.....
    By Mark_3632 in forum On Photography
    Replies: 23
    Last Post: 25-Oct-2005, 15:22

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •