In the Q&A on Instagram, an intermediate photographer inquired about how to build a portfolio. I’d like to expand on that here.

Who needs a portfolio?

If you’re seeking paid gigs and want to attract clients, a portfolio is essential. Potential clients typically want to see examples of your past work. Your portfolio should reflect the type of commercial jobs you aspire to land. Tailor it to appeal to your target audience.

How many photos should you include?

Start with 100 images, then narrow it down to 50, then 25. Organize these into 3-5 themes or series, ensuring each series tells a cohesive story rather than presenting random unrelated shots.

Subtract

You might think that showing more is better. In reality, it can indicate a lack of confidence in your work.

Another important note is to showcase your most recent work, ideally from the last five years. Presenting work that dates back ten years can suggest that your newer creations aren’t as strong as your earlier ones.

How to curate your best work?

Quality over quantity. If you’ve captured images from 20 concerts or weddings, you don’t have to show them all, select only the photos that showcase your talent.

It’s common to feel emotionally attached to our photos because we put in effort and have connections to the people. However, from a client’s perspective, these images may not be as appealing as we think.

What is your strongest work or area of expertise?

If you’re struggling to choose your best work, seek feedback from someone experienced. Sharing your portfolio with fellow photographers or mentors can provide valuable insights. Constructive criticism can help you refine your selection.

Where to showcase your portfolio?

Presentation is the key. Since most people view your portfolio on their phones, it’s essential that your portfolio page is mobile-friendly and loads quickly. Additionally, aim to minimize the number of clicks required; this allows your audience to scroll through effortlessly.

Paid Option

Creating a professional website has never been more accessible. AI-powered tools and intuitive drag-and-drop templates simplify the process. They eliminate the need for coding. You can host content on your own site or opt for professional platforms like WordPress, Squarespace and SmugMug. Just remember that paid options usually involve annual fee for hosting and a domain.

Free Option

If you’re a Lightroom user, you can launch a web gallery in just 30 seconds.

Here’s how:

Step 1 / Select the photos from your gallery
Step 2/ Share → Get Shareable Link
Step 3/ Customize the title of your album
Step 4/ Copy the Link

Even on the free tier, your Adobe ID unlocks the quickest path to a professional online portfolio. You won’t spend a dime on hosting.

Pros and Cons

You’re all set! Anyone with the link can view your album, and your clients can leave comments and likes for feedback.

The free plan’s 5GB storage is great for JPEG, but it’s not intended for RAW photo storage. Use it strategically to showcase your best work!

Alternative

It’s worth mentioning that Canva also allows you to build a website using their .mycanva.site extension. However, designing and adding pages there can be time-consuming.

In contrast, the Lightroom app is much more intuitive, you can launch it in just a few clicks.

I’ve made a reel showing exactly how it works; check this out ↓