How to put together a photography portfolio

College Majors Visual Arts and Film Majors
1

<p>I'm not applying to art school, nor am I an arts major, but this is the forum where I'm most likely to find useful advice.</p>

<p>I'm submitting a photography portfolio to the colleges and universities I'm applying to. I've been taking courses in 35 mm black and white photo for 3-4 hours per week since sophomore year, done lots of independent work, have been featured in a couple local shows, and am the photo editor of my school newspaper. I've more or less selected the images I'm using for my portfolio, although I still need to cut a few.</p>

<p>*The local place I called to ask about getting slides done charges $400 for 7 copies of a 20-slide portfolio. Does this sound like a reasonable price, or should I shop around? I have no experience making slides and don't trust myself to do a decent job with it.</p>

<p>*One of the schools I'm applying to wants a date for every slide. Would that be the date I took the picture, the date I developed the film, the date I first printed the negative, or the date I printed the final copy that I'm using in the portfolio? If I don't have any of those dates (I hardly keep track), can I just write the year?</p>

<p>*Is the portfolio meant to showcase variety or focus? That is, should I include some of my more geometric compositions even though most of my work is portraiture and documentary/street photography?</p>

<p>*If you're not applying to art school, does a visual arts portfolio actually make a difference in admissions?</p>

<p>*Is there anything else I should keep in mind?</p>

<p>Sorry about the many questions, but I'm really anxious to do this properly, and my school's art department doesn't offer any guidance (I take courses outside of school because my school doesn't offer photography).</p>

<p>Thanks in advance!</p>

2

<p>Hi Camelia!</p>

<ol>
<li>Price of a professional
I really don't know the going rate for a professional. If your photos are digital, you may be able to convert them to slides yourself. Otherwise why don't you try taking a few slides yourself and see if you're happy with the outcome before you pay someone else. You are, afterall, a photographer so the situation is a little different from photographing your own sculpture. </li>
</ol>

<p>You should experiment with the lighting and triple check that your matting or background is absolutely spotless.</p>

<p>One of the schools my son applied to (I think it was Hamilton) accepted actual photographs, not slides of photographs. You should check.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Date
The year would be sufficient. They mostly want to see that your work is ongoing and current. I wouldn't stress too much over which date to use. Just be consistent.</p></li>
<li><p>What to include
Include your best work and don't worry about being all things to all people. This is a little different from the advice I might give someone who was submitting a multi-media portfolio or who was actually applying to art school. In your case you want to communicate creative talent and technical skill.</p></li>
<li><p>Does it make a difference?
In my opinion, yes. Colleges like to see evidence of creativity and intensive interest in the arts. Art is a difficult EC to document -- you don't become the president or captain. A portfolio can be the 1000 words that convinces them that you've something extra to bring to the campus community.</p></li>
<li><p>Anything else
I'd suggest including a resume that outlines your achievements, awards, accomplishments, classes, etc in photography. You might want to attach a letter of recommendation from a photography instructor or mentor. Also, a short but serious personal statement is especially important if you are applying to a college that focuses on theory.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Good luck and let us know how you do.</p>

3

<p>I don't know if this was addressed in another thread but I have a similar question related to visual arts portfolios. Most schools will allow an interview where they will review your portfolio in person. Some schools my daughter is applying to will only accept slides or digital images of her work on a CD. She did take photographs of her artwork to put on CD and print out 8 x 10's for one school who suggested she send the photos for her application in addition to her in-person review. She does not have any training or background in photography so I'm wondering if we should have her work professionally photographed. If so, I have a similar question that the OP had as to cost. I'm guessing it would be less expensive to have the work digitally photgraphed and put on a CD. If so, does anyone know a reasonable amount to expect to pay to photograph approximately 20 pieces? Thanks.</p>

4

<p>I was told by one professor to expect to pay $300-400 for professional photography of my pieces (about the same number). An in between that I'm thinking of is finding a photography student to do them from a local school- better than what I would do, but wouldn't expect more than $100-150.</p>

5

<p>oh, and to the OP: with regards to the dates, I'd try to at least pick a month to put down, that way they can see the development of your work a little more clearly.</p>

6

<p>larationalist - Thanks for the info. That's what I was guessing. Your second option sounds like a good idea. I'd hate to spend close to $400 for just the couple of schools she's applying to requiring the digital images.</p>