A photography portfolio is a collection of work that illustrates who you are as a photographer. A portfolio website takes this a step further and allows photographers to put their best work on full display for the world to see.
More than just a place to showcase your work, a photography website is also home for your brand and your business—a place to talk about your background as an artist, discuss the inspirations and process behind your work, and even sell prints of your favorite pieces. Essentially, photographer websites have become one-stop-shops for artists to build their brand and connect with collaborators and potential clients.
But what makes a good portfolio website? Here are three key things to remember:
Feature work that defines who you are as a photographer. While versatility is a plus in any creative profession, most photographers hone in on a specialization early in the game. This just makes it easier for you to establish your brand and make yourself more marketable to future clients.
As such, your photography website should comprise of pictures that speak to your brand. It isn’t just about posting high-quality photos—your work online should tell your story, whether that means you’re a fashion photographer with a flair for the dramatic or a food photographer who injects a lot of fun and quirkiness into your layouts. If you do see yourself as a jack of all trades, consider having separate pages or even websites for different styles.
Tell a story. Your work should be able to speak for itself, but that doesn’t mean it should do all the talking. People connect with stories, and the more context you add to a photo or a set, the more compelling it becomes. Talk about the inception of each project, what you did to prepare, even what headspace you were in when you were conceptualizing for it. Of course, don’t forget to introduce yourself and your background as an artist too.
Build a professional website. More and more photographers have turned to social media to display their work and connect with clients. While this is convenient, you need to remember that not everyone is on social media. Plus, a professional photography website can do so much more for you than an Instagram or Facebook page—think organized galleries, SEO, even an online store for prints and merch!
