How many pictures should I put in my portfolio?

[dancinmyazoff]

I'm creating a (physical) portfolio to bring with me on an interview and was wondering how many pictures is just enough to put in there? I don't want to put too many but I don't want to not put enough. Where would that happy medium be? Thank you.

[stathunter]

For a physical portfolio of prints I would think that a book or two of 20 pages - with 8x10 prints would work.

[giuliasmith]

12-15. 10 is too little, any more than 15 and the viewer may lose interest. Also, make sure you put your 3 best shots in first, middle, and last. Mix your others in between.

[dancinmyazoff]

Thank you for your replies. GiuliaSmith: That seems like a very good approach!

[giuliasmith]

Has worked for me so far ;)

My strategy is give them a great first impression, catch their attention again half-way through, and then, BANG!, my favorite shot last, so they will remember it.

One other tip - I use 8x10s in an 11x14 portfolio. That way, they won't have to keep rotating the portfolio to view each shot. Even if they are in landscape or portrait orientation, they will be facing correctly.

Good luck!

[dancinmyazoff]

Thank you again. I created a new post asking for some suggestions of which pictures to include in my portfolio. I would love some of your suggestions. My photos are in my Flickr.

[aram535]

I don't know if this applied to you or not, but I have very directed portfolios. Each one is directed toward a specific company. But I usually include the top 5 images that don't relate -- in the back with a tab separating them out of the main portfolio. I think a good 10-15% of jobs that I have received have been from those, where what I do doesn't match what they want, but than they have another project that will work with my style.

[Jacobredphoto]

I'm also in the process of creating a portfolio so I hope the OP doesn't mind this question, if you do just let me know and I'll erase this :). Can you include multiple images from the same event, for example if I went to a concert could I include maybe 2-3 of the best images from that concert and include them?

[giuliasmith]

I'm also in the process of creating a portfolio so I hope the OP doesn't mind this question, if you do just let me know and I'll erase this :). Can you include multiple images from the same event, for example if I went to a concert could I include maybe 2-3 of the best images from that concert and include them?

I don't see why that would be a problem. That's how my porfolio started out until I got more and more work, then I gradually replaced some of the images with better ones :D.

[dancinmyazoff]

I'm also in the process of creating a portfolio so I hope the OP doesn't mind this question, if you do just let me know and I'll erase this :). Can you include multiple images from the same event, for example if I went to a concert could I include maybe 2-3 of the best images from that concert and include them?

Of course I don't mind. I don't see why more than 1 image from an event would be a problem especially if they are strong. The only thing I would stay away from would be if they were both very similar shots.

[dancinmyazoff]

UPDATE: I was hired! He loved my portfolio and said that I have a very creative eye! He's taking me under his wing and going to show me the ropes!!!

[aram535]

Congrats. I was just going through your samples on Flickr, 32 and 54 are fantastic. Where on Long Island is the job?

[aram535]

Of course I don't mind. I don't see why more than 1 image from an event would be a problem especially if they are strong. The only thing I would stay away from would be if they were both very similar shots.

From what I have been it's actually a very big no-no. I guess it depends on the type of contract you're applying for and how good of a shot it is. Also, if you're looking at a internship or a school than they wouldn't expect you to have years of shots to pull from.
In Sports, one or two repeats is ok, but if you're entire 40 image portfolio is from 5 games, you're in trouble.

[Jacobredphoto]

Of course I don't mind. I don't see why more than 1 image from an event would be a problem especially if they are strong. The only thing I would stay away from would be if they were both very similar shots.

I didn't think it would be a huge problem, especially considering my age. I wouldn't think they would expect someone as young as me to have a decade of experience, haha.

UPDATE: I was hired! He loved my portfolio and said that I have a very creative eye! He's taking me under his wing and going to show me the ropes!!!

Congratulations, keep us updated on how everything goes :).