A couple portfolio questions

[FatCat0]

I'm not quite ready to start a job in photography yet, but I figure it's never to early to start getting whatever I can ready. So I figure at some point I'm going to need a portfolio. I've never made anything of the sort, so any general tips would be welcome, but I have three specific questions.

1: Do I need permission from subjects of a photograph to use them in a portfolio?

2: Should a portfolio be diverse or specific in subject matter? Or does it depend what sort of job I am shooting for?

3: About how many pictures should I shoot for?


I had another question but it fell out of my head before I got here, so if I remember that I'll add it.

Thanks much in advance =)

[adam8080]

1: Do I need permission from subjects of a photograph to use them in a portfolio?
No. As long as you own the images, then you can use them.


2: Should a portfolio be diverse or specific in subject matter? Or does it depend what sort of job I am shooting for?
Some people have multiple portfolios. One for sports, one for weddings, one for photojournalism, etc.


3: About how many pictures should I shoot for?
5-12? It all depends really. I'd rather see 5 good images, than 12 mediocre images. You can always show them more pictures later, but get your foot in first.

[tim]

I have a model release for everyone in my portfolio - my website's my portfolio. They've all been paying customers though, but starting out you could do free/cheap in exchange for model release.

My wedding photography website has hundreds of pictures, most on the blog.

[PhotosGuy]

What is your portfolio (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=443217)