Workshop with James C: Showing My Portfolio

What do I need to get across to art buyers, art directors and curators?

• You need to be able to talk about all of your images. Be confident to talk about them. If you're not confident enough to speak about them then they're not your best work!
• Show that you're a good communicator/able to work with people confidentally
• Highlight any technical skills shown within the images
• Be enthusiastic! Show that you're interested and love what you do. They are more likely to take someone on who will enjoy what they're doing. 
• Don't be shy to talk about any experience. But don't be over-confident about it. Name drop during certain images if it was quite an important experience or someone they may know of. 
• Show commitment 
• Show resilience 
• Overall... show professionalism

 During the class we were asked to put the labels in order of what we thought was most important. As a group we decided the most important thing was professionalism. You could have great stuff and a positive attitude but remaining professional about it is key. Childish behaviour or over-confident about your practice could put someone off and believe you're not taking it seriously. Others within the class chose visual approach. This is the order of the rest of the pack... professionalism, drive/energy/passion, interests, visual approach/creativity, tenacity, personality, commitment to practice, problem solving, positivity, technical ability and prestigious clients.

We were then asked to place them in order of 3 groups. What should be shown in your work, what should be shown in yourself and what should be shown in both. 

Shown in your work: visual approach and technical ability

Shown in yourself: professionalism, passion, creativity, tenacity, commitment to practice, personality, interests, prestigious clients

Shown in both: energy, drive, positivity, problem solving

When talking about certain pieces of work where it holds an interesting story behind it, mention it. Anecdotes when something went wrong but worked out in the end can show problem solving and professionalism. 

Today's session was really helpful and has definitely given me some advice to take with me if I am to continue with photography and bag myself an interview! Some of the advise I would have assumed but the information about the anecdotes I wouldn't have thought about. I thought an interview would be quiet and without the photographer but I have now found out that you would be with them when they're looking at your portfolio.