Saturday, November 24, 2012

Make Your Portfolio Scream Who You Are

Been thinking of joining the entertainment industry?  It's extremely simple to try it and get a taste of the life style.  However, like any other job, an abundance of hard work is needed to become a serious contributor in the industry.  The only thing you need to get started is a port.


A portfolio is a basic collection of pictures shot by/of you.  In other areas of the industry, it may be more dynamic to compose an audio clip that showcases other aptitudes.  Your port should be constructed of images that represent who you are and your relevant goals.  For example, a 5'2" hand model's portfolio would include pictures that established what type of work she is looking for.  It would be unwise and an inefficienf use of space for her to include runway or athletic shots.

A portfolio is merely a picture resume: it should be a small series of simple shots that display your talents, interests, and goals.  Start with what you have, a couple headshots, a body shot, and a swimsuit shot.  This is all you need to give anyone a glimpse of who you are so they are able to create concepts to shoot with you.  The more experience you attain and the more skilled you become will speak for itself as your port grows and new captures are added.  Remember that a portfolio is a small composite of your work, so as it grows, you should cycle out less recent or irrelevant shots so that it remains current. In this way, it is possible to control the type of work that presents itself to you because your desired role in the industry will be determined.  

One thing that I have noticed is that when a new artist enters the entertainment industry, they may not have the knowledge to focus their thought, efforts, and energy into one area.  The industry's size can be overwhelming and intimidating.  If you do not dedicate your talents to your prospective specialty, it will be reflected in your port and you will receive an unstructured variety of work.  Make sure you approach every task with intentions and objectives so as to continue gathering relevant experience and wisdom.  Concentrate your efforts and build a base beneath one centralized area so as not to confuse anyone watching you grow.

Being versatile is not a negative thing; one should take some time to explore the industry, as not everyone enters into the best field for them.  However, remember what it is you are centering your port around.  KEEP YOUR VISION CLEAR.  The correlations should make a spider-web pattern that is clean and crisp.  The more serious you are of remaining in the industry, the more effort should go into your port.  If you are enjoying a hobby, perhaps your collection should be one of playful images or one that expresses what draws you to photography.

Finally, your portfolio is your showcase.  Take the time to include quality pictures.  Rushing a shoot is the easiest and quickest way to sabotage it.  Good luck and be beautiful!

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