First question? Why do I need a portfolio, if I'm not necessarily planning on becoming a professional photographer? Or, possibly way down the road that may be a consideration.
But for now, I just plan on continuing to be an enthusiastic amateur photographer who would like to sell a few pictures occasionally.
The answer.
Amateur or professional, if you plan on trying to market you photographs, you need a good portfolio.
It's the same as a resume'.
The portfolio allows you to take your best works and put them all together in one place.
The portfolio comes in all shapes, sizes, and materials.
The elaborate portfolios made of leather and stainless steel are appropriate for the professional photographer, who is out there trying to compete for those high-level photographic jobs.
But, these types of extravagant portfolios are very expensive and not very practical or necessary for the amateur photographer who's just starting their first portfolio.
Concentrate more on the quality of what you're putting inside the cover, than the cover itself.
Spend the money you save on a quality camera bag, which will be a much better investment at this point in your photographic career.
Keep the portfolio simple and professional in appearance.
Avoid turning it into a scrapbook or a family photo album.
If you lean towards being artsy-crafty, resist the urge.
Even though you may be an amateur photographer, you don't want your portfolio to look amateurish.
Regardless of who's going to be looking at your portfolio, you want the cover to reflect the professional quality that you strive for in your photographs.
The size of the portfolio is determined by the largest photographs you put into it.
Normally, a case sized to hold 8 x 10 prints would be adequate.
But, some photographers prefer to use a portfolio that accommodates up to a 16 x 20 size print.
If you only do small prints, 4 x 6 or 5 x 7, then size your portfolio accordingly.
You don't want to have a huge portfolio, with a lot of small prints.
Now for what goes inside the portfolio.
Very, very important.
If not for a job, for yourself.
To show whoever picks it up and looks through it, your true talent.
One of the suggestions for the cover applies here also, keep it simple.
Don't put too many photographs in your portfolio.
Keep your photographs focused on one subject, especially if you are planning on trying to sell your work.
If you choose to have a few areas of interest, put together portfolios for each subject rather than combining them in one; landscaping, portraits, wildlife, etc.
Most experts agree that no more than 20 photographs should go into each portfolio.
Selecting your best work, to place in your portfolio, can be a difficult task.
Solicit the help of friends or family.
Ask them to be completely honest and be prepared for their constructive criticism.
Focus on the goal, which is to end up with your absolute BEST WORK, not ALMOST BEST, to put in your portfolio.
This isn't the time for sentiment.
That cute photograph of adorable baby Sally that's just a little out of focus, but soooo cute, needs to find its way back into the family photo album, not in your portfolio.
If you feel she warrants a place in your portfolio, take your camera bag and set up another portrait shot of baby Sally and get it perfect this time.
Plan ahead, so you'll have great photographs to change out some of your pictures.
You want the photographs to be perfect and focused on the subject you've designated for your portfolio.
Select the right type of camera bag that you can pack with all the lenses and equipment you'll need the night before your planned shoot, so you can take advantage of the early morning light.
Remember, when you go out with camera bag in hand to take those great shots, that you want them to deserve a place in your portfolio.