How to make a photographic portfolio to win you work

A photographic portfolio helps you show off your best work, build a destination for people to view your work, and creates a powerful tool to help you win more work. Let’s take a look at how you can make a portfolio that works hard for you and helps you win work. You can also check out our video tutorial for a more in-depth look at how to make a photographic portfolio to win you work⁠(opens in a new tab or window).

Whether you’re just beginning as a photographer and starting to look for clients or, you’re a seasoned professional with an expansive network, having a beautiful portfolio that works hard for you, is crucial to building a rewarding and sustainable career.

Having a curated collection of your best work to share with prospective clients is the best and most powerful tool you have as a photographer. Because you can be amazing at client outreach, and be able to sell yourself and your services well, but ultimately, showing your work is the power move that will win you more work.

Some people find it easy to talk about their work, but most don’t and that’s okay. It’s an important skill to develop because it’s a critical skill to chat to clients and tell them your strengths. When talking – or writing – about your work, start with this question: What information does a potential client need to make the decision to book me?

It’s easy to focus on the technical aspects of your work, or get caught up in the creative concepts and layered meanings behind your work – and there’s a time for that, but probably not in your portfolio. Say you’re including some portraits in your portfolio. Instead of talking about the lens, camera settings, and concept behind the shoot, shift the focus to what you provided. For example, art direction, stills, and video for a digital marketing campaign.

On the Canva homepage, search for ‘Photographic Portfolio’ and start inspired with one of the hundreds of templates. Anything with a crown is for Canva Pro users and if you see something you like, preview it by clicking on the three little dots. Remember, templates are meant to be a starting point. Once you find one that has some elements you like, you can start customizing it to fit your style. Photographic portfolio templates are helpful to give you ideas about categories, structure and layout.

It sounds obvious but the singular most important bit of information you need to include in your portfolio – whether you intend to print it, turn it into a portfolio website⁠(opens in a new tab or window) or share it as an email attachment – is your contact details. And double-check they’re correct too!

For a more in-depth look at how to make an effective photographic portfolio, check out our video tutorial⁠(opens in a new tab or window).