 |
 |
 |
|||||
 |
 |
|||||
 |
||||||
 |
 |
 |
||||
 |
  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
A Book Review: "Portfolios That Sell"
The problem with so many of the "build cool portfolio" books is that they can challenge the reader with long winded and overblown explanations of what are fairly simple concepts. I know, - I have them all. Some date back 20 years or more and some are fairly recently published. One of them (the best of the bunch) is even near my desk as I write this. It will be retired. "Portfolios That Sell" by Selina Oppenheim will replace it. At its core, the book is as much about change in our careers, business, culture and lives as it is about photography. Change is upon us, and the confusion that is part of the change is probably the most frustrating aspect. Some are questioning their careers, looking for other avenues of photography in which to make a living. Some need to broaden their work and client base, or focus more on a specific field. Some of us have simply forgotten how damn much fun it is to take photographs and get paid for it. Selina presents what she calls the "Vison" portfolio. She explains it, shows examples and even creates a clear plan to develop your vision portfolio that only the most reticent among our craft will not be excited and energized to create one. Or two. Creating a vision portfolio is difficult, demanding work. You must explore your inner self to really discover what you want to do. What is it inside that makes you want to shoot incredible, inspiring pictures? What kind of pictures do you want to take? What kind of life do you want to have in photography? Hard questions to be sure, but Selina guides you toward ways to answer them, and create a new vision of your work. Detailed planning, reviewing, shooting, and even more reviewing can be frustrating and painstaking work. Good. Getting to the point that the new book has a resonance of its own is the goal of this exercise. Then get that resonance into the hands of people that buy. From the look and feel of your portfolio to the images that should be included, how many and what size, she shows examples and prods you to make your own decisions. Selina's experience in helping photographers rediscover themselves, change directions and simply build better portfolios makes this book so much more than a "how to". The material presented is easy to understand, and the samples are fantastic images by very talented shooters. I am strongly recommending this book to all of my friends and every photographer I know. It is a much-needed shot of creative fire that many of us can use. Buy it, read it and then work on your new 'vision' portfolio. From student to professional, you will be energized by the doing, and revitalized by the outcome. Now take that new portfolio, that new vision, and show it to everyone on your list. Get feedback and insight, and keep the process going. You may find a new excitement in your work, your images and your life. More information on Selina Oppenheim and her portfolio work can be seen at www.1portauthority.com
Reviewed by Don Giannatti
steel id
|
Do Business on the WebthePHOTOtool is a fantastic way to show more images, manage private (password-protected) galleries, manage and sell stock, sell prints and more...
Call Ron at 602 448 9292 or see the site for more information. Total Control SiteGet a custom designed Web site that gives you the ability to update your images, add / modify copy, manage your Meta Tags (for SEO) and run your own Blog. Easy to use and administrated from a browser based tool (which allows for updates from anywhere, this site is the most powerful way to show your work, keep your clients interested and gain prominence in the SE rankings. Call Ron at 602 448 9292 or see the site for more information. |
Portfolios That Sell is a well written, concise manual for those of us that want to change the flow of our work and our lives. Selina carefully explores the reason that the portfolio, in all
of its manifestations, is still so important today. Packaging and presentation can make all the difference in a successful showing, and she presents several well reasoned options for photographers to work with.  |