I need some guidance please - portfolio

Hi, I showed one of my prints to the manager of a local gallerey and she said if brought my portfolio in she would show it to the owner. I want to make a good first impression. What do I need to present to her? Matted 8x10's in some type of case or book? I have done some searches here for "portfolios" and came up dry. Thanks for any advice!

I would ask this question to the manager. Many times galleries will have a set of guidelines concerning work to be screened. If not, the manager would still likely know the owner well enough to know what they like things to be presented.

I have my prints matted and shrink wrapped to protect them. I didn't have them in a case or anything, just strapped together. I took them to a gallery last week, twenty of them, they are now on display there in a wooden crate that I made, with prices on the back of each one. The gallery takes 30%, I'm told that's about average, but I don't really know. They also allowed me to hang prints already framed by someone else, pretty nice of them I thought considering they are a frame shop too. I hope this helps you.

There's a rule of thumb that your potfolio is only as good as the weakest image. Resist the temptation to "pad" it with extras to get more volume. What they're interested in is the consistency of your work, along with the breadth. Better to have just a few really good ones than making them sort through the stinkers to get to the good stuff. Kind of a bad foot to get off on!

I use a black-on-black clamshell box like this one. Looks very classy. But I agree that you should probably verify what they expect to see.

Hey guys thanks! This is very helpful. Brent, that is exactly what I am looking for. Bill, yes I did ask that question when I visited the gallery and matted 8x10's are fine with them. Since I showed a her a very nicely framed 16 x 24 I don't want to skimp on the presentation of my portfolio. I am being very critical choosing the prints I will include so wish me luck.

...What they're interested in is the consistency of your work, along with the breadth...

Hank, I understand the consistency part but am having a hard time grasping the breadth aspect. In my [limited] experience with galleries they seemed more interested in depth than breadth. Can you please share your thoughts on this?

Thanks.

Hi Anil,

By "breadth" I'm refering to how diverse or wide the subject matter is. Galleries differ dramatically in their clientelle and other displayed work, with some specializing on themes or subject matter while others want a very broad subject matter or theme to appeal to the largest possible group of clients. It's usually a conscious decision by the gallery owners, and it's best to know about and respect their wishes in assembling a portfolio. No sense loading a portfolio with African wildlife shots when the gallery is known for and proud of its Southwestern landscape theme, to cite one possible example. At the same time another gallery owner might be looking for ways to diversify their displays and would look favorably on a portfolio that reached beyond local scenery and topics.

Does that help? A conversation with the gallery owner about suitable subject matter is in order, and I brought it up because John didn't mention it. If he's already got that info, so much the better.

Hi Hank,

Thanks for the clarrification. In my case, the art gallery directors were looking for a very focussed portfolio, irrespective of subject matter. However, now that you mention it, I can see where they might be interested in some diversity too. Therefore as you suggest it would be wise to have a conversation with the gallery folks beforehand.

one way around the depth vs. breadth issue is to give them a portfolio that works very well as a series, and then make up a sample sheet to stick in the back that has diverse images that showcases your whole range of talents. that way, if you happen to show them a series of landscapes when they were thinking more of portraits, they can still see your creative vision but also will be comfortable that you can do portraits. the contact sheet tool in photoshop is great for making a proof sheet of a few different types of shots.

Also, I agree witht he other comments on not padding the portfolio, less is more. I like to start with my second best shot first (to start them with a "wow") then end with my best shot, since people tend to remember the last image most.

good luck!