An Anonymous Art Producer Shares Her Thoughts on Portfolios and Websites

After updating our portfolios and websites in preparation for Le Book Connections in LA, we thought exploring art buyers thoughts on portfolios and websites would make for an interesting new series. We have a few more interviews lined up and will post them over the next few weeks.

In what situations do you review portfolios?
I do my best to look at photographer’s portfolios throughout the year, both within the agency as well as outside events such as NYC folio works.  It’s nice to meet with the photographer who knows the storytelling of the pictures in the book.   Although websites, if designed well, are fine too.

Do you ever have a need anymore to call a portfolio into your agency for consideration?  
Not really, the website is fine.  And the website can be sent around  globally.

What advice can you give a photographer trying to determine the right number of images to put into the portfolio?  
It’s not so much about quantity of images, but the quality of the images.   Younger photographers will have less than more seasoned photographers.  Same goes for the website.

Do you think showing tear sheets in the portfolio is important?
I like to see everything.  It’s all about the photographs, but for an advertising campaign, its nice to know that a photographer has the ability to work with an ad agency, and clients, and can handle a production.

Even though websites are the primary source for reviewing photography, why should a photographer still have a portfolio?
It is still nice to have a book, and keep it current. Everyone’s monitors are not the same when viewing.

What is your biggest pet peeve when it comes to websites?
Ones that are created with flash and cannot be viewed on my Ipad.  They need to be designed to view on any device.

Is it important to have multiple portfolios on a website or just one portfolio of hero images?
It depends on what you shoot, and how experienced you are as a photographer.    For example, it you are a “lifestyle” photographer who also shoots celebrities you may want two books.
Lifestyle is such a vast term with photography.  You could be lifestyle, but much more travel oriented.  Have a portfolio or website that shows what you do best with the best images.

Do you look at an entire portfolio online or just the first few images?
I do look at the entire portfolio when I am with a photographer.

Do you see any unique trends happening with websites lately?
I don’t know if I would call it unique, but the Instagram section sees to be more current and happening.

How important is navigation when reviewing a website?
Very important.  Should be easy to navigate with appropriate categories.  Not too much clicking through.

Do you ever use the Print Your Own PDF feature offered on some websites?
Not yet, but I do get tempted.