Introduction

To start a good career in photography, it is very important to have a good portfolio, mainly a website. Professional portfolio is the green card that will take your career forward as a beginner. A portfolio or website where you can showcase all your work will give you an edge over the competition and help you get the job done.We discussed the importance of Portfolio, now in this blog I will tell you how to build or create a rewarding portfolio as a beginner.

Shoot Friends

When you are just starting photography, then shoot your friends or family members and explore photography. Ultimately improve your skills, practice different lighting, read books and do lots of experiment in this phase, gradually your skills will improve and your portfolio will start looking better. All professional photographers start their career like this.

Example: Ask a stylish friend to model for you. Experiment with different locations and outfits to create a diverse range of images.

Collaborations

Collaboration is a very easy, traditional or best way to add highly professional images to your portfolio. Wherever you are, you can pitch your concepts/mood board to creative artists like models, stylists, makeup artists etc. who are beginners like you. You can reach out to them through social media or email and ask them if they are interested in your projects. And then you can shoot with them and improve your technical skills like lighting, framing, story telling while building portfolio.

Example:Team up with a makeup artist specialising in bold, colourful looks and a stylist focusing on vintage fashion. Together, you can create a unique editorial shoot that showcases your ability to work collaboratively and bring a strong vision to life.

Test Shoot

Test shoot is a very effective way to build a portfolio where you as a photographer pitch the concept to a professional model and plan the shoot. This can cost you a bit of production expenses but if you get a chance to work with a professional model, it is worth it because ultimately your portfolio is being built which will serve you well in future so consider it as an investment in your business.

Example: Organise a test shoot with a model and a makeup artist. Focus on a specific theme or style, such as editorial or high fashion.

Influencers Shoots

To get reach on your photography page and to get attention, you can shoot a few influencers as a beginner whose followers are more than yours, then you will get some benefit or see growth on your page. This could be an another good way to build a portfolio and reputation as a professional photographer.

Example: Reach out to a micro-influencer in your city and propose a styled shoot. Choose a location and concept that aligns with both your and the influencer’s aesthetic.

Brand Shoots

Everyone wants to earn money from their skills ,In order to do that in fashion photography as a beginner you will have to pitch to emerging fashion brands, local designers or shops to start your commercial photography career. You will have to gain their trust and convince them to let you shoot their dress/product. This will be the beginning of your commercial career and will build your commercial portfolio.

Example: Contact a local boutique clothing store and offer to shoot their new collection. This can involve creating lookbooks, product shots, or lifestyle imagery.

Conclusion

Building a strong fashion photography portfolio takes time, dedication, and experimentation. By actively seeking out collaborations, influencer partnerships, and brand opportunities, you can rapidly expand your skill set and create a diverse body of work. Remember, it’s essential to find your unique style and voice while experimenting with different concepts. Consistency and perseverance are key to building a successful career in fashion photography.

Frequently Asked Questions