gallerytk Posted December 3, 2007 Share Posted December 3, 2007 What is the protocol for portfolio submission these days? I know this may vary depending on the type of photography etc. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Laur Posted December 3, 2007 Share Posted December 3, 2007 To a gallery? To a school? To a stock agency? To a publisher? To a competition's jury? To a possibly hiring journalism entity? Each of them have different requirements and operate at different paces with different players. But they pretty much ALL have web sites that would go into those details and help you to provide what they'd want in exactly the format that makes it work best for them. It is all about them, so that's where I'd start. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gallerytk Posted December 3, 2007 Author Share Posted December 3, 2007 To an advertising agency that may need some freelance work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Laur Posted December 3, 2007 Share Posted December 3, 2007 I'm not trying (too much) to make you answer your own question, but... how do you know they might need some freelance work? Do they mention it on their web site, or do you know someone who knows someone there? The point is, if they've not already said how they'd like to see portfolios, I'm sure they'd appreciate a nice dose of simple, straight-forward communication. Just drop a note to the art director or photo buyer indicating that you believe your work is a perfect patch for what they do (it is, isn't it? right?), and you'd like to know in what format they'd most appreciate receiving some examples of your work. I'm sure they'd rather tell you than not. It's also a chance for them to just come right out and say what their larger expectations are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justinblack Posted December 3, 2007 Share Posted December 3, 2007 It is an exceedingly rare occasion when anything at all results from the sending of an unsolicited portfolio to an ad agency. They are deluged with promo materials and portfolios from photographers, and a lot of it goes in the trash without a glance. Portfolio submissions are most effective when the agency already knows your work and the book just serves as a reminder. If they don't know you, the chance that an unsolicited portfolio will get you a job is miniscule (no kidding). Try to make and nurture a personal contact there, and follow Matt's advice about communicating to develop a solid understanding of what they would find compelling in a photographer they would choose to work with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craig_shearman1 Posted December 7, 2007 Share Posted December 7, 2007 I hire photographers from time to time for a trade association (no I'm not looking for any right now). When I'm considering someone I haven't worked with before or had recoomended to me, I ask to see their web site. If you're serious about pursuing assignments regardless of whether it's news, PR, advertising or even weddings, you need to have a professional web site with a tight portfolio of your very best work so potential clients can go click on it in a matter of seconds. Next best thing is a CD is someone has asked you to send them something. But if you're at the point that they've asked, ask them what format they want -- web site, CD, sheet of slides, stack of prints, etc. -- and send it to them the way they want it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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