Hi I have been working as a photographer for 8+ years now and would like to have some advice on my portfolio www.hayleybenoit.co.uk
I have been struggling to decide what direction to go so that I can get more bookings. I'm interested to know, is my portfolio too varied? What things should I do to get more work in a particular field? I love taking photos as a whole whatever the assignment as I love a good brief to challenge myself in any field but should I focus on one type of photography? I love shooting food, lifestyle, portraits, and events and would love to get more work in this field.
Replies14
- Hi Hayley! Some golden advice from the others.From my perspective I'd place your work as food and people/place (this would cover portraits, lifestyle, travel diaries, events) made using a natural lifestyle style/approach. So the challenge would seem to be making everything more consistent and coherent so it sits together really well and showcases what the client could expect to get from you (and not worrying about being too precise with your website section headings!).I think Al Higgins (alhigginsphotography.com) and Matthew Thompson (matthewthompsonphotography.com) both use a variety of imagery (people, place, still life) within a project really well and that kind of approach could maybe work well for you too.Hope that's of some use and good luck!
- Hi Hayley, I need to go and get some grub after seeing your photos. Suggestions on the website. Once you have found your focus, group the menu into 6 main sections with submenus instead of 11 maybe? And naming the photos in "alt text" if this template allows this? A few insights from over the years. Keep up the good work and take care!
- @Erica Von Stein advised*
- Your work is great!I have had similar feedback in the past as I also like to shoot a wide variety of things and almost every industry pro that has given me advice has recommended finding just one (or two at push) niche and really focussing on that one selling point. I've even been adviced to make multiple websites and brand each type of work differently.The stand out work is definitely your food styling for me and I think others agree given the comments below! Either way keep at it, you're on the right path!
- Hi Hayley!Just spent some time on your website now.As someone who also struggled in the past to refine and focus on how to sell my style/work, I understand your concerns.I am going to start off alongside your thought about your portfolio being "too varied": I agree!Maybe it is the way the website is organized with the homepage literally showing way too many things at the same time, or it may just be that yes there are way too many themes behind your work which, in my opinion, make it hard for me to understand in what area(s) you really excell and make u stand out.I specifically like your interior/food work. The light, contrast, colours, mood...so to me what stood out in your work was that!Ultimately I think it is good to show how versatile you are, but here is one suggestion: try to highlight your strongest approach as an image maker and make that stand out more, and then on the side let us know that you can also cater and deliver to other themes.I hope I made sense and could help a little bit!Stay safe and positive. Always!P
- Hi @Elle Bishop-Saunders yep, you are right the money. Ask the question in Asks. Sorry to over you Pip Jaimeson. Hope all are keeping safe, take care!
- @Elle Bishop-Saunders Amazing! Thank you so much, I've just sent you an email.
- @Rob Ashley Yes please do. Thanks :)
- @ALAN POWDRILL Thank you so much Alan really appreciate the feedback.
- Hey Hayley, hope you are safe AND well ! Nice work on your site, you mentioned about your folio being too varied, I agree with you that right now it looks like the work of 4 photographers. It's not a problem to shoot loads of stuff but they have to be linked by style, technique or 'look'. Right now the work all looks like it's by different people. Either chose one area you really love and concentrate on that or try and link all the different areas with a style / technique. A really good example of linking different subjects with a 'signature look' is Nick Meek. Check his work out or mine....alanpowdrill.com Hope that helps ! Alan
- @Pip Jamieson do you mean to post as my own ask a question? Still new to the dots!
- @Elle Bishop-Saunders WOW that's so lovely of you. Post it as an Ask here if you haven't already > we'd love to feature it so more of our lovely community hear around it. x
- Hi Hayley, me and my collegues at Germaine Walker Photographic Agency are offering free virtual zoom portfolio reviews. I you email germaine@germiane.co.uk we can schedule a date and time for you x
- Hey Hayley,You've got some nice work on your site!I have a few design pointers that might help, is it cool if I message you with some ideas?Rob
You must sign up or log in before you
add a comment.