How to make a photography portfolio that books shoots
A photography portfolio is a tightly edited gallery of your best images for the kind of shoot you want to be booked for, plus your packages and an easy way to check dates. Show 20 to 40 photos, sorted by category, with your strongest image first.
By Isme Azam Sakib, Co-founder, EZ Portfolio · Updated · 3 min read
Decide which shoots you want
Wedding, portrait, product, food, event and real estate clients all look for different things. A wedding couple wants emotion and moments. A restaurant wants food that looks good enough to order. Choose one or two areas and build your portfolio around them. You can show other work, but your main category should be clear in the first screen.
Edit hard: 20 to 40 photos
The hardest part of a photography portfolio is leaving photos out. Clients remember your weakest image as much as your best one.
- Choose 20 to 40 images in total, fewer if they are very strong.
- Don't show ten near-identical shots from one session. Pick the best one or two.
- Keep a consistent editing style, so clients know what they will get.
- Put your single strongest image first, large.
Ask a friend who is not a photographer to pick their favourite 10. Their choices are often closer to a client's than yours.
Sort your work into categories
Let clients jump to what they care about. Simple filters work best: Weddings, Portraits, Products, Events. For weddings, a small set from one full day (preparation, ceremony, couple portraits, details) shows you can cover a whole event, not only lucky single shots.
Keep photos sharp but fast
Big image files make a portfolio slow on mobile data, and slow pages lose clients. Export photos for the web, around 2,000 pixels on the long side is plenty, and let your portfolio show them in a viewer that opens full screen. EZ Portfolio resizes uploads to the light WebP format automatically.
Add your name or a small watermark only if you must. Large watermarks across the image distract from the photo itself.
Add proof clients trust
- Short comments from past clients, with their permission.
- Names of venues or brands you have worked with, if they agree.
- A short "about" with a photo of you. People book people, especially for weddings.
Only show photos of people who agreed to be shown, and never use another photographer's images.
If you are just starting
- Do styled shoots with friends or models who want photos for themselves.
- Photograph products for a few small local shops in return for permission to use the images.
- Second-shoot for an established photographer, if they allow you to show your shots.
- Focus on one category first, so your small portfolio still looks consistent.
Questions
How many photos should be in a photography portfolio?
Between 20 and 40 of your best images is enough for most photographers. Show fewer, stronger photos rather than everything from every shoot.
Should I put my prices on my photography website?
Yes, at least starting prices for your main packages. It saves time for both you and the client, and clients who still message you are more likely to book.
Is Instagram enough as a photography portfolio?
Instagram is good for being found, but it mixes your best work with everything else and can't show packages clearly. A portfolio website gives clients one organised link with your best work, prices and a booking button.
How do I make a photography portfolio without coding?
With EZ Portfolio you choose the Gallery template, upload your photos and publish at yourname.ezportfolio.app. Building and previewing is free.