Building a Portfolio as a Freelance Travel Photographer
Income generated from photography can be as diverse as the landscapes and destinations we capture. For those seeking a career as a freelance photographer or looking to license, sell, or print images, having a well-curated portfolio is essential. While there are more in-depth resources and support available inside The Travel Photography Club, let’s do a brief peek at how to build a portfolio that showcases your skills and attracts the right clients.
The Importance of a Portfolio
When starting out, your portfolio should represent the type of work you want to be doing and it’s ok if you haven’t worked with clients yet, you can still fill it with images that one day you’d hope to be creating for them. It should highlight your skills and what sets you apart from other photographers, visually expressing your talents, techniques, and expertise. Clients need to see examples of what you can offer and how you can meet their specific needs.
Remember - our work won’t suit everyone, so it’s best to showcase photographs that will attract the clients you want to work with!
Targeted Content If you aim to work in hospitality, include interiors, lifestyle images, and detail shots of food and activities. For landscape photographers, focus on outdoor scenes that align with potential clients like outdoor brands or travel magazines. Tailor your portfolio to the type of clients you want to attract and research your ideal clients to see what type of photographs they’re using. Replicate a similar style but go one step further by adding your creative touch to catch their attention.
Consistent Style Ensure your portfolio has a cohesive style that immediately conveys what you photograph and how. Consistency in your style helps clients quickly understand your creative approach and envision how your work can enhance their projects. A well-curated portfolio that immediately shows your skills and style will make it easier when pitching clients and sharing your ideas.
Research and Replicate Study your ideal clients and the type of photos they use. Create similar images with a unique, creative twist to catch their attention. If you want to work in hotels and hospitality, begin by photographing interiors, lifestyle imagery, and detail shots of food, outdoor activities, and people. For landscape photographers, create a portfolio that highlights how you capture landscapes and shows a consistent style. This approach will go a long way toward attracting interest from the right people.
Showcasing Your Work
Having an online presence is crucial in today’s world, and I’m not just talking about social media, I believe it’s actually more important to have a website. Your portfolio should be easily accessible to potential clients. Use a professional website to showcase your work and make sure your site is user-friendly and visually appealing. To go one step further, include a blog or journal where you can share behind-the-scenes stories, tips, and recent projects. This adds a personal touch and helps clients get to know you better.
Need a website? If you’d like to create a portfolio website but would rather someone else designs it, I offer this service for a smaller number of photographers each year as a Squarespace Designer. Get in touch via email at hello@thewanderinglens.com to discuss your site!
Social Media Leverage social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to share your work but try not to get overwhelmed or disheartened as consuming and comparing content can feel all too much very quickly. Engage with your audience by posting regularly (when you feel comfortable, don’t pressure yourself into trying to beat the algorithm etc!) and interacting with followers. One way to gain visibility on social media is to collaborate with other photographers and brands to expand your network and gain exposure.
Networking Attend photography events, workshops, and exhibitions to meet potential clients and industry professionals. Networking is a powerful tool for building relationships and finding new opportunities. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and share your work. Building a strong network can open doors to exciting projects and collaborations.
A strong portfolio is a vital tool in pitching to clients and securing freelance photography work. By showcasing your best work and maintaining a consistent style, you can attract the right clients and opportunities. For more detailed guidance on building an effective portfolio, consider enrolling in our photography courses.
If you’re seeking a career in photography, The Freelance Travel Photographer Course delves into both the creative and business aspects of working as a travel photographer.
It’s not about going viral or creating content for social media, the course prepares you for longevity in the industry. You’ll learn how to build a professional portfolio that will provide the chance to approach brands, publications, and to work on campaigns that connect with your passions, adventures, and a creative career path.
Master the art of storytelling, find direction as a photographer and get published.
Learn what fees to charge as a freelancer & which services to offer
How to network & find crucial contacts in the travel industry
Proven pitch strategies & templates for contacting editors and clients
Discover how to set up varied income streams as a travel photographer
How to work with clients on campaigns, deliver files, and get repeat work!
