As photographers, we know a portfolio is essential to showcase our skills, style, and creative vision. Here are some steps I take to ensure I execute the vision shoot and how to create a strong portfolio:

1. Where to look for inspiration and creating a mood board

To create a photography portfolio, first, you need to create the mood board! I am a visual person so I HAVE to see what I have in my head, in front of me somehow, some way. Before, I would solely look on Pinterest for inspiration, create the mood board on there and that’s it, but for the past few months, I’ve been using a 3D program to build my sets (I’ll talk about this in another blog post). I’ve been using it for the last 3 shoots I’ve done and it has been such a game changer for me and my work. I can go as far as making the model look like the actual model and even changing the clothes!

2. Using a 3D Design program to build a photography set and lighting set up

After looking on Pinterest for inspiration, I then start making the set on the 3D program. The program is actually a virtual photo studio where you play around with studio lighting and it helps you map out your lighting set up. I use it for that, but also to build my sets. This has been such a vital part in creating the strong portfolio that I want as it helps me visually see and create what is needed. Below is a picture of what I made on the program.

3. Finding the right team

This is super important because everyone plays a vital part in making the vision come to life. I always make sure to have my mood board finalized before finding the team to make sure everyone is comfortable with it and would need to add that type of work to their portfolio. I don’t put together the make up or wardrobe because it is a collaborative effort. The mood board itself should speak for what is needed and from there, the rest of the team adds their input.

Model: Finding the right model is such an important part because every model will not fit the concept. For instance, a lifestyle/ commercial model won’t fit the part of a fashion or editorial model. I’ve made this mistake in the past and the model was doing “lifestyle” poses, but it was a fashion photoshoot. This is not to say that a lifestyle model can’t do editorial, or vice versa- because they definitely can. It’s important that when looking through a model’s portfolio, you see versatility and are confident they can execute the concept.

Makeup artist: As we all know, makeup plays a big role in a look. Some makeup artists specialize in soft glam, so this makeup artist would not make sense if you’re wanting avant-garde make up.

Hair stylist and wardrobe stylist: These two roles are two things I never have on set, but dying to have. Somehow and some way, the team and myself figure out a way to still execute the photoshoot.

4. Execute the vision

All that is left is to refer back to the light set up I made as well as the mood board to ensure the shoot goes smoothly and as planned!