As the third winter arrived to Finland at the first days of April, I'm excited to hit the publish button on the episode of my Pro Tips series - which is a massive global collaboration amongst food content creators. We will dig deep into a popular topic of portfolio creation and curation, and get the guidance of 79 creators along with my tips on how to get the best out of the core marketing tool of a photographer - beyond selecting one's best work.
If you are hungry to learn about another subjects, make sure to check the previous episodes of the Pro Tips blog series here.
What is their pro tip for portfolio creation and curation?
Before you scroll any further, grab a bowl of fresh fruits or veggies to snack on and get ready to dive into this inspiring read!
"Color theory, have a variety of assets, macro, action visual anchors or minimalist photography."
Shiela Cruz - CPG photographer and stylist
"If your style changes, change your portfolio too! You don't have to stick to old things!"
Anita Zsirmik - food blogger, content creator
"Add fewer photos to your portfolio than you think. I see this in a lot of my students. They add too many photos that are either too similar or do not show only their TOP work. Less is more!"
Anja Burgar - commercial and editorial food photographer
"Show a variety of recipes, human element, action and be sure to include drink photography."
Kristina Cadelina - food photographer, blogger
"Make a rough selection of your work, and ask other people to look at it. It is often hard to curate your own work as you sometimes just lose sight of what is a great image and what is not. There are so many feelings in the creation of these images and that often affects your view."
Mikkel Jul Hvilshøj - photographer
"Less is more. You should be able to show all of your talent in 12 photos."
Mika Levälampi - photographer
"Curate with Purpose: Prioritize quality over quantity. A smaller, well-curated portfolio is more impactful than a larger one filled with mediocre images. Select images that best represent your style, technical skills, and creativity."
Melissa - photographer, blogger
"Only show off the best of the best of your work."
Jason Wain - photographer, videographer
Photo by © Jason Wain
"Keep it up to date and try to have a variety in your displayed portfolio. Variety in different light, type of dish, horizontal vs vertical, person vs no person etc."
Kamile Kave - photographer
" My pro tip for portfolio creation is to curate a cohesive and focused selection of your best work. Choose high-quality images that showcase your range, style, and expertise. Organize them in a visually appealing and user-friendly layout that highlights your strengths. Keep the portfolio updated regularly to reflect your latest and strongest work!!!"
Sari Spåra - entrepreneur, food and wine photographer, recipe creator
"When curating your portfolio, always showcase your best work alongside your projects. This approach highlights your technical skills and artistic style and provides insight into your creative identity and the types of projects that truly resonate with you. It's an effective way to communicate your unique perspective as a creative professional."
Peggy Cormary - photographer
"Keep your portfolio up to date and show off the type of work you want to attract. If you want to work with drink brands, shoot some drinks!"
Snorri Guðmundsson - photographer, recipe developer, product development manager in the food industry
"I'll be straightforward. Choose only the best for the portfolio. Twenty photos from the top will work better than fifty of mixed quality. Instagram or a similar platform is good for showcasing more regularly and in large quantity but the portfolio should be for selected pieces. Focus on your main area - if you are a portrait photographer select only portraits. Choose your portfolio in a way to attract your desired client."
Milena Ugrinova (Mim) - food and product photographer
"I refresh the photos on my website far too little, but I do try to keep it versatile and clear. Provide versatility in your photos and clearly highlight what you photograph and also what you would like to photograph more of. Let that be in the foreground."
Maaike Zaal - food- and beverage photographer
"Always ask brands you work with if they are happy for you to include an image from their photoshoot on your portfolio. Brand presence helps inspire confidence amongst prospective new clients."
Jane Coupland - food photographer, food blogger
"Again show all the skills you have. Vary all the images. Show your lighting skills, your people skills, your food skills. Colours can rock here."
Matt Wilson - photographer
Photo by © Matt Wilson
"Selecting shots that show versatility. Light and bright as well as dark and moody, bold action as well as calm and serene, hard shadows as well as soft ones. It also depends on who you are targeting."
Jules Wilson-Haines - photographer, stylist
"Aim to include a variety of your best work, to appeal to a wider variety of potential clients."
Sandy Wood - photographer
"If you just start, use Adobe portfolio. It's easy to use and is part of the PS/LR package."
Andrea Köver - food photographer
Photo by © Andrea Köver
"I'm a supporter of the maximum - "Less is more". I prefer to have few one, but good one."
Anna Ilieva-Alikaj - photographer
"Choose the photos that reflect your creative self and make you proud. Don’t choose images just to please the audience."
Natalia Ashton - nutritionist, photographer, author
"I love using Behance because it has a large community, but I have been mostly using Instagram. That's where I have been gaining most of my customers. I usually post my favorite pics from a photoshoot a couple of days after I do the shoot."
Robert Alvarez - photographer
"I like to look at the thumbnail sizes of my images first. If a photo jumps out at me when it is presented with a group of other images then I know that will be a scroll stopper!"
Leeanne Mason - food photographer, photo chef, food stylist, content creator
Photo by © Leeanne Mason
"Select the best among the work you're satisfied with. Organise them by styles, categories or by client. Create a public portfolio or deck with services you provided to share around."
Victor Chin - food photographer
Photo by © Victor Chin
"Don't go overboard - i.e. 100 images on a website portfolio can be too much and images lose their value."
Emilie Dorange - photographer, designer
"Try to create different pieces of content from one photoshoot. Photographing a flatlay? Take a few minutes and add a 3/4 shot as well, maybe also a human element and some kind of action. This way you get a few photos that you can post throughout a year from the same photo shoot."
Julia Konovalova - food photographer, food stylist, content creator
"This is a difficult one. In my opinion it's always better to ask third parties' opinions about your portfolio or your agents opinion if you have one. We have got emotional attachments to our images and for this reason we misjudge our works. Sometimes we like weaker work more just because emotionally they mean more for us, but actually not elevating our portfolio. Sometimes we dislike strong works just because it was a difficult project with lots of negative emotions. It takes a lots of training to judge our work objectively. Also what I do sometimes is printing the images on A3 size and hang them on the wall for a few days. Every day I observe them and remove the ones I don't like anymore, the ones survive the few days audition are the winners and can go to portfolio."
Tibor Galamb - photographer, director
Photo by © Tibor Galamb
"My tip is along the same lines as manifesting. Take the time to create content for your portfolio that speaks to the brands you dream of working with. This means taking the time to really sit and be intentional about what you want to achieve. Create the content that would be catch the eye of your ideal client. Putting such intention out into the world won't go unnoticed."
Mary Turner - commercial food photographer, stylist, chef
"Maintain a consistent style throughout your portfolio with consistent lighting and color grading."
Emily Miller - food photographer, recipe developer
"Showcase only images you would like to create more of in the future. If shooting ice cream is not your jam, then don’t showcase it in your portfolio as you might attract ice cream clients."
Murielle Banackissa - food photographer, food stylist, cookbook author and blogger
Photo by © Murielle Banackissa
"Pick the things you find the best, be cause your portfolio is what YOU ARE."
Sanja Alisic - blogger, food stylist
"Make your own style and be recognized for it."
Nicolas Newmark - professional photographer
"SHOOT and SHOW what your dream brand would like to see, be mindful with your sharing, select properly."
Karen Loza - food photographer and stylist
"Show different angles, moods, atmospheres, subjects… Don’t think too small!"
Lara Virkus - food photographer
"Make sure that in your portfolio mostly your own style is visible. You preferably want clients to hire you for your style! But having said that, some of my best clients have a totally opposite style and branding then my personal work (I really love dark and moody and these clients want fresh, neutral kind of pics) so have a few of the more "mainstream" pictures in there also if you work commercially."
Anoeska Vermeij - photographer
Photo by © Anoeska Vermeij
"For curation, hire a consultant to review your work. They're professionals in their industry and can look at your work with fresh eyes. They won't have the same emotional connection that you might have to a photo that just shouldn't make the cut."
Suzanne Clements - photographer
"It's never too soon to start creating your portfolio. Get your website up today. Even if you don't have a lot of photos. The act of putting your work out there and creating your portfolio will help you see where the gaps are, and inspire you to keep working at it. Hiding it on a hard drive until you're "ready" will slow you down."
Joanie Simon - photographer
"Make sure that the images you select tell the story of who you are as a photographer. They must be cohesive in some way so they can start to build your brand and your look and vibe."
Aline Ponce & Mike Hulswit - professional photographers
"Organize your images in the portfolio based on a logic/system. I have four different subpages: food photography, product photography, restaurant photography and food styling (because I work with magazines "only" as a food and prop stylist on bigger shootings). My food photography portfolio is designed based on colour: from bright and airy, to dark and moody. I only upload the images that resonate with the clients I want to work with in the future. Every 3-4 months, I update my portfolio website so I make sure that the most recent works are there."
Susi Bálint - stylist, photographer, writer
"I guess having diversity is very good. Also, colours and styles are important. You have to show what you are able to make. It is like a showcase."
Emese Balog - food blogger
"Showcase a diverse yet cohesive body of work. Select images that highlight your unique style, technical skills, and versatility. Regularly update your portfolio, show your evolving capabilities, and stay relevant."
Maxine Lock - photographer
Photo by © Maxine Lock
"Variety - different angles/subject/action."
Sam Robson - food photographer
"Use your best images, and make sure you reflect the type of client you want to attract."
Birgit Mayled - photographer
"Create a portfolio with intention. Have a good grip on the style of work you want to be commissioned for, the clients you would like to work with and the branding styles that would be applicable to them. Then create photos to match that style and the target client group."
Dyutima Jha - food photographer, food stylist, podcaster
"Back when I started food photography, I did some shoots for free or trade them. Be humble and learn as many ways as possible to shoot food/people and the environment."
Maurizio Previti - photographer
"My advice is to include in your portfolio those photos that you want to shoot and that you truly enjoy. You don't want to showcase every variation of your photography work. This way, you will attract clients who are looking for exactly the kind of shoots that you are close to and enjoy. For example, I rarely shoot catalogues for regular clients, but that's not what I like and I don't have those types of photos on my insta."
Halyna Vitiuk - food photographer
"Showcase quality over quantity. Select a few high-impact images that highlight a diverse range of your skills. Tailor your portfolio to your target audience, emphasizing your best work and maintaining a consistent, visually appealing design."
Alessandra Zanotti - food photographer, food stylist
Photo by © Alessandra Zanotti
"Experiment and you are unlikely to ever guess which style/photo will take off and become popular/noticed."
Mihails Pavlenko - food and product photographer
"The portfolio that I use for client pitches is aligned in catering to their ask. On the website is a general collection, but for client interactions, I curate or create based on what the discussion is about."
Shwetha Elaina - food photographer and stylist
"Portfolio needs to showcase the best work of yours. It doesn't have to be huge but it should represent what kind of work you do and can do to your prospective client. Portfolio should have the proper contact information so that ideal clients can reach out to you."
Gouthami Yuvarajan - food and product photographer
"Goes without saying, but show your best work! Also, show your versatility with a range of images. Yes, you may have spectacular images that are all of the same colour, mood, light, etc. and you want to show them all because they're your best work, but I think there's also value in creating and adding pieces for your portfolio that show you aren't a one trick pony."
Felicia Chuo - photographer
"Take your time creating images that serve outside of social media. Research and study other photographers as well as creative agencies. You'll see samples of portfolios that you can use as a template to create your own."
Anisa - photographer, recipe developer
"Give these works to someone who knows what they are doing. :)"
Monika Grudzińska - photographer, food stylist
"I am just in the phase to create my portfolio and I was really thinking about this point. Definitely for me is showing the best of your photos or videos - not to be long but to capturing attention of your audience. Also for me is crucial to show the variety what you are able to do (dark or light photos, different styles, maybe different areas). And reviewing the portfolio regularly - adding new work, or clients review for example."
Alena Prichystalova - photographer, blogger
"Update your portfolio every month and once you have enough of photos, categories them."
Veera Rusanen - photographer
"Choose photos that truly showcase who you are! Ask your friends/mentor for their opinions."
Sangita Bhavsar - food blogger, photographer, stylist
"I use categories in my portfolio for beverages, savory dishes, desserts, food wreathes, … like this, the client can see what are the possibilities and moods to propose in each category."
Massiel Zadeh Habchi - food photographer and stylist
"
- Choose the type of your portfolio.
- Get inspired.
- Choose a template for your online portfolio.
- Put yourself in your customers’ perspective.
- Add the right content and features.
- Show your best work.
- Put yourself in the spotlight.
- Stay up to date."
Carolin Strothe - professional photographer, food stylist, stylist, art director, author
"Your portfolio must represent your creative world. Create images that you want to be hired for. This way, your portfolio will better represent who you are and what you want to do and will attract your ideal clients."
Constance Ibañez - food stylist, food photographer, food event creator
Photo by © Constance Ibañez
"Think about your ideal clients and the subsequent images while exploring your interpretation for it. For example if its a restaurant clients then you would want to have more dining table with human element / menu type of visuals. If its a product centric brand you’ll want an impactful simpler visuals with focus on the products."
M. Aimee Tan - food photographer, videographer, stylist, content creator, recipe developer
"Show a variety of styles that appeal to the kind of work you want to get hired to do. Don’t overcrowd your portfolio with too many images, make sure you’re only showing the best of the best of your work in your portfolio."
Lauren Short - food photographer
"See what is missing and set goals to improve and update it constantly."
Marika Cucuzza - food photographer, content creator, recipe developer, food stylist
"Think about your ideal client and what they would love to see on your website, share accordingly. Work in reverse almost always works"
Roberta Dall’Alba - photographer
"The most important thing to have your portfolio in your own taste and show your style. Collect the best of your work and use only those in your portfolio. It’s good if it has a story. Your story. Try to build it up accordingly. The best way to do this, if you showcase a few pictures about your work process as well, with this you can let the potential customers closer. If you can, try to include different projects and work to present your variety you have in you. Always keep it fresh and up to date. The aim is to show your current style and your growth."
Liliána Tóth - food photographer
Photo © Liliána Tóth
"From time to time, every few months, review and update your portfolio! Your level of expertise, your style, your achievements change. The portfolio should reflect this progress and show where you are today."
Katarzyna Anders - food and product photographer and stylist, recipe developer, content creator, blogger
"I am not the best person to ask for advice about this as I have have to admit I haven't updated my portfolio more than my copyright statement in the last 4 or 5 years. I struggle with finding enough time to finally show off new work but I can tell you this - don't overthink it as much as I do. If you don't have any online portfolio, just do it now. Take a week, study your favorite artists' websites a bit, choose about 60 of your favorite images, cut that number in half, showcase the best 30 or so, try to show some variety and different skills (unless you only work in one signature style), publish the website. It's better to have some portfolio than none and you can (and should! :) always adjust things later and update it every year or so. Just get your work out there for now."
Andrea Gralow - professional commercial and editorial food photographer, videographer
"Having a website is a must. Create a pdf format for your best work so you can share it with your client on normal messenger."
Indrajeet Nishad - food photographer and stylist
"Sprinkle in as many photos/videos of client work as you can. Other clients can imagine their products being shot by you better if they can see other examples."
Julia Wharington - photographer, videographer, stylist
"Craft a compelling portfolio by showcasing your best and most diverse work. Aim for quality over quantity, selecting pieces that highlight your skills and style. Ensure a cohesive narrative by organizing your portfolio thematically or chronologically. Regularly update and refine your portfolio to reflect your evolving expertise and keep it relevant to your target audience."
Anna Janecka - photographer, food stylist
"Arrange your portfolio in a way that tells a story or follows a theme. Consider the flow of images and how they complement each other. This narrative can provide viewers with insight into your style, progression, or the unique perspective you bring to your work."
Darina Kopcok - food photographer, educator
Photo by © Darina Kopcok
"Include your best work. Include your best work having your ideal client in mind. Come back to your portfolio often and refresh it with the latest work."
Mojca Klepec - food photographer
"Building a demonstration portfolio is a powerful way to showcase your unique qualities and skills. Consider creating an online "shop window" that serves as a platform to present your work. It's beneficial to organize different collections highlighting various aspects of your professionalism, catering to diverse preferences of potential partners. Regularly update your portfolio, ensuring that it accurately reflects your evolving skills and style. If you come up with better or smarter photos for the same theme, don't hesitate to make the switch. Your portfolio should be a dynamic representation of your capabilities, adapting and improving as your skills progress. Keep it fresh and aligned with your current best work to attract the right opportunities."
Melinda Bernáth - food photographer
"SKILLS PRESENTATION
I recommend selecting the best and most diverse work that showcases the range and skills. It's important to ensure a cohesive visual narrative by considering the flow of images and maintaining a consistent style. I regularly update my portfolio to reflect my latest and strongest pieces."
Anita Zivkovic - food photographer, photography coach
Photo by © Anita Zivkovic
"I curate my photo portfolio and creation by using the season's ingredients and mood as my framework."
Terri Salminen - blogger, food culture researcher
"Must have a website to showcase your work and also works best as your portfolio."
Harsha Sipani - commercial photographer
"The curation really is an art, editing your image collection to show your best images in a nice order. If you're uncertain, consult a pro."
David Pahmp - commercial advertising photographer
"Lookup the targeted clients you want to work with, then create photos similar in topics and products they have. Be versatile in your portfolio, including different subjects and styles."
Dina Hassan - food photographer, videographer
Photo & BTS by © Dina Hassan
"I think a portfolio with a variety of images it’s a must and really it doesn’t matter where it is located - your website, Adobe or Canva presentation. I’m still showcasing my best images on Pixieset when approaching new clients."
Monika Jonaite - food- and product photographer, food stylist, recipe developer
"While it is key to include your strongest work in your portfolio with consideration to the type of work you wish to attract, it is just as important to find a way to curate the collection of the images + keep it cohesive with each updates. Edit the order of the images in a way to get a flow that is pleasing to the viewer's eyes. This is a skill on its own, so if you are not sure how to achieve a good result, consult with a professional. I love to create clusters in my portfolio based on a certain attribute - this gives its unique flow - which also got approved by the agents who checked it before, along with with the larger number of images I include."
Reka Csulak - photographer, mentor
Photo by © Reka Csulak
