How to Build Your Photography Portfolio: Tips for New Photographers in the Southeast

Often, one of the most frequently asked questions by a new photographer is, “How do I get clients?” The best answer – among other tips – is to build a portfolio.

Your portfolio will serve as your photography audition tape, a visual elevator pitch of sorts that showcases your unique shooting and editing style. It should give clients a reason to book you. 

More concisely put, it shows what you do as a photographer.

So how does one build a portfolio? Here are my tips for new Southeast photographers looking to break into the wedding industry.

Be patient and enjoy the learning process

Photography careers can often be a slow burn. Especially when it comes to weddings, it will take many months of practice (and possibly years) before you book your first wedding client. But think of this as a gift. Use this time to hone your craft and learn as much as you can so that when you do get that inquiry, you can nail it and feel confident. Read other photographers’ blogs, spend time in Lightroom just playing, and go on Pinterest and see what grabs you. Learning is a joyful process that you should feel out as such.

Understand what it means to be starting out

As a photographer, you build your portfolio by doing practice shoots or shoots for friends and family, which usually means working for free or for very low rates. I’m not saying “don’t know your worth as a photographer” or “go shoot a wedding for free.” That is not the vibe. Your time and energy are valuable. But when you’re just picking up a camera, the experiences and exposure you get starting out are what will really help you get going.

Focus on what your brand is going to be

There are thousands, if not tens of thousands, of photographers in a region. When you begin building a portfolio, focus on what your brand is going to be, and who *you* will be as a photographer. That’s going to be important for you and your clients because it helps distinguish you from other photographers, and will help your clients understand what they’re going to get when they book you. Building a brand will also help clients looking for something specific find you and recognize you as the ideal choice for them.

Get involved with the photography community

Join a cowork. Make some new friends. Find a mentor (shameless plug, hi hello). Getting to know other photographers will help you get plugged in and navigate a new industry. Once you start forming a network, you’ll be able to work with and for other photographers, which will give you an opportunity to add to your portfolio.

Social media is your friend

Being active on social media is a great way to showcase your portfolio. The work you put on Instagram can even serve as a miniature version of your portfolio for clients to see at first glance before they’ve navigated to your website and larger portfolio. When you use social media to your advantage, you’ll be able to send out model calls or advertise your services that are designed to build your portfolio.