A strong photography portfolio is essential. It’s the first thing potential clients see, and it can make or break their decision to hire you. If your portfolio doesn’t connect, no amount of marketing can fix it.
Coming to you from Chelsea Nicole Photography, this insightful video breaks down six types of images that may be holding you back. The first is the “Dead Image.” These are shots that lack life and emotion, failing to convey the personality of the subject. Premium clients want to see emotion—whether it’s love, joy, or freedom. If your first image doesn’t evoke a feeling, it might be time to remove it. Simply put, lifeless images don’t sell relationships, and they don’t attract clients who want their stories told through your lens.
The next issue Chelsea discusses is the “Unflattering Showstopper.” This can be a technically impressive photo, maybe showcasing great lighting or a stunning backdrop, but if it doesn’t make your client look their best, it’s not doing your portfolio any favors. Potential clients are looking for a photographer they can trust to make them look good. Including images where the client appears awkward, poorly posed, or less flattering undermines that trust. Chelsea emphasizes the importance of taking a hard look at these “epic shots” and making sure they truly work in favor of your clients, not just your technical skills.
Another type of problematic image is the one featuring an “Awesome Client with Questionable Taste.” We’ve all had clients we love working with, but sometimes they show up in outfits that don’t quite match your vision or forget the details that elevate the image. Chelsea is clear: as much as you might have enjoyed the shoot, these photos should not make it into your portfolio if they don’t reflect the style you want to be known for. Your portfolio should speak to the taste and preferences of your ideal clients, not just showcase every session you’ve ever shot. This might mean making some tough calls, but it’s a necessary step toward attracting the right audience.
Expanding on this, Chelsea dives into why your portfolio should act as a bridge to where you want your business to go, not a catalog of your past work. You don’t need to show every client you’ve ever had. Focus on curating images that represent your future direction. This might mean setting up styled shoots or art directing more to create the type of work you want to be hired for. Think about your ideal client and what details would appeal to them. If the settings in your current images don’t align with that vision, crop tighter to focus on emotions, or start adding more on-brand elements in future shoots. That's just the start, so check out the video above for the full rundown from Chelsea.
