Ordering Images
As discussed in a previous post, I have started to create my own portfolio ready for any opportunity or situation in the future where I may need to show my work in a physical form. I do not feel that at this stage I have a large amount of prints I would like to use that showcase my work to the best of my ability however I definitely will aim to fill my portfolio to roughly to the amount of around 25 prints as I progress through my career and produce new bodies of work.
As documentary photography is what I produce most, I have chosen 3 projects where I have photographer events, and I have chosen around 3-4 prints from each project to give a viewer an insight into how I photograph events. I felt I couldn't just pick 1 image from each event or project I've taken images for as my work is about creating series of images and visual story telling. Therefore a small handful of prints is what work best.
When researching portfolios and while being in class I have come to learn there are several different approaches you can take in terms of what order to place your images. The approach I have come to find I feel I personally agree with most is the approach where a photographer places their best images as the first and last images of their portfolio.
"Put your most impressive piece first to wow them right from the get-go. Put another premier piece at the end of your portfolio to leave a great final impression. Then order the less exciting pieces in the middle."
http://millo.co/how-to-build-a-killer-physical-portfolio-and-win-your-next-account
As this video explains more clearly, the idea of this portfolio layout is to 'Wow' from the beginning, then carry on with images that can support that instant 'Wow' factor.
It is suggested that during these middle images It is a good idea to include images that can show what you are capable of or give an example of a variety of work or the type of techniques you are capable of, obviously while still being strong and impressive prints.
There are many different approaches a photographer can take and the way you lay your portfolio out from my understanding is down to personal preference and through experience you should hopefully start to grasp what works well and what doesn't.
"I find it useful to make mini-sequences of 2-5 images within a 20 image book, like chapters in a larger story. Vary shot size and vantage point, especially if it's a printed book with facing pages. Don't put two wide shots on facing pages; take a cue from movie editing, and juxtapose complementary colors, tones, and shot sizes. Make the surrounding images strengthen each image by setting up expectations and creating surprise."
http://www.popphoto.com/how-to/2013/03/tips-pro-build-better-photography-portfolio
I feel by placing a brilliant image at the begging of a portfolio will really excite the viewer and for me, I find the first image means a lot when opening anyones portfolio I look at as this gives me my initial impression of the photographer. If the viewer is wow'ed from the first image this should be a good sign. My logic in then leaving another of your best images at the end of the portfolio means the last image they have seen and possibly the last image they remember or that remains in their head once you had gone will be a brilliant image.
Portfolio order
I chose to incorporate two large prints throughout my small selection of images as I wanted to expedient with size and layout to give the viewer a different view to my images as appose to them having to see all the times the exact same size. I feel some images have more of an impact larger while others look better with a border.
As well as making sure I had a strong image placed at the beginning and end of the portfolio I wanted to also make sure the images which would be viewed side by side went together and complimented each other or didn't distract from each other. As can be seen I've carefully chosen images with similar colours or subject matter to be placed next to each other.
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