Building Portfolio

[Sudhir Shivaram]

Here’s a step-by-step guide along with some ideas to help you build an impressive portfolio.

🔹 Step 1: Plan & Define Your Niche

Event photography can cover various types:

• 🎉 Weddings & Engagements

• 🎤 Corporate Events & Conferences

• 🎭 Concerts & Music Festivals

• 🎂 Birthday Parties & Private Events

• ⚽ Sports & Live Events

• 📢 Political & Public Gatherings

• 🏢 Brand Launches & Trade Shows

👉 Decide which niche you want to focus on, or if you prefer a general event photography portfolio.

🔹 Step 2: Get Initial Work for Your Portfolio

If you don’t have paid gigs yet, you can still build a portfolio by:

1️⃣ Shooting Free or Low-Paid Events

✅ Offer free or low-cost coverage for small events, NGOs, or local businesses in exchange for permission to use photos.

✅ Attend public events, festivals, and gatherings to practice and capture real moments.

✅ Collaborate with friends, local businesses, or influencers who need event photos.

2️⃣ Volunteering for Non-Profits & Small Businesses

✅ Cover community events, fundraisers, school events, or local meetups.

✅ This helps build credibility and get real-world event shots.

3️⃣ Second Shooting for Established Photographers

✅ Assist professional photographers at weddings, corporate events, or concerts.

✅ Many pros need second shooters—this is a great way to learn and get real-world portfolio images.

4️⃣ Create a Styled Event Shoot

✅ Organize a mock event with models or friends to simulate a real event.

✅ Rent a small space, set up lights and decorations, and create aesthetic, professional images.

🔹 Step 3: Capture a Variety of Shots

Your portfolio should show that you can handle different scenarios at an event.

📌 Essential Shots to Include in Your Portfolio:

✅ Candid Moments – Guests enjoying, laughing, dancing

✅ Detail Shots – Decor, food, drinks, lighting, table setups

✅ Wide-Angle Shots – Crowd, stage, venue ambiance

✅ Portraits & Group Shots – Speakers, VIPs, attendees

✅ Action Shots – Dance, speeches, performances

✅ Behind-the-Scenes – Staff, event setup

🔹 Step 4: Edit & Curate Your Best Work

🎯 Quality over Quantity – Choose 15-25 of your best images that highlight your storytelling ability.

🎯 Consistency – Keep a cohesive editing style (natural, vibrant, or dramatic).

🎯 Retouching – Clean up noise, adjust lighting, and enhance key details.

🔹 Step 5: Build an Online Portfolio

You need a professional online presence to attract clients.

📌 Best Platforms for Your Portfolio

1. Website (Highly Recommended)

• Use Squarespace, Wix, WordPress, or Pixieset to showcase your work.

• Have sections like Gallery, About Me, Services, Contact.

• Add a booking form for inquiries.

2. Instagram & Social Media

• Post highlights from your events with engaging captions.

• Use relevant hashtags (#eventphotography, #corporatephotographer, etc.).

• Engage with potential clients through stories & posts.

3. Behance & 500px

• Upload your best shots for additional visibility.

4. Google Drive / PDF Portfolio

• If you’re reaching out to corporate clients, a PDF portfolio works well.

🔹 Step 6: Market Yourself

🔹 Offer first-time client discounts to gain traction.

🔹 Network with event planners, venues, and agencies.

🔹 Join Facebook groups & LinkedIn for event photography gigs.

🔹 Run small ads on Instagram & Facebook targeting event managers.

🔹 Video Guide for Portfolio Building

I don’t have a specific video, but here are some YouTube channels that cover event photography & portfolio building:

🎥 Jared Polin (FroKnowsPhoto) – Practical event photography tips

🎥 Mango Street – Clean, stylish photography portfolio tips

🎥 Sorelle Amore – Portfolio presentation & personal branding

🎥 Sean Tucker – Deep insights on photography style & storytelling

[Ankan Dey]

Thank you so much.