Course Description

The production of a photographer’s portfolio is an ongoing process of evaluation and reevaluation that should never be truly finished. Whether formatted digitally as a website or physically as a print book, a portfolio must at all times clearly and effectively reflect only the artist’s strongest work. This final course begins the process of focusing and defining each student’s creative identity by writing a biographical artist’s statement, then selecting, reviewing and refining a collection of images both for print and the web that best define his or her current creative ability and professional ambition. Working together as a class, in private meetings with a program director and through focused individual effort, students will learn how to define and present their distinctive vision to their chosen markets. Please note: Portfolio Development also requires the selection, approval and preparation of final prints and images for Graduation Gallery Show and media.

Learning Outcomes/Topics

The importance of editing and constant reevaluation
Refining the portfolio and website based on individual strengths and area of interest
Portfolio defined, print and web (show examples)
Traditional print portfolios
Current digitally-produced portfolios, print and electronic
Generating “buzz”
Design and branding
Portfolio Resources
Website Resources
The artist’s statement
Making a first portfolio edit
Refining website portfolios
Preparing for a portfolio review
Individual reviews with instructor begin
Printing for portfolio
Value of printing portfolio in spreads vs single images
Designing portfolio spreads in Photoshop
Printing portfolio spreads from Photoshop