How to Build an Online Photography Portfolio That Attracts Clients and Sells Prints

In 2023, there were 293,339 people employed in the photography industry (and that's just in the US!) With numbers like those, there's no way around it: You need a compelling photography portfolio website if you want to stand out.

And, sure, everyone has a portfolio. But what if you could make it work for you in multiple ways? Using the features that are available in many portfolio builders (like Journo Portfolio), you can create an online store within your portfolio website.

Whether you're starting from scratch or just need a refresher, this blog is here to walk all of you photographers through creating a professional, client-winning portfolio site, from choosing the best website builder to selecting the right images and layouts.

Why an Online Photography Portfolio is Non-Negotiate in This Industry

Let's be real---an online portfolio isn't optional if you're serious about making a dent in the photography world. It's the foundation of your brand, a place where your best work isn't just seen but sells your expertise for you. An online portfolio is what sets you apart from every other bozo with a camera. Here's why you need one:

First off, with an online portfolio, you're not just sharing your work with friends and family; you're putting it out there for anyone who's interested. It's an accessible, constant showcase. And with a little SEO magic, new clients can stumble upon your work naturally, making it even easier to grow your client base.

Beyond showing off your work, your portfolio can be a source of income. Set up an online store to sell prints, digital files, or exclusive client gallery access. If you're a wedding or event photographer, private client galleries can let customers view and purchase directly from your site, streamlining your process while adding to your bottom line.

Choosing the Right Platform for Your Portfolio Website

Picking the right platform is everything. Your portfolio platform is more than just a digital space for pretty pictures; it's the backbone of your online presence. If you're aiming to turn casual browsers into loyal clients, then let's make sure you've got a setup that works for you, not against you. Here's what to look for:

Customization Options

An effective photography portfolio website needs more than just a nice layout. Look for a platform with flexible design features, like customizable layouts, themes, and color schemes that let your best photographs shine. Platforms that offer a minimal theme, for example, can emphasize negative space and keep the focus where it should be---on your work.

SEO and Analytics

A strong portfolio website doesn't just look good! It's also easy for potential clients to find. A platform with built-in SEO tools is essential for driving new clients to your site, helping you get discovered in search results when people look for photography services, whether it's for a "wedding photographer" or "creative professionals near me." Analytics is your window into which pages visitors spend the most time on and what works for driving conversions.

Performance and Global CDN

No one's sticking around for images that take ages to load. A platform with a global CDN (Content Delivery Network) means faster load times, no matter where your visitors are viewing from. This is huge for portfolios heavy with high-res images, as it ensures a smooth experience that keeps visitors engaged.

Designing Your Online Portfolio Website

Love it or hate it, photography is a job that relies quite heavily on aesthetics. No one will want to hire you to create a pretty picture if your website looks like it was developed in 2005 by a third-grader. Sorry, that was harsh. But, not to fret, because there are a lot of easy ways to make your website appealing!

Design Tip 1: Use Negative Space

In photography portfolios, negative space (aka blank or open space) keeps the focus where it should be: on the images. Negative space around your photos allows each one to stand out without distracting background elements. Similarly, using static images rather than busy slideshows keeps your portfolio polished. This design approach works particularly well for photographers who prioritize simplicity and clarity.

Design Tip 2: Separate Pages For Different Genres

If you work across multiple genres---weddings, portraits, landscapes---creating separate pages for each is smart. This setup helps visitors quickly find what they're looking for and lets you showcase the depth and range of your skills. Dedicating space to each style allows you to appeal to a broader audience without overwhelming them with unrelated images.

Design Tip 3: Make Sure to Add Other Pages to Your Photography Website

• Home Page: Think of this as the "welcome mat" of your portfolio. Highlight a few standout images and introduce your style right away.

• About Page: Share your story and photography journey. This is where potential clients connect with you, so keep it authentic and relatable.

• Contact Page: Make it easy for people to reach you! Include a form, your email, and links to any relevant social profiles.

What Photos Should You Include In Your Photography Portfolio Website?

Curating your photography portfolio is not about picking a handful of photos and calling it a day. Your portfolio should represent your skills, tell your story, and show potential clients why you're the right professional photographer for their needs. Here's how to choose and organize your best work:

Curating Your Best Photographs

When it comes to portfolio images, less truly is more. Every shot in your portfolio should be top-tier, showcasing the quality clients can expect. Choose only the strongest photos that highlight your unique strengths rather than flooding your site with a large number of images.

While it's essential to focus on quality, you also want to display versatility. This means including different styles or types of photography (like portraits, events, and landscapes) without overwhelming your audience. For instance, if you shoot both lifestyle and corporate photography, include a few strong examples of each to show clients that you can adapt to varied needs.

If you've worked with recognizable brands or on high-profile projects, include a few of these in your portfolio to build authority. Featuring well-known clients or impressive projects helps set you apart and signals your experience and credibility to potential clients.

Including Descriptions With Your Chosen Photos

The images in your portfolio tell part of the story, but adding descriptions and context helps potential clients understand the full picture (literally!) From the inspiration behind each photo to the challenges you faced during the shoot, these details make your work more relatable and human.

Add in Some Case Studies

A case study format can be incredibly effective for bigger projects or series. Highlight specific shoots by breaking down the nitty-gritty details:

• Project Goals: What was the aim of the shoot? Describe the client's vision or the story they wanted to tell.

• Challenges Faced: Did you need to adapt to unusual weather? Did the shoot require new techniques or rapid problem-solving? Share the challenges you encountered and how you addressed them.

• Creative Decisions: Explain why you chose certain settings, lighting, or angles. This shows potential clients the thought process and expertise behind your work, adding depth to your portfolio.

Take Advantage of Any Client Testimonials

If you have positive feedback from clients, include it! A well-placed testimonial provides social proof and builds trust with new clients. Choose quotes that highlight the value you brought to the project, whether that's your professionalism, creativity, or willingness to climb something tall for a good angle. Testimonials can also show prospective clients that you're easy to work with, which is arguably a quality just as important as skill.

Integrating an Online Store to Sell Prints and Digital Products

Now, let's get into the meat of things: How can you change your photography portfolio website into something that can help you drive more revenue? With the right setup, you can turn your portfolio into a source of passive income by selling prints, digital downloads, and exclusive client galleries.

Setting Up The Store

1. Organize Your Store Layout:

Create separate sections or collections for different types of products, like prints, downloads, and client galleries. This keeps the store organized and makes it easy for clients to find what they want.

2. Upload High-Quality Files:

Ensure every high-resolution image looks its best in digital and print formats. For prints, you'll likely need to upload larger files than you use on your website.

3. Configure Payment and Shipping Options:

Set up payment methods, like credit card and PayPal, and add shipping options for physical prints if applicable. Some platforms integrate with popular print-on-demand services, making fulfillment easy to handle.

Pricing and Presentation Tips

Research pricing standards in your niche and consider what your target market is willing to pay. Strike a balance between affordability and value, as your pricing should reflect both the quality of your work and the effort that went into it. (For digital products, pricing might be lower, while physical prints often command a higher price tag.)

If you're selling limited-edition prints, clearly label them to create a sense of exclusivity. You can also highlight seasonal discounts or bundle offers, which can help attract new clients or encourage repeat purchases!

Clever Uses of Client Galleries

Multiple website builder platforms allow you to create private galleries for clients, where they can view, download, and even purchase their photos. Add password protection to each gallery so clients can access only their images, enhancing security and privacy.

Protect your work by applying watermarks on preview images within client galleries. This helps ensure that your images aren't downloaded or shared without permission. Make sure the watermark is subtle yet visible so it doesn't degrade the image quality.

For client galleries or digital downloads, decide whether to offer options like low-resolution previews and high-res download versions. Low-res downloads work well for social sharing, while high-res downloads can be priced at a premium.

Avoiding Common Photography Portfolio Mistakes

Before we conclude, it's important to mention that there are quite a few common mistakes that can pop up while building your photography website. Here they are listed below, to help you avoid that fate!

Overloading with Too Many Images

Listen, it's tempting to throw in every shot you're proud of---but resist the urge. More isn't better; it's just more. Quality beats quantity every time. Keep it curated and only show your absolute best work.

Ignoring Photo Quality

Grainy, low-res images are a hard no. If you're selling your photography skills, make sure every shot is crystal clear. High-res images are your best friends---they show every detail and make your work look polished and professional.

Forgetting Contact Details or CTAs

You've wowed someone with your work---now what? If they can't find a way to reach out, they'll just move on. Don't make people work for it. Add a clear call to action and make sure your contact info is front and center.

Not Updating Regularly

A stale portfolio is just as bad as an incomplete one. If your latest work is from 2018, it's not doing you any favors. Regular updates show clients that you're active and evolving. Don't let your portfolio gather dust.

Build Your Online Photography Portfolio Website Today With Journo Portfolio!

If you like the sound of having a photography website with built-in commerce features, then you're going to love Journo Portfolio. Building a website for your business is one of the most important steps you can take, but some people still wait on it until it's far past due. Don't make the same mistake!

Journo Portfolio prides itself on balancing ease of use and potential for customization, making it one of the best portfolio builders online. It's in the name, after all! Check out our complete list of features, and get started with your free account today.