Good photos aren’t enough – follow these pro tips for attracting the clients you want

Building a portfolio isn’t just about choosing your best or most successful photos. If you want to attract your dream clients and truly stand out from the crowd, there’s more to selecting the photos you want to show. I know it sounds difficult, but don’t worry, Chelsea Nicole has you covered. In her latest video, she her expert insights on creating the perfect photography portfolio and attract the client you want.

The power of positioning

According to Chelsea, a strong photography portfolio isn’t merely a collection of your best work. It’s a strategic tool to position yourself as the ideal choice for your dream clients. She shares the three key levels of a profitable portfolio to raise your brand to a higher level and attract a high-paying clientele.

The three levels of a profitable portfolio

In the video, Chelsea discusses three levels of a profitable portfolio. Let’s briefly go through them, and make sure to watch the video for more details on each.

1. The professional portfolio: This level focuses on technical mastery. Your images should demonstrate sharp focus, perfect exposure, and compelling compositions. This foundation of technical excellence will position you as a reliable and trustworthy choice.
2. The connective portfolio: Beyond technical skill, your portfolio should evoke emotions and resonate with your ideal clients. Chelsea suggests that your images should tell a story and inspire. This level of connection transforms you from a trusted choice to a desired one.
3. The unique portfolio: This is the final level, where you truly stand out. By combining technical mastery, emotional resonance, and a distinctive style, you position yourself as the one and only choice for your dream clients. Chelsea advises that your unique vision should be evident in every image, making your work unmistakable.

Breaking free from the “good” portfolio trap

Many photographers get stuck in the “good” portfolio trap. “It’s actually a level before these: Level Zero,” Chelsea argues. “90% of photographers are stuck here yet don’t even realize it.”

“A good portfolio has some clever images and might even get a lot of praise from family, friends, and clients. But let’s just be honest, this portfolio is not doing its job of attracting the right clients. And that’s because in a saturated market, good blends in with everyone else. This is why this is called Level Zero. A good portfolio is boring. It’s average, and it blends in. And it positions us as one of many.”

Surely sounds like something you don’t want, right? But how, oh how do you break free from having a technically good, but not good enough portfolio? Chelsea shares several tips:

• Continuously refine your skills, from camera settings to post-processing techniques.
• Create images that evoke feelings and resonate with your target audience.
• Find your niche and style and consistently deliver work that reflects your personal vision.
• Choose images that align with your brand and target audience.
• Study the work of successful photographers, but avoid copying their style. If you see some repeating patterns and trends, let that be your guide of what not to do.

I strongly suggest you watch the video, as we’ve only scratched the surface (and I hope I got you interested). I know this may all seem difficult off the bat, but remember—those good photos you’ve already selected are a great foundation. With a strategic approach and a dash of personal style, you can create a portfolio that showcases your skills and tells a story and sets you apart. This together positions you as the one and only photographer your dream clients have been searching for.

[From Average to Irresistible: 3 Stages of a Stand Out Photo Portfolio | Chelsea Nicole Photography]