Studio Chat: Crafting a Portfolio
What the heck is a fine-art portfolio? Is it a collection of "greatest hits”? Images with the same subject matter?
Why do you need one, anyway?
And…what do galleries and art-world professionals expect to see?
In this Studio Chat, you’ll learn to identify the building blocks of a successful portfolio. Our conversation will center on aesthetic - what a strong portfolio LOOKS like. We’ll talk about visual considerations like color palette, depth of field, aspect ratio, mixing black and white with color, and choosing images that “play well together.”
We’ll also look at the many ways portfolios fail.
You’ll see examples of portfolios that fall flat because the images are too similar - or because their only connective tissue is intellectual (not visual). We’ll also discuss why clumsy categories like “portraits” can flop as portfolio themes. And, we’ll talk about the tendency to prioritize content over aesthetic - and how you can recognize and route out this highly seductive habit (you’re most likely doing it without even being aware of it).
I’ll also share a behind-the-scenes look at how I build groups of images, rule images out, and edit to create visual harmony with my own work.
If you want to make beautiful portfolios that showcase your personal vision, this is for you.
“Laura, your classes are among the best I’ve ever participated in – really packed with both hard-core information from someone who knows what she’s talking about, plus targeted and realistic encouragement and inspiration. Your presence and tone are consistent and your responsiveness to students is fabulous. I’ve taken a lot of online courses and your professionalism is matchless.”
The Experience:
As soon as you sign up, you’ll get access to the Studio Chat. It’s a ~1.5 hour video that you can watch whenever you like (cozied up with an afghan and a glass of vino…or bright and early with your coffee). You’ll have lifetime access, so you can revisit it as needed.
Studio Chat
Welcome to my studio!
This is for you if...
You’ve tried to make portfolios before, but they’re either too random…or too repetitive.
You haven’t made a portfolio before, and you want to do it right the first time.
You’d like to get a handle on visual consistency. What’s too much? Not enough? Where’s the sweet spot?
You’d love to see examples of image sequencing (what works and what doesn’t).
You want to understand art world expectations so you can meet them (or flaunt them with gusto!).
You want to start thinking about the viewer experience. What creates an immersive experience? What breaks the flow? We’ll cover it.
You’d love to really SEE connections between images. You’ve relied on your intellect for a long time - now you want to fine-tune your visual intuition.
A bit about me...
I’m Laura Valenti, the artist behind Light Atlas Creative. I’ve had my fingers in a lot of pots in the art world, for over 20 years now. I teach interactive e-courses, support emerging photographers in my creative mentoring program, speak to photo groups, and curate exhibitions for galleries and photo festivals around the world. I also jury photo competitions and serve as a reviewer at portfolio review events, where I help photographers fine-tune their vision and promote their work with confidence. I’m passionate about helping artists clear creative blocks and bring forward their most skillful, authentic, wholehearted work.
Many photographers can make strong single images - but they can’t craft strong portfolios. Their work is all over the map, and they don’t know how to fix it. If that sounds like you, this Studio Chat will help!
“Laura, you have truly been an inspiration. I was stymied about my future directions in photography and you have armed me with an entire arsenal of ideas and exciting new pathways.”
“Laura, you are really a wonderful, inspiring, uplifting teacher. I have never come away from one of your classes not feeling really good about myself and my photography and more importantly, learning something that will ultimately help me improve my craft.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be online at a specific time?
The Studio Chat is self-study and self paced. No need to get dressed or do your hair for an awkwardly-scheduled Zoom session! You can take as much time as you need to savor it fully, and you can rewatch it as needed.
How is this offering different from your Visionary Portfolio e-course?
This Studio Chat is a ~1.5 hour conversation. The Visionary Portfolio is a very in-depth 6-week course. The Visionary Portfolio is also an interactive course, so you’ll get substantial feedback and support on your imagery throughout. They complement each other beautifully, so taking both is ideal.
If I already took The Visionary Portfolio e-course, will this Studio Chat still be helpful?
It will! This Studio Chat is a fantastic complement to The Visionary Portfolio.
I just saw you give a lecture on this topic to the Oregon Professional Photographers Association. Is this the same talk?
It is! No need to sign up for this if you attended that presentation.
Will I get personal feedback on my photographs?
The Studio Chat is a self-study video workshop. If you’d like dedicated 1-on-1 guidance, add a mentoring session (or package) here. Or, sign up for my much more in-depth course The Visionary Portfolio.
What's your refund policy?
My classes are very highly rated, and many students take them more than once. Because you'll get immediate access to the Studio Chat and all class resources (and because you’ll have lifetime access), your registration isn't refundable. Review the page above to make sure this offering is a good fit for you - and reach out if you have any questions.
Is the Studio Chat good for beginners? What about more advanced photographers?
Photographers at all levels will feel right at home in this Studio Chat. It’s never too early (or too late!) to think about making lovely image groupings and portfolios.
How long do I get to keep the Studio Chat?
You’ll have lifetime access, so you can revisit it as needed.