Sketch legend:
Whereas about 10 years ago the main focus in presenting the most successful photographs to photographers was the (physically tangible) exhibition of original prints in picture frames or the compilation of photographs in a presentation folder, publication on the Internet is now the most common type of presentation, followed by the printing of bound "photo books" (ordered via the Internet). The digital processing of digitally captured photos has therefore quickly become by far the most important way of preparing a presentation.
The advantages are obvious: 10 years ago, photographers had to either create each print themselves in the darkroom using chemical methods (usually requiring several attempts, a time-consuming process) or have it produced in a specialist laboratory at great expense, but now it is easy for anyone to get the photos processed in the desired way using digital image post-processing:
Since everyone probably owns a computer and the programs for image editing are almost "child's play" (at least intuitively) to use, you no longer have to rely on expensive specialist knowledge or bulky laboratory equipment, but can edit your photos yourself almost "playfully" in the way you want.
There is no general answer as to how much the photos should be edited; this is primarily a matter of taste. I am - admittedly - quite conservative in this respect: I always try to take photos in such a way that the photo is "finished" at the moment the shutter is released. I often only make color changes on the computer.
Even if the acquisition costs of modern professional computers and image processing programs are significantly higher than the purchase price of the laboratory equipment of the time, it can be described as a quantum leap in economic terms due to the more efficient way of working to now post-process the photos myself on my home computer, especially as the expenses for photo paper, developer chemicals, films, etc. have been eliminated.
On the Internet
The Internet as a presentation platform for the best photos is ideal for several reasons: Firstly, the photos are made accessible to a very large (almost infinitely large) audience. Anyone in the world with Internet access could - at least theoretically - view the photos, without having to travel and without wasting time. Secondly, the presentation effort is relatively low compared to an exhibition (with sending out invitation cards, vernissage and finissage and catering for the invited guests, etc.).
A few basic computer skills are enough to upload the photos to so-called photo communities to present them to like-minded people and "guests". Of course, it is better to have your own Internet presence, either created by yourself, by acquaintances with the relevant knowledge or by trained media designers. Thirdly, the Internet makes it possible to exchange individual photos repeatedly and easily in order to keep the "permanent exhibition" up to date. And from almost anywhere in the world!
The Internet presence thus becomes a calling card for your own photographic skills and has become an indispensable part of the everyday life of professional and amateur photographers.
So only show your best photographic work, your absolute highlights. 10 top photographs will leave a more lasting positive impression on visitors to your site than 70 "only good" photos, because even on the Internet: "Less is sometimes more!"
As a photo book and calendar
It has also only been possible for a few years to have your own books (or calendars) produced in excellent quality using digital printing (as individual items or very small print runs).
Providers on the Internet generally make their own design software available to interested parties free of charge (as a download), which can be loaded onto a PC or Mac at home.
The operation of this software is usually completely uncomplicated. Users can intuitively select the photos they want to use in the book and it is just as easy to create an attractive layout of their choice.
Various format templates help beginners to create professional-looking results.
Text can also be added, and different background colors, variable format sizes (from "Pocket" to "Maxi") ...
... and different book covers need not be emphasized.
In short: Ideal for presenting your best photos neatly and tidily!
Disadvantage: Replacing one or more photos is only possible by reprinting the entire book.
However, digitally printed books are not only an excellent way for photographers to present and promote themselves, ...
... this type of "portfolio" is also well suited for models.
I also often create photo books for private individuals who want to give their loved ones a beautiful - and sometimes erotic - gift. The results of a photo shoot are presented in a much higher quality in this way than one or two dozen paper prints, for example.
Offset printing, on the other hand, works quite differently and is very complex and expensive due to its technical characteristics. Only from print runs of several thousand copies does the unit price fall so that the sales prices of the books are within the normal range. Offset-printed books are therefore simply unsuitable for presentations, unless you are lucky enough to find a publisher who wants to publish an illustrated book with your photos.
Once you've done that, it's a great feeling to know that there are thousands or even tens of thousands of people who have your photographs in book form on their bookshelves!
Presentation folder
Presentation folders have the advantage that the best photos can be rearranged as often as required, so that individual photos can be replaced and others added without any problems. At the end of the 1990s, original prints (produced by chemical means) mounted on acid-free cardboard were still used for presentation folders, but in the age of digital photography, only high-quality prints (for example on fine handmade paper) will be used in presentation folders for reasons of economy and flexibility.
Nevertheless, the folder should not be any less appealing and lovingly put together, and the glassine paper (as dividers) does not need to be dispensed with either. Remember that in many cases the portfolio is the first (and lasting!) impression you make with your photographic work. Especially in the field of erotic photography, it is particularly important to present your work neatly and in high quality in order to counteract the prejudice of "dinginess" when meeting new contacts!
Presentation folders in ring binder form with transparent sleeves, in which you can insert and file your photos, are not quite as attractive and high quality, but they are practical. These are available in good photo stores as well as in art supply stores or, of course, in well-stocked stationery stores. If you don't want to go to the trouble of creating a portfolio, this solution is still a good choice. This solution is definitely better than keeping all your beautiful works hidden away in a box under your bed or in your bedside table!
Photo exhibition
It has always been (and remains) every photographer's dream to organize their own exhibition. You too will have often thought about what it would be like to feel the appreciative glances of the invited audience at the exhibition opening (vernissage) or to talk shop with your fellow photographers about high-key and low-key or to read the (hopefully positive!) report in the local press a day later.
But the good Lord (or whoever) has put the work before the harvest, and so let me warn you at this point what a big effort it is to set up your own exhibition that doesn't get lost in the mass of cultural events in your home town: Photos of sufficient size have to be produced (by chemical means or digital printing), then they have to be mounted and/or placed in mounts, which in turn have to be placed in (previously procured) picture frames (which can cost a small fortune if you buy them instead of borrowing them).
Then you need to find a suitable room that is large enough and has blank, neutral walls.
Have you made sure you have enough crockery, cutlery and glasses at this stage? You will need them later! After all, the guests need to be invited, and of course it makes a more impressive impression if you send out professionally produced invitation cards. It is particularly important that you don't forget anyone who, if the exhibition is a success (and that is your goal!), will take credit for having helped you once (or more often) with the realization of your photos in any way!
And last but not least, you should also send invitation cards to the local and, if necessary, national press, but not one card per newspaper, but to every important editor from the cultural or regional department (or at least to all editors who think they are important, which will probably be all of them!) On the day of the opening, you should then have plenty of champagne, finger food and snacks ready, because you can count on one hand the number of visitors who come just because of your remarkable work (especially as they already know your photographs well enough anyway) ...
You should spoil the visitors to your exhibition not only visually, but also with culinary delights ...
By the way, if this list, which is guaranteed to be incomplete, has still not made you want to hold your own exhibition, you are welcome to invite me; and if I have enough time and - even more importantly - the organizer is guaranteed to serve visitors sumptuous catering, then I will definitely come ;-)
