I'm looking for suggestions on ways to present my work to prospective clients. I shoot black and white portraits, and currently show 10-15 (depending on client), 8x10 prints in a leather-bound album. Each page is a clear plastic sheet.

The problem I'm having with this type of presentation is that, after a month or so, the pages look completely scuffed. There are abrasions all over the plastic, and the book looks crummy. I heard from an arts supply salesperson that it helps to use a book with vinyl pages. I've also considering dry mounting and matting my prints in 11x14 or 14x18 inch beveled mats, and loading them into an archival box. One portrat phorographer I've spoken with thinks it makes a great presentation to place the photos around a room.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Yours,

Frank

-- Frank Burtnett (confra@hotmail.com), July 26, 2001

Answers

Frank, I recommend you post here:

www.pdn-pix.com

chris

-- Christian Harkness (chris.harkness@eudoramail.com), July 27, 2001.

Frank, Your book or portfolio should be geared towards the type of client you are presenting it to. Is the person is a magizine editor, gallery director, stock editor, etc? Each will have their own prefered way of looking at the work. You should also have more than one copy of the protfolio. It helps cut down on the wear and tear you discribe and, more importantly, it allows the book to be in more than one place at a time. Three or four copies is not a bad idea. But even w/ vinyl pages you will need to be replacing the pages ever so often to keep the book looking clean and professional.

-- James Megargee (jmegargee@nyc.rr.com), July 28, 2001.

Mounting my portfolio prints is the way I've been doing it for years. I use a black solid core mount board and just mount (not matte) the prints but mine is on the commercial side. The chromes (4x5) are mounted on the same 11x14 black board with a window. I would keep everything a "standard size like 11x14. With the sleeves you have, you can wax them with a wax that you can get out of Light Impressions but replacing the sleeves would make more sense both in time and money. There again, it really depends on the people your presenting to! The clam shell box is a good way to go.

-- Scott Walton (f64sw@hotmail.com), July 30, 2001.