Portfolio Tips
I strive to maintain a consistent look across my entire portfolio in terms of framing and perspective for each of my shows. As a Lighting Designer, this usually means full-stage shots for most everything I do. But this isn’t the best for everyone, so think about the types of things that you need to best show your work. Maybe one full-stage shot along with several closeups would be better for Costumes or Props people. Some scenes may be incredibly dark and moody and dramatic – perfect for me, but not great for the Set Designer or Scenic Artist.
Be very careful to curate the experience of your viewer. I always ask myself the following questions about shots I want to include in my portfolio:
Does this photo tell the viewer something new, unique, and distinct from all the other photos in the portfolio?
Am I including this photo because it’s the best representation of my work, or am I letting some things slide by (poor exposure, a little blurry, etc.) because I have a sentimental attachment to this moment?
Do the photos I’ve selected represent an understandable arc to the production, or am I missing a major part of the show that should be included (a pivotal character or moment, all of Act II) ?
Portfolio Resources:
Show Case: Developing, Maintaining, and Presenting a Design-Tech Portfolio for Theatre and Allied Fields 2nd Ed., by Rafael Jaen, Massachusetts: Focal Press, 2011. ISBN: 978-0240819266
The industry-standard reference book for building theatrical portfolios.