10203143Photography Portfolio Preparation
Course Information
Description
This course guides photography students in creating a professional portfolio that showcases their skills and expertise. To enrich the learning experience, local photography professionals visit the class to provide feedback on student portfolios. The semester culminates in a Portfolio Show, celebrating student achievements. Final portfolio approval from the department is required.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Develop a professional brand identity for potential employers and clients
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Document includes marketing assets, personal position statement, and messaging strategy
    Identity includes logos, brand colors (two-three colors), and color palette
    Identify includes at least two consistent fonts
    Brand voice describes brand to potential employers and clients

  2. Develop a visual style and branding
    Assessment Strategies
    Digital File (Portfolio)
    Criteria
    Portfolio shows evidence of a consistent visual identity and personal brand
    Portfolio shows evidence of consistency in color, tone, subject matter, and composition
    Portfolio depicts a cohesive visual narrative
    Portfolio enhances your photographic voice and personal style
    Visual style incorporates basic branding principles (logo, typefaces, tone of presentation)

  3. Prepare images for maximum impact and relevance to your niche
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration, Final Images (15-20)
    Criteria
    Images are selected from raw shoot
    Images are edited using commercial image editing current practices (retouching, color, grading)
    Sequence of images tell a story or support a balanced logical flow
    Images are balanced for technical quality and emotional impact
    Images are of high quality and similar in quality across all images
    Respond to feedback from professional photographer
    Respond to feedback from peer and/or instructor

  4. Assemble a digital photographic portfolio that exemplifies the professional persona
    Assessment Strategies
    Website
    Criteria
    Portfolio includes your best work
    Portfolio includes a minimum of 15 images
    Portfolio is submitted to Portfolio Show Website
    URL is submitted on time for faculty review prior to the Portfolio Show
    Portfolio is organized in logical groupings or categories

  5. Create a personal project: “Working to a Theme”
    Assessment Strategies
    Project, Digital Files (at least six images)
    Criteria
    Proposal identifies the topic and plan for presentation (book, digital file etc.)
    Images differ than what’s in portfolio
    Project includes a minimum of six images
    Include photos that show your personal interests in photography
    Project is displayed at Portfolio Show

  6. Evaluate portfolio components and persona (peer assessment critique)
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product, Oral Response
    Criteria
    Evaluate peer portfolio and persona using provided criteria for basis of judgment
    Verbally respond and/or write feedback to peer in language that is inclusive and respectful
    Feedback identifies areas that meet criteria
    Feedback identifies areas that need action according to criteria
    Verbally respond and/or write feedback of interpretations offered by instructor and professional photographer

  7. Create or update a professional resume and supporting “wrap around” communications
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Documents meet professional standards for effective communication of experience, skills, and education
    Documents reflect achievements and skills acquired during the Madison College program
    Communicate with those viewing your resume, such as a thank you message
    Identify your goal, such as employment

  8. Analyze market and client needs within your community
    Assessment Strategies
    Report, Presentation
    Criteria
    Identify two genres as part of your commercial portfolio (such as fashion, product, food, real estate, corporate, or lifestyle)
    Analysis includes research results of existing photographers within your community
    Analysis identifies ways to connect with existing photographers
    Analysis identifies opportunities for photography within community
    Analysis identifies community-specific strategies to find clients
    Report identifies a favorite website and website features of another photographer
    Presentation describes target industries, clients, and trends in commercial photography
    Presentation displays your website’s navigation

  9. Create a presentation-ready professional portfolio
    Assessment Strategies
    Digital File, Website
    Criteria
    Portfolio format is accessible online
    Portfolio is digital (website, PDF)
    Online platform is used (e.g., smugmug, Adobe Portfolio, Squarespace, Behance, or Instagram)
    Website includes artist statement and project descriptions

  10. Present portfolio at the public Madison College portfolio show and website
    Assessment Strategies
    Physical Display of Work, Oral Presentation, Digital Portfolio, and Print during public Madison College show
    Criteria
    Describe the role of personal appearance and clothing during in person employment seeking events
    Verbally introduce yourself
    Verbally describe your images to show attendees
    Present your business card to attendees
    Verbally respond to portfolio show attendees
    Project a positive style with a smile
    Portfolio presentation is submitted to Portfolio Show Website
    One image is submitted for creation of a gallery print
    Presentation displays your gallery print