Questions about portfolio (sales)

From the outset of my journey to Italy, I had considered offering a portfolio of those images for sale. My thoughts immediately considered doing this in Pt-pd. These will entail enlarged negatives and my questions are these...

1. What image size should I consider? I have been thinking of 8X10 mounted and overmatted to 13X16. Is that a good size or should I consider larger or smaller?

2. Is Pt-pd the proper print medium? Does it have the inherent characteristics of being more collectible?

3. How many images should the portfolio contain? I have been thinking in terms of 8, 10 or 12 images. Is one of these a better number?

4. Who makes custome portfolio cases? I am thinking in fine linen covered cases. Is that the best way to go?

5. If you were to produce something like this, what price would you consider placing on the portfolio?

6. What edition size would you consider appropriate? I am thinking in terms of ten or twelve portfolios...is my thinking correct on this?

Thanks in advance to all who share their thoughts and experience on this matter

"5. If you were to produce something like this, what price would you consider placing on the portfolio?"

From looking at your website I can see you are a very capable photographer - thats why I am surprised you ask this. Don't you think it is silly asking what format you should use and how much you should charge for photographs you haven't even made yet? I think after you have photographed you will better be able to tell what size to print at, how many images to put in the portfolio (what happens when you decide that 12 is a good portfolio size but you come home with 13 sellable images?), or if your images are even worthy enough to your standards to sell. I have the same feelings towards offering portfolio's for sale in advance of a photo making journey - very contrived.

Donald,
There is not an answer to any of your questions that you don't already know.

If you're ready to publish then it becomes time separate the men from the boy's. You know what is right for you and your work. It may not be easy to be right but only you know your vision.

Just when you thought the soul searching was over it begins anew.

My 2 cents.

Donald,
My only suggestion is in reguards to the 8x10 on 13x16 board option. I have seen numerous 8x10s on both 13x15 and 13x16 boards. I find the 13x15 to look MUCH better. The 13x16 gives to much boarder to one side and not enough on the other. Both allow you to get 6 sheets out of a 32x40 board. This is a personal preference of course, but I mount and over mat prints as part of my job and spend much time thinking about this subject. I would at least try one of each if you haven't already. All the best and good luck. Shawn

Hi Donald,

First of all, I just want to thank you for sharing your images from your stay in Italy. I have enjoyed them very much.

I tend to think of a portfolio as a collection of prints presented as a whole and kept that way. With that in mind, and considering most of your work in 5x7, what about just contact printing them. You could of course enlarge some of the 35mm if they were to be included. This would make something that would be very enjoyable to hold in your hands.

The final price of the portfolio will certainly depend on the number of prints, but to help with the initial sales, maybe you could have a pricing tier (1 thru 5 equals xxx, 6 thru 10 equals xxxx, and 11 thru 15 equals xxxxx), and be sure to include some artist copies.

Thanks again for sharing your vision of Italy.

It looks like I made a mistake! I misunderstood your post, my apologies.

Thanks to each of you for offering me the benefit of your thoughts and experiences.

After reviewing your site - - how about 8 images, $400 a piece, or $2500 for the portfolio in pt./pd. (it seems many of your images have this warmer tone) -

It's always easier to lower the price if they don't sell as quickly as you would like.

As for cases...there was an article not long ago, perhaps in view camera that discussed this...

You could consider offering the portfolio in both silver and plat/pal.?

I would mat 16x18.

Donald Miller said:

From the outset of my journey to Italy, I had considered offering a portfolio of those images for sale. My thoughts immediately considered doing this in Pt-pd. These will entail enlarged negatives and my questions are these...

1. What image size should I consider? I have been thinking of 8X10 mounted and overmatted to 13X16. Is that a good size or should I consider larger or smaller?

2. Is Pt-pd the proper print medium? Does it have the inherent characteristics of being more collectible?

3. How many images should the portfolio contain? I have been thinking in terms of 8, 10 or 12 images. Is one of these a better number?

4. Who makes custome portfolio cases? I am thinking in fine linen covered cases. Is that the best way to go?

5. If you were to produce something like this, what price would you consider placing on the portfolio?

6. What edition size would you consider appropriate? I am thinking in terms of ten or twelve portfolios...is my thinking correct on this?

Thanks in advance to all who share their thoughts and experience on this matter

Click to expand...

In consideration of the mat size, I would agree with Shawn, and go with 13x15. However, I think that will depend on the size of the prints you ultimately make. If you are making 5x7 platinums, then you might be able to use a 13x16 board, but I still use 13x15's for the 5x7's I've made in the past.

PT/PD is appropriate if it is appropriate for you. Being the creator, you have to decide what is right for how you work, and what works best for the images you made.

There is no rule for the number of prints in a portfolio, but personally, I like between 8 and 16 prints, but the is totally dependent on the type of work, the narrative or sequencing, and the price.

Portfoliobox.com is a good place to get custom cases.

Generally, the price is dependent on the number of prints in the portfolio, and the standard price for your individual prints. If, for example, you sell your prints for $400 each, and you have 12 prints in the portfolio, you would really being selling $4,800 in prints. But, because it is a portfolio, you would have to price it much less—maybe around $2,000-$2,500.

For that price, you might want to consider doing a page of letter press text with the title, your name, the edition, and any text or essay that you would like to include.

Hope this helps, I started planning a portfolio of some of my work last fall, and realized all the little details that go into making a truly elegant and beautiful portfolio.