Food photographers – there's a better way to showcase your portfolio

In food photography, your portfolio is key to getting noticed. It’s more than just a collection of photos – it’s like an online CV and the first impression potential clients will have of you.

Many photographers struggle with showcasing their work online. A common mistake is putting too many photos on the homepage, which can overwhelm visitors and make it hard for them to know where to focus.

Your portfolio should tell a story, just like your photos do.

Here are some tips on how to make your portfolio work for you:

1. Make it easy to navigate

When someone visits your website, the first thing they’ll notice is how easy it is to explore. Organise your work into categories (like starters, desserts, drinks) so visitors can easily find what they’re looking for.

Pro tips:

• Keep your menu simple and easy to understand.

• Use different galleries for different kinds of photography (e.g. sweet vs savoury, or by restaurants, drinks brands, cookbooks etc).

• Homepage – strategically design your homepage to make a strong first impression. The hero area at the top is the first thing visitors will see, so feature a compelling headline accompanied by a standout shot or a small selection of your best photos. Further down the page, provide a ‘taster’ of your portfolio and guide prospective clients to explore more of your work.

2. Use high-quality visuals

This might seem obvious, but the quality and size of the images you upload is paramount. Save photos in JPG format and compress using a free online tool like tinyjpg.com to improve load time. Check the image quality after compressing to check the quality hasn’t been reduced.

Pro tips:

• Handpick standout photos in your portfolio and display them in full screen for big impact.

• Use slideshow features and parallax scrolling effects to create a dynamic portfolio and make browsing more visually interesting.

3. Tell a story with your work

Your portfolio is more than a collection of images; it’s a narrative of your journey and style as a food photographer. Choose your best work and explain what makes each shot unique.

Pro tips:

• Curate thoughtfully. Remember: quality over quantity. Select photos that represent your best work and showcase a variety of techniques and subjects. Only display past work that you’d be happy to do again. For example, if you recently did a photoshoot for a private charter flight and would love more of this high-end work, include this in your portfolio; similarly if you’ve decided to no longer work with drinks brands, remove or reduce photographs of drinks.

• Include context by adding brief descriptions or stories behind each shoot can add depth. Share what makes each dish or product special, the challenges you faced and overcame, or the unique techniques you used.

• Use your About page to tell your personal story as a photographer. Share your journey, your passion for food and what inspires your work to create connection with potential clients.

4. Showcase client testimonials and publications

Client testimonials add credibility and build trust. If your work has been featured in publications, prominently highlight these achievements.

Pro tips: 

• Create case studies or success stories for notable projects. Detail the process from concept to completion, including challenges faced and how you overcame them. Include key results for your client. This tells a story and demonstrates your problem-solving skills and professionalism.

• Include testimonials from happy clients within your case studies to credibility to your work.

• Display logos and links to publications that have featured your work. Remember to ask for permission first!

5. Make it easy to find (SEO)

Even the best portfolio won’t get noticed if people can’t find it. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) can help potential clients find you more easily.

Pro tips: 

• Use relevant keywords in your titles, descriptions and alt texts. Think like a client – what terms would they use to find a food photographer?

• Blogging – regularly update a blog with behind-the-scenes stories, tips and trends in food photography and anecdotes that highlight your expertise and personality. This keeps your site active and can improve your search rankings.

6. Regular updates

Your website portfolio is a living, breathing ‘thing’, and as your body of work grows, and your skills and experience improve, you’ll want to edit your portfolio to ensure it's a reflection of where you are today. So regularly update it with new projects, client testimonials and case studies.

Pro tip:

• Pop a reminder in your diary to review your portfolio against your current business goals and service offerings on a quarterly basis.

Conclusion

A strong portfolio is essential for any food photographer, but how you present it can make all the difference. By focusing on simple navigation, high-quality images, storytelling and regular updates, you can create a portfolio that not only showcases your skills but also helps you connect with clients. Keep it fresh, relevant and easy to find, and you’ll be sure to stand out in the competitive world of food photography.

Ready to update your portfolio?

If you need a hand or some guidance, I’m here to help with my Squarespace Website Support Day.

Let’s chat and make your portfolio even better. Get in touch today – I’m excited to help you out!