“I vote for an iPad when an agent comes to see me and wants to show me books of multiple photographers and/or artists. However, I still prefer a big, beautiful printed book for presentation. I know our Creative Directors still want to see a well-put-together printed portfolio when they’re deciding on shooters for upcoming projects”

via blog.imagebrief.com.

Recommended Posts

8 Comments

  1. I have both, my main portfolio is printed and it’s as much for me as it is the clients. Something about the printing and organizing of images and the satisfaction of the finished portfolio that I enjoy. I normally bring my iPad with additional images from personal projects just as back up if they want to see the expanded project.

  2. An ipad looks like chump change next to a well made printed book.

    Any fool can put together an ipad portfolio. Prints take work.

    That said, an ipad is useful for supplemental images or quick presentations.

  3. My printed portfolios look way better then an ipad because of the size. If only I could drag my two 30″ cinema displays into meetings….

  4. I’m firmly in the print column (even though I use my iPad constantly all day)… But in the end, as with just about everything else, “easy and adequate” will win over “challenging and great” for most people.

    • I like this comment.

      It’s the premium product that wins in quality but it’s the cheaper one that sells more.

      Red sea vs Blue sea economics.

  5. This is really a nonexistent argument.
    If art buyers wanted to see images on Dick Tracy wrist watches or Polaroid transfers on banana leaves people would bend over.
    Buyer’s market, kiss the buyer’s ass.

  6. I’m interested in how Art Buyers view printed portfolios. Do they have a bias against books made by online services like Blurb in favor of only high-end Books like Lost Luggage?

  7. I want to see a printed portfolio for several reasons:
    1) I’d rather see a well-edited book rather than scrolling through 400 of the images in your ipad album.
    2) I’ve already seen your website, that’s why I am meeting with you. I don’t need to see it in digital form again, and believe me there is a HUGE difference between print and digital output.
    3) There’s something really special about handling fine paper and ink in your fingertips.
    4) I appreciate the time and care you put into printing and creating your book, I really do. If it’s well put together and you’ve chosen the right kind of paper that reflects your work, that’s something I notice and it shows you care about your work too.

    However, I will note that ipads are perfectly acceptable as a supplement. Especially if you direct or have motion work.


Comments are closed for this article!