How can you prepare your portfolio for a lifestyle photography award submission?

1 Know the requirements

The first step to prepare your portfolio is to know the requirements of the award you are applying for. Different awards may have different criteria, such as the number of images, the format, the resolution, the theme, the deadline, and the fees. You should read the terms and conditions carefully and make sure you understand them. If you have any questions, contact the organizers or check their FAQ section. You don't want to miss any important details or make any mistakes that could disqualify your entry.

2 Choose your best images

The next step is to choose your best images that showcase your lifestyle photography skills. Lifestyle photography is about capturing the essence of everyday life, emotions, and relationships in a natural and authentic way. You should select images that tell a story, convey a mood, and reflect your personality. Avoid images that are too staged, edited, or generic. You want to stand out from the crowd and impress the judges with your originality and creativity.

3 Edit your images

Once you have chosen your images, you should edit them to enhance their quality and consistency. Editing your images can make a big difference in how they look and feel. You should use editing software or tools that you are familiar with and that suit your style. You should also follow the guidelines of the award organizers regarding the editing process. Some awards may allow you to make minor adjustments, such as cropping, resizing, or adjusting the exposure, while others may prohibit any editing at all. You should respect the rules and avoid over-editing your images.

4 Organize your portfolio

The next step is to organize your portfolio in a way that makes sense and flows well. You should arrange your images in a logical order, such as chronological, thematic, or narrative. You should also consider the layout, the spacing, and the captions of your images. You want to create a portfolio that is easy to navigate, visually appealing, and coherent. You should also check the technical aspects of your portfolio, such as the file size, the format, and the resolution. You should make sure your portfolio meets the specifications of the award organizers and that it can be uploaded or delivered without any issues.

5 Get feedback

The final step is to get feedback on your portfolio before you submit it. Feedback can help you improve your portfolio and spot any errors or flaws that you may have overlooked. You can ask for feedback from your peers, mentors, clients, or friends who are interested in photography or have experience in applying for awards. You should ask them to be honest and constructive, and to focus on the strengths and weaknesses of your portfolio. You should also be open-minded and receptive to their suggestions, and make any changes that you think are necessary.