There are many advantages to the possibility of shooting without paying for every 36 shots, like some of us used to do in the film days. Having this ability prevents us from missing anything important but it also fills our hard drives. Image files are increasing in size and that means more space is required each year.
Organizing your photography portfolio is something you should do at least once a year depending on how much and how often you shoot. It might be necessary to do it several times a year.

However there are photographers who hate this task so much (hey, nobody is saying it’s fun!) that they avoid doing it to the point where they can’t find a photo taken three months ago. It’s wrong on many levels. We’re going to prove the importance of organizing your portfolio with these 6 rational arguments.

1. It makes you decide between good and bad

Taking the time to organize your photos will force you to sit down and take a look at the good photos as well as the bad ones. This will help you understand what it is that you like about certain images and what went wrong with others.

2. You will remember old ideas

Sometimes I photograph something with an idea in my head, but the photos don’t turn out quite the way I want them. Naturally after some time I forget that idea, and I always enjoy finding it again when I reorganize my work. It reminds me that I need to take it and actually turn it into something I like.

3. Easier time finding stuff

This is an obvious reason for having a well-organized portfolio. You never really know when a client might ask for a print from an event that was over a year ago or when you need to find the full size version of an older photo you sent to a contest. Just because photography is about being creative, it doesn’t mean that time and efficiency should be missing.

4. You will learn how to avoid mistakes

When viewing the bulk of your work, you will most likely start to notice mistakes you are making repeatedly. It’s one of the best ways to determine if something you’re doing is holding you back or keeping you from making the best of a situation.

5. You will become aware of your progress

Another good thing about seeing the work you’ve done in a year or more is that you can assess the progress you’re making. A good photograph has to pass the test of time so if by looking at your earlier work you will be able to tell the valuable images from the average ones.

6. It feels good

I don’t mean that about the process, although sometimes visiting old work brings back nice memories. I’m talking about the final look of the portfolio. It just looks good when everything is put together and all the bad stuff is deleted. It gives you a sense of accomplishment and comfort inside. A lady photographer who is a close friend of mine compares this to the feeling you get after painting your house fresh. Anyway, it just feels good so if the rest of the reasons aren’t convincing enough, you should at least do it for that.

By Sergiu Aursulesei