Posted by David Becker on October 19, 2007 at 2:51 PM
I would like to hear what software folks are using when presenting portfolios to perspective clients on their laptop. I can put together slide shows with Adobe Premier, create basic power points or just use the slide show features in IView but I wonder what others are using that might put on a very professional face. Specifically, I think some clients wish to see both the photo's, maybe a brief "story" or descriptive title about the photo along with say tech spec's on the shot itself. Others may also want an easy way to view keywords or other metadate.
As to hardware I have a nice 17" calibrated LCD Sony laptop so I'm interested in the software interface.
So what do you use for digital presentations?
Posted by Mark Stahlke on October 19, 2007 at 3:13 PM
How about Apache/PHP/Gallery/Firefox? These are all free software.
Yes, I'm suggesting running a web server on your laptop. HTTP connections to 127.0.0.1 are very fast and bandwidth is unlimited. Once you do the initial setup work it should be fairly straight forward to create custom web pages and image galleries for each presentation.
We're showing portfolios in a bit different context than you. They're on-the-spot reviews of shoots with clients, whether portraiture, industrial, advertising or sometimes assignment. That doesn't have some of the requirements you spell out, instead mandating easy, quick movement through the image set and pulling up individual shots for closer views. We've settled on Fuji's FinePixViewer, which came with the S2's we bought long ago (and have since retired). Nothing flashy. Just simple solid performance.
You did not mention how the final image will be used. If your client is a user who will utilize your images in digital format, or for use in printed materials such as brochures or magazines, a digital slide show presentation is probably the best way to go.
On the other hand, if the 'client' will be using prints for display, then a portfolio of fine prints (matted) seems to be the best way to go. This way, your client will see the final product (minus framing) and there will be no question in their minds about how the work will look.
The goal, of course is to present your work in the most professional light possible. Ask your client how they would like your work presented to them and then give them what they want.
Discussion
3 repliesAs to hardware I have a nice 17" calibrated LCD Sony laptop so I'm interested in the software interface.
So what do you use for digital presentations?
Yes, I'm suggesting running a web server on your laptop. HTTP connections to 127.0.0.1 are very fast and bandwidth is unlimited. Once you do the initial setup work it should be fairly straight forward to create custom web pages and image galleries for each presentation.
Just something to think about.
You did not mention how the final image will be used. If your client is a user who will utilize your images in digital format, or for use in printed materials such as brochures or magazines, a digital slide show presentation is probably the best way to go.
On the other hand, if the 'client' will be using prints for display, then a portfolio of fine prints (matted) seems to be the best way to go. This way, your client will see the final product (minus framing) and there will be no question in their minds about how the work will look.
The goal, of course is to present your work in the most professional light possible. Ask your client how they would like your work presented to them and then give them what they want.
Just a thought. Good luck with your presentation!
-PB