Portfolio Myths: Why Your Best Photos Might Not Be Getting You Booked
Tue Feb 03 2026
Your portfolio might be full of beautiful images - but is it actually helping you book the work you want?
In this episode, we’re unpacking some of the most common portfolio myths photographers are taught early on, and why so much of that advice ends up doing more harm than good. From the pressure to show everything you can do, to the idea that more variety equals more opportunities, we talk honestly about what we were told, what didn’t work, and what shifted once we started treating our portfolios as positioning tools - not proof of versatility.
We explore why portfolios are meant to communicate clarity, not range for the sake of it, how too much variety can confuse potential clients, and what actually changes when you start showing the work you want to be hired for. We also touch on how to approach portfolio shifts if you’re not booking your dream projects yet.
If you’ve ever wondered why your most loved images aren’t converting into aligned enquiries, this episode will help you rethink how your portfolio works for your business.
Focus & Flourish, Photography Business Talk is a podcast for food photographers and creative entrepreneurs who want to build intentional, sustainable, and profitable businesses. Hosted by food photographers Marta Grabowska and Linda Hermans, the show blends honest conversations with practical insight around portfolios, pricing, pitching, workflows, marketing, and mindset - helping photographers position themselves clearly, attract aligned clients, and grow with confidence.
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If you'd like to support our podcast, you can contribute by buying us a coffee through this link. Your support means a lot! ♥️
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Your portfolio might be full of beautiful images - but is it actually helping you book the work you want? In this episode, we’re unpacking some of the most common portfolio myths photographers are taught early on, and why so much of that advice ends up doing more harm than good. From the pressure to show everything you can do, to the idea that more variety equals more opportunities, we talk honestly about what we were told, what didn’t work, and what shifted once we started treating our portfolios as positioning tools - not proof of versatility. We explore why portfolios are meant to communicate clarity, not range for the sake of it, how too much variety can confuse potential clients, and what actually changes when you start showing the work you want to be hired for. We also touch on how to approach portfolio shifts if you’re not booking your dream projects yet. If you’ve ever wondered why your most loved images aren’t converting into aligned enquiries, this episode will help you rethink how your portfolio works for your business. Focus & Flourish, Photography Business Talk is a podcast for food photographers and creative entrepreneurs who want to build intentional, sustainable, and profitable businesses. Hosted by food photographers Marta Grabowska and Linda Hermans, the show blends honest conversations with practical insight around portfolios, pricing, pitching, workflows, marketing, and mindset - helping photographers position themselves clearly, attract aligned clients, and grow with confidence. Follow us on Instagram 📸 If you'd like to support our podcast, you can contribute by buying us a coffee through this link. Your support means a lot! ♥️