University Interview - Portfolio

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Invertigo

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279
Name
Mark
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Hi all

So, I've been lucky enough to be invited for an interview at a university highly rated for photography, and was requested to bring a portfolio on CD.

Now, I've had a look through my flickr, and stuck a good few images into a separate set. I know it may be asking quite a bit, but would anyone be able to flick through them and give me an overview?
Link is http://www.flickr.com/photos/mjennings/sets/72157629469095464/

Also, when it comes to presentation on a CD, is there any 'correct' way, or do I just copy the jpeg files over?

Cheers!
 
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Ask the uni! They're looking for reasons to accept good students, and won't try to use trickery to catch you out. Asking for submission guidelines is perfectly acceptable. If the uni has a student forum, you may ask there, or see if you can fine someone who is currently on the course and pick their brains.

But, DO make sure you have stuck to the requirements. If they ask for 10 shots at max size 2MB, don't sent 27 @ 8MB. They will be looking to see if you can follow instructions.

As to your selection, make sure every image is earning its place and conforms to any submission requirements. No technical flaws, no repetitive stuff. Interview every picture and ask it to justify its place (think I'm joking?).

Good luck!
 
Hey Mark, congratulations on the Uni offer.

I went through your entire portfolio and there is some good photography displayed there. You've shown a wide selection of techniques, DOF, panning, long exposure, night work and showcased many different enviroments that you have shot in, some of which I understand to be very demanding. So on the whole I think you have a strong selection of photographs to display there, perhaps with the exception of one or two.

Reguarding what Jon said, did they ask for 50 photos or a large collection?

If not I suspect you would want to cut it in size, perhaps maybe to the best 20 or so. It's quality, not quantity and if you show a small set of your very best I think that is better than showing a large selection with a few that detract from the overall set. Aditionaly, selecting two of the best images from each shooting enviroment helps hold the intrest.


Also, its more likely the interviewers will take more time appreciating each image since they have less to look through. I imagine they are busy people and will have a lot of other photos from potential applicants to look at as well.

Best of luck to you.
 
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Thanks for the input. There was no specific size mentioned, and I did plan to cut it down a bit, so I'll sort that this afternoon.

I'll make sure to have a wide variety of images included and avoid any repetition too.

Big thanks to both of you for taking the time to give me feedback, appreciated!
 
I would think universities would like to see a series of images as a collective or theme maybe? as well as other shots. They probably want to see that you can engage with a subject, yes take a good photo (which obviously you can) but go beyond that and engage the viewer, evoke emotions....remember your portfolio will be compared to 10's of other students applying for the course, dont make it generic, make it stand out (for either being different, edgey or unforgettable..etc).....i'd also look into a different way of presenting your CD portfolio rather than just a load of Jpegs on a CD, maybe a presentation/ slideshow tool.


In all honesty looking through your portfolio on flickr its doenst excite me, you take a good shot in a variety of situations and environments and show technical ability but not much more. Some of your shots start to show your engagement with the subject...eg people but not many.....Im sure this is something you'll develop on course and i hope i haven't disheartened you and i also dont have an idea what they're asking for...like mentioned find out what they are after, maybe they're after a set of images showing your technical ability!

And p.s good on ya for getting the young 'un to were a Sale kit!!!!!!! :-)

PS i work at a uni in pre entry advise and guidance, unfortunately not yet with a photography course
 
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Dan

Thanks for the tips there. I do see what you mean about engaging with the subject, its just not something I've ever really done I guess. All my techniques were self taught from internet tutorials and advice on forums such as this, and I did state this in my personal statement when applying.

I've cut it down to 26 images now, and I'll definitely present them as a video slideshow I think (guess it'd be best to include the jpegs too, if they want to examine anything closer).

Again, much appreciated and thanks for the feedback.
 
I'll just add my fav is the end one with the BMW and the BMW Power advert behind it :D
 
Well, didn't get my first choice. I blame myself, as I felt really unprepared going into the interview. However my no2 choice invited me the next week. Much better prepared, brought a load of old work from college along with a select portfolio of my best work and it went down well. Got offered an unconditional, so very happy now!
 
Well done on the unconditional offer :}

Out of curiosity, what d'you think you could have done to be more prepared for your first interview? I'm deciding my choices at the moment & I wouldn't mind as much advice as I can get..
 
Invertigo said:
Well, didn't get my first choice. I blame myself, as I felt really unprepared going into the interview. However my no2 choice invited me the next week. Much better prepared, brought a load of old work from college along with a select portfolio of my best work and it went down well. Got offered an unconditional, so very happy now!
Click to expand...

Excellent! :thumbs:
 
Congratulations on your place! You have some great photos in your photostream.
 
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