Show more work in less time with portfolio books; no room to display an entire body of work? Put it in a book - Photo focus: portfolio books
Art Business News

How many times have you been showing prints to a client while other visitors to your gallery go unaddressed? How do they know about the artwork that lives out of sight in your flatfiles? How many sales have you missed because the work is inaccessible?

Many photographers help galleries counter this obstacle by providing portfolio books. These books, typically 81/2 by 11 to 11 by 14 inches in size, contain a collection of the artist's photographs, carefully edited to show the breadth of their work. Many books also include artist's statements and autobiographical information, which help the viewer create a deeper connection with the artist.

Unlike flat files, which can be time consuming and require special handling, portfolios can be left out, accessible to the public. "You put them on top of the flat file, and people can browse and see a large body of work," said Amy Saret of the Saret Gallery in Sonoma, Calif. "People feel comfortable when they can go at their own speed."

This individualized approach makes it easier for clients to react honestly to a piece rather than making a decision because a gallerist is waiting for their feedback. It also allows those who are casually interested in photography to explore the medium without any feelings of commitment.