Learning how to show your work is of huge importance for a multiple of reasons; 

• Networking 
• Creating an audience 
• Ranging a wide range of job opportunities 
• To do justice to the work 
• Show you are professional (In an online or printed portfolio) 

There are multiple ways of showing work such as books, magazines, zines, newspapers, postcards,business cards, billboards, buses, leaflets, websites, blogs, Instagram pages (your own or others), gallery/exhibition etc.. 

Distributing through as many forms as you can will help create an audience, network and name for yourself. It should not restrict use to just one form of distribution, as photographers we should use as many means as possible to distribute our work. Overall needing to be proud of the work you create and allow others to enjoy what you are creating. 

“If you don’t ask you don’t get. You must share and show your work to get ahead. GO OUT AND GET IT!” 

Depending on the type of work or area of photography depends on the best way of showing your work. An example of this is with narrative projects such as documentary or photojournalism, which are best shown as books, solo exhibitions and websites or blogs. Which allow the photographer to tell the story of their work. On the other hand as a further example is complex lengthy works, that work better in book form, where as with shorter narratives projects, would possibly work better in a magazine or zine format of distribution because of the length of the work or message contained within the work.  

With work that is more ascetically driven is more about how it appears. The best way to highlight work such as this is to use social media platforms showcasing just one strong image to draw people in. It is not necessary to have supporting images, the one image speaks for itself and draws people to the whole body of work. Where as work that is considered conceptual is best shown as an installation in a gallery or public place. As well as being shown as a digital or print portfolio. It’s all about considering what the work is and what works best alongside it to distribute it, which is an aspect that needs much consideration. 

The best way to learn how best to distribute your work is from other peoples approaches and by interacting with other people. That way you can learn from others who are more experienced and network at the same time. Taking ideas that you can change and adapt to your style and approach to your own work. 

Its about you (The photographer), and you are always changing so your work is always changing, adapting. When creating work its about trying new things and being brave enough to encourage your work to be put out there. The worst things that people can say is that they don’t like it or can say no if you ask to take someones photo that is all. By giving instructions when working with a subject and by being yourself you can automatically make the subject more comfortable by you being comfortable. 

A key thing is to remember to prioritise, is what you want to make work of and not get lost in making work just for money. Restricting what you want to make due to money constraints.

The aspect of working abroad will not necessarily be as much a luxury time but you will learn about the country and gain skills, which leads to the expanding of you knowledge. By living in a place for a while you learn from different people and cultures, strengthen your process and style by experiencing new situations. By going abroad it can help you research what it is what you want to do and save money in some circumstances. By investing time taking to people it makes a difference to you and your understanding.