How to build a compelling photography portfolio in just four shots

A four-image portfolio like you need for Photographer of the Year might sound simple, but it’s one of the hardest things to get right. With only a handful of frames, there’s no room for filler. Each image needs to hold its own, but more importantly, it needs to work as part of a bigger picture.

Ultimately, and time and time again, we see consistency as key. Consistency is what separates a strong portfolio from a collection of unrelated shots.

Here’s how to create a tight, thoughtful set that speaks with a clear visual voice.

1. Start With a Clear Direction

Before you even look through your photos, take a step back and decide what you want the portfolio to say. A strong theme gives your set focus. This doesn’t have to be a complicated concept. It could be something as simple as a certain type of light, a location, a colour palette or a recurring subject.

Having a clear thread running through the images helps them feel like they belong together. Without that thread, even great shots can feel disconnected.

2. Keep the Mood Consistent

All four images should feel like they come from the same world. That might mean similar tones, lighting conditions, or shooting style. You don’t want one photo to feel gritty and spontaneous, and the next to feel polished and staged. It should also mean similar cropping and aspect ratios.

This doesn’t mean every shot has to look the same, but they should sit comfortably together. Try lining up ten of your favourite images and look for the four that have the same visual language. Trust your eye. If one stands out too much, it probably doesn’t fit the set.

3. Think About Flow

The order of your images matters. Just like a good photo book or exhibition, a small portfolio needs rhythm. Start strong, build interest, and finish with impact. Look at the sequence as a whole. Does each image lead naturally into the next? Do they complement one another, or compete for attention?

Avoid cramming in your four most technically impressive shots just because you like them individually. Choose images that work together and build a mood or narrative when seen as a group.

4. Finish with Purpose

Your final image should feel like a quiet full stop, not an afterthought. It could offer a sense of closure, echo something from earlier in the set, or shift the mood slightly to leave a lasting impression.

Once you have your four images, lay them out side by side and step back. Do they feel unified? Is there a clear intention behind them? If one feels like it belongs to another story, leave it out. A consistent set of three is better than four that don’t belong together.

A great four-image portfolio doesn’t need to show everything you can do as a photographer. But what it does need to show is a theme or story told clearly and confidently. Keep it focused, keep it consistent, and let the photos speak for themselves.

Need ideas? Take a look at the top portfolios from our previous Photographer of the Year finalists to see how other photographers are telling compelling visual stories in just four frames. And with all that said, it's worth remembering that Photographer of the Year does also have three single image categories - so if a portfolio isn't your bag, you can still take part.