Visit the websites of the colleges you are considering applying to. Look at the admissions page for guidelines for portfolio content, such as photographs, essays and other documents. Most colleges require an online submission of your portfolio or a CD rather than a traditional folder of your work. Check the submission guidelines for specific rules regarding sizes of files or photograph, how the portfolio should be submitted, where it should be sent and more.
Choose which photographs will best represent your talents and skills as a photographer and show your range of knowledge of photography techniques. Consult your art or photography instructor and ask for assistance choosing photographs. Some colleges, like the School of Art Institute of Chicago and Maryland Institute College of Art, require you to include paintings and drawings in your portfolios.
Create an inventory document that provides details for each submitted piece of work. Label each photograph and match the labeling with your inventory document. For example, if you write the number "1" on your photograph, you should write a description about picture "1" on the inventory document, which can include title of the work, equipment used, dimensions and date of completion. Check with your school's submission guidelines for further details regarding what needs to be on your inventory document.
Label every part of your portfolio, such as CDs, pieces of artwork and photographs. Your inventory documents should provide your first and last name and contact information like your email address, phone number and home address.