Building a Wildlife Portfolio That Captivates: How to Add Variety & Depth to Your Shots

Many wildlife photographers capture beautiful images—but struggle to turn those photos into a portfolio that actually connects with viewers, clients, or editors.

In this training replay, Jaymi Heimbuch, professional conservation photographer and storytelling coach, shares a clear and practical framework to help photographers add variety, depth, and emotional impact to their portfolios.

If your collection feels repetitive or aimless, this session gives you the tools to turn it into a cohesive body of work that tells a compelling story.

What You’ll Learn in the Training

This session breaks down how to move beyond isolated “good shots” and create a portfolio that reflects your voice, purpose, and vision.

What Makes a Strong Portfolio?

• Have a clear theme or message
• Reflect your personal style and goals
• Include only your strongest, most intentional images
• Are built with a specific audience in mind

Ideal size: 8–20 images depending on use case (e.g., 10–15 for a grant, up to 20 for a website)

The 12 Shots Sampler Platter

One of the most powerful tools in the training is Jaymi’s 12 Shots Framework—a way to build variety and keep your viewer engaged.

• The Context Shot – shows the animal in its environment
• The Intimate Portrait – close and personal, focusing on connection
• The Mood Shot – uses light and tone to convey emotion
• The Framed Composition – uses natural elements to draw attention
• The Action Moment – behavior in progress
• The Unexpected Angle – shoot low, high, or from behind for freshness

You don’t need all 12 in one project, but using 4–6 creates flow and interest.

Storytelling Through Sequences

• Include images that show beginning, middle, and end
• Think of your images like sentences in a paragraph—each should add something unique
• Use visual and emotional arcs to lead the viewer through an experience

Editing With Intention

Post-processing matters. Jaymi’s guidelines:

• Use consistent tones, color grading, and contrast
• Avoid over-editing—ask: “Would this mislead the viewer?”
• Keep adjustments natural: cropping, exposure, dust removal = fine
• Heavy composites, fake skies, or content-aware fill = not okay for portfolios representing reality

Platform and Presentation Tips

• Use clean, minimalist platforms like Squarespace, Zenfolio, or SmugMug
• Include a short written intro or project statement
• Keep navigation intuitive—no more than 1–2 clicks to get to the work

Who This Training Is For

This session is valuable for any wildlife photographer who wants to take their work more seriously. You’ll benefit most if you:

• Have hundreds of photos but no organized portfolio
• Want to pitch your work to magazines, grants, or clients
• Feel stuck in a creative rut or tired of taking the same types of shots
• Are preparing a body of work for a website, contest, or exhibition
• Want to tell more complete, emotionally engaging stories through your images

Real Feedback From Attendees

“Best presentation to date! Thank you.”
— mwh34

“I learnt so much… worth being up at 3:35am!”
— Caro Potts

“Uplifting and vibrant presentation packed with fresh, informative and creative ideas. Great work Jaymi.”
— John (54JAC)

“Fantastic seminar. Thank you for sharing very useful information.”
— patfox

“Great job!! Loved it!!!”
— Heather Johnson

About the Presenter

Jaymi Heimbuch is a professional wildlife and conservation photographer based in Oregon. Her work has appeared in National Geographic, Audubon, BBC Wildlife Magazine, and more. She’s also a storytelling educator and founder of Conservation Visual Storytellers Academy and the Impact: The Conservation Photography Podcast.

Take the Next Step: Jaymi’s 52-Week Creativity Kit

If you’re ready to build your portfolio with structure, momentum, and weekly inspiration, check out Jaymi’s full course:

52-Week Creativity Kit – a self-paced program designed to help wildlife photographers grow their skills and create a dynamic, story-driven body of work.

• Weekly creative challenges
• Field-tested prompts from Jaymi’s 12 Shots Framework
• Flexibility to work at your own pace
• Real-world storytelling guidance

Use code VARIETY to get $100 off for a limited time.

Join the 52-Week Creativity Kit here