How to Set Target Collections in Lightroom Classic to Build Portfolio
Building a portfolio in Lightroom Classic just got easier! In this video, I’ll show you how to set up and use Target Collections—a powerful feature that lets you quickly add photos to a specific collection with a single keystroke. Whether you’re sorting through hundreds of images or refining your best work, this tool will save you time and help you stay organized. Let’s get started!
These videos are from our course called Lightroom Classic Workflow and Organization Like a Pro
Video Summary:
This short tutorial explains the utility of Target Collections in Lightroom as a tool for building a personal portfolio. A Target Collection is a special folder where you can quickly add your best, edited photos with a single keystroke (the ‘B’ key). The host demonstrates creating a collection named “Kush Portfolio,” setting it as the target. Then, while browsing edited photos, any image deemed portfolio-worthy can be instantly added by pressing ‘B’. This provides a streamlined workflow for curating your strongest work over time, useful for websites, brochures, or personal motivation.
Timestamps:
0:16 – Introduces Target Collections as a special collection for storing significant, portfolio-quality images.
0:41 – Uses an example: After editing a photo and loving the result, you might want to add it to your portfolio.
1:20 – Creates a Target Collection:
* Goes to Library module > Create Collection.
* Names it (e.g., “Kush Portfolio”).
* Crucially checks “Set as Target collection.”
2:26 – Demonstrates adding photos: With the collection set as the target, simply press the ‘B’ key on any photo (in any module) to instantly add it to the portfolio collection.
2:41 – Shows the portfolio collection populating with selected images.
3:08 – Explains the benefit: Over time, you build a curated folder of your best work, ideal for exporting to a website or print materials. It also serves as a motivational tool as your portfolio grows.
3:37 – Recommends adding photos to the Target Collection after editing, as the post-processed version often reveals an image’s true potential.
