Now, as for size, this is going to depend on size of your largest pictures. An 8 X 10 is probably going to be your largest. If your pictures are not this big, you don’t need a portfolio this big. Your biggest will most likely be an 11 X 14 and it could be as small as a 4 X 7.

The most important thing for you to remember is convenience – both for you and for person who will be looking at your portfolio. You want to keep it professional and easy to hold, carry and look over.

Using a Photography Portfolio

So now that you know what a portfolio is and what type to get, how do you actually use it? Well, we mentioned you are going to fill it with your best work. This means you want a portfolio that can easily be changed. You may want to pull out old ones and add in new ones. You don’t want to go for a job carrying along every picture you’ve ever taken. You’re going to want to have 15-20 of your best work. You are also going to want to be sure your pictures are relevant to job. If you are trying out for different types of assignments, you may want to create portfolios that work for each of types of work you are doing.

Of course, you only want to show your best work but you want to give impression that you can handle any type of assignment given to you ad not that you are “stuck” in only one type of photography.

You want to showcase your best work; this is best technically as well. You may have a photo that is really important to you because of image it represents or memory it brings but if it is not technically perfect, it doesn’t belong in a business portfolio. Save that one for your coffee table.

An intellectual or physical hobby stimulates brain and may reduce neurodegeneration as seen in diseases such as Alzheimer's. So sitting watching TV isn't enough for your brain, you need to keep it active. One way is by learning new things.

Many of finalists in Learning in Later Life Campaign 2000 to find England's oldest and most inspiring learners had art and painting as their hobby.

England's Oldest Learner was Fred Moore who was then aged 107 years. Fred continued with art classes until he died at age of 109. The manager of his residential home said "Fred was a remarkable chap. He kept his memory, going back to death of Queen Victoria, and always retained his great sense of humor."

So it's official then, learning a new hobby is good for you. Fancy learning to paint? Painting can be done indoors and outdoors, as well as by yourself or in a group.

It is never too late to start. Local night classes offer a range of options. Have a look online too.

Remember you can have a healthy brain and enjoy a hobby too. Don't leave it until tomorrow, begin today!

Catherine Calder is the author of the Acrylic Painting Course, a No-Draw step-by-step course ideal for anyone who wants to learn how to paint.

Visit http://www.learnanddo.com/acrylic.asp for a free preview of the course that shows you step-by-step all the stages to completing your first picture.