Porphyrinic compounds that contain solubilizing groups are described, along with methods of making and using the same and compositions comprising such compounds. Examples of such compounds include compounds compounds of Formula (I) wherein: Z is a porphyrinic macrocycle, Alk 1 and Alk 2 are each independently an alkylidene chain; L is a linking group or is absent; R 1 is preferaby an ionic group or polar group; R 2 is an ionic group, polar group, bioconjugatable group, or targeting group; R 3 is present or absent and when present is a halo group, bioconjugatable group, or targeting group, n is O or 1 (that is, the CH group is present, or Alk 1 and Alk 2 are bonded directly to a carbon of the porphyrinic macrocycle Z); or a salt thereof.