How to Succeed at a Photographic Portfolio Review

Excerpt from article by Jill Waterman

The photo community has a unique advantage over other art forms. As the most democratic of the arts, photographs, by their very nature, are among the most easily shared and viewed. This has given rise to an abundance of photographic portfolio reviews. In recent years, the portfolio review has become ubiquitous in the field of photography, providing a venue for photographers of all levels, from students to enthusiasts to accomplished professionals. Opportunities for critique, feedback, and professional connection are also available within a wide range of photographic markets—including fine art, wedding/portrait, commercial applications, and so on.

Reviews come in many different types, from face-to-face meetings to online forums, and from cost-free opportunities to pay-to-play sessions. Amid all these options, making sense of where your work fits in, and understanding how to make a memorable impression, can take some effort. To help in this regard, we’ve broken things down into the following 25 tips.