All About Portfolio Reviews

Biennial 2024 – Critical Geography – meeting place portfolio review

Get an in-depth understanding of portfolio reviews by the Meeting Place at FotoFest.

What are portfolio reviews?

Portfolio reviews are meetings where photographers and lens-based artists present their work to experienced, leading professionals in the photography field. These professionals, called "Reviewers," provide constructive feedback and, in many cases, opportunities for photographers to show their work to new audiences.

Feedback might include advice on concept, project development and presentation, image selection and sequence, print color and quality, technical mastery, insight into how effectively the images communicate the artist's intentions, and possible next steps for the project.

Portfolio reviews provide an environment uniquely suited to networking with other creatives and collaborators, and attending one can increase your opportunities for the exhibition, acquisition, and/or publication of your work, and advance your career.

Who should attend portfolio reviews?

Photographers and lens-based artists with at least one complete (or near-complete) project who seek career opportunities and feedback can significantly strengthen their practice by attending portfolio reviews. Regardless of where you are in your career, these convivial, photo-centric events benefit individuals of diverse career levels who are hoping to get their narrative-based or concept-driven work thoughtfully reviewed and even published, exhibited, or acquired. 
 
Portfolio reviews are excellent for early-career photographers and artists entering the field and looking for a platform to build their networks. Attending offers valuable opportunities to receive project-based feedback on concept, project development, image selection and sequence, and help emerging artists solidify the foundation of their professional creative practice. 
 
Experienced photographers and mid-career artists can benefit from high-level guidance on refining and presenting their portfolios, gaining insight into specific outlets and institutions that may be a good fit for their work, and polishing their pitch to decision-makers who can open new doors. 
 
Established photographers and artists may attend portfolio reviews over several decades, maintaining and strengthening their relationships with Reviewers, identifying potential collaborators with deep commitments to common interests present in their work, and gaining fresh perspectives on their projects amid an ever-growing community of enthusiastic image-makers.

Image Credits
Biennial 2024 Meeting Place Portfolio Reviews, 2024. The Hangar, Silver Street Studios. Photo: Tere Garcia