Be clear about what you want, but also be realistic about your goals

• Are you seeking technical advice, guidance, or information about clarity of content, print quality, editing or sequencing?

• Are you hoping to market a completed series, a body of work or work in progress?

• Are you seeking representation for the work?

• Do you wish to have an exhibition of a completed body of work at a gallery or other institution?

• Are you looking to publish your work?

• Limit the number of photographs you are showing. Review slots are 20 mins long so usually no more than twenty prints can be shown and discussed during that time, while also allowing for time to listen to feedback and advice from your reviewer.

• Present a thematically unified or otherwise cohesive body of work. If you have more than one body of work to show, show your strongest body of work first. Most of the time, reviewers only have time to see one or two bodies of work.

• Start strong and end strong. Start out with a bang. With your last image, you want to reinforce everything that has come before and end with the impression of excellence. With the last piece, your goal is to leave a memorable mark.

• Purge your weakest work. Every image in your portfolio should be a strong image. Editing and sequencing your images is very important to how the reviewer will understand and experience your work.

• Make sure the images flow well from one to the next. Look at the colors, subject matter, and/or story flow of a project, for example. Make sure that your sequenced images work well together.

Ask yourself these questions when you are editing:

• Which is the first image I want the reviewer to see?

• What do I want my sequence of images to say and why?

• What happens when two images are put together?

• Does the meaning change if I change the sequence?

• How do I maintain a strong sequence from beginning to end?

• It is very important to present your artwork in a professional manner. Most reviewers do think that technique and process are important components of a successful work of art.

• If reviewing online, keep the design of the virtual portfolio simple and test presenting it before you share it.

Do your homework. Read the professional biographies of the reviewers.

• Go beyond their bios, do some online research. Look at the kind of artwork the institution or organization presents. This shows that you’re invested in and have knowledge of the type of work they do.

• Make a list of questions in advance. Ask questions that are specific to opportunities that they offer. Show them work that you feel they may be interested in.

Remember you only have 20 minutes to introduce yourself and present your work.

• It’s not just about the photographs. It’s also about you. Reviewers look for passionate engagement and want to see what you are truly interested in and the story behind the initiative.

• For online reviews, test drive your technology so that your 20 minutes run smoothly.

• Be on time for your appointment.

• Be ready to take notes.

• Don’t make the mistake of talking the entire time – you booked the review to hear what the

  reviewer has to say, so make space for that to happen.

• Be mindful of the time limit with each reviewer; you will want to have time within the session to receive feedback.

• Ask a few good questions. Always avoid questions that can be answered with a simple “no”.

• Be guided by the comments. A reviewer’s comments are given in the context of the specific

  needs of the type of projects they do, or their specific areas of expertise. Use this opportunity to get honest feedback.

• Limit distractions and make sure to put your phone on silent. For online reviews, make sure the place is quiet, and tell family members, friends, and pets not to interrupt your meeting.

• Ask the reviewer if you can add their name to your email list.

• If you have other materials – booklets, exhibit catalogues, etc., ask the reviewer if they would

  like to have additional materials shared with them.

Item description

Write a thank you email to every reviewer you saw. Do not expect that reviewers will respond to you. If they do not respond, it does not mean they do not like your work.

• If a reviewer asks for more materials, send the materials as soon as possible.

• Keep in contact with the reviewers who request it.

• Read your notes, reflect on the advice you receive.

• Consider this experience a chance to build relationships with professionals who respond positively to your work and to build a community of fellow artists.