Insights from a Portfolio Review Event
Hello, friends! Welcome back to the blog. It’s been a little while, but I’ve just returned from an incredible few days in Barcelona where I attended the Production Paradise Portfolio Review event. And let me tell you, it was a game-changer for me as a photographer. It was my first time at an event like this, and I learned so much in a short amount of time.
In this post, I’m going to share everything I experienced, the lessons I learned, and why I think this event is something every photographer should consider. Whether you're looking to build connections, get feedback, or simply learn from the best in the industry, these portfolio review events are a must-attend!
What is a Portfolio Review Event?
For those who might not be familiar with what a portfolio review is, let me break it down for you. It’s essentially a speed-dating format for photographers and potential clients—like art directors, creative directors, and art buyers. At these events, you get the chance to present your portfolio to industry professionals, receive feedback, and potentially land future gigs. It’s a whirlwind of meetings and conversations, with a limited amount of time (usually 20 minutes per meeting) to make a lasting impression.
The Structure of the Event
I attended the event organized by Production Paradise, and I must say, the experience was smooth and well-organized. A few months before the event, I was asked to rank my preferred reviewers from a list of art buyers and creative professionals. This was a great way to make sure that I would meet with the people who aligned with my work. I met 11 incredible people, all of whom had different perspectives and valuable insights.
One of the biggest surprises for me was how I was matched up with professionals from diverse fields. While many were from the fashion industry, others came from completely different sectors, which I wasn’t initially sure about. But honestly, meeting people who didn’t specialize in fashion was one of the best things that happened! It opened my eyes to new possibilities and creative directions I hadn’t considered before.
The Power of Feedback
When I signed up for the event, my main goal was to gather feedback on my work. Over the past year, my photography style has evolved significantly. I’ve been experimenting with mixed media, AI-generated art, and combining traditional photography with new-age digital creations. So I went to the event to see how these new directions might fit into the commercial market.
What stood out to me was the fact that, at these events, you’re going to hear all kinds of feedback. You might have 10 people who absolutely love a particular image, and then one person who doesn’t like it at all. And that’s completely normal. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was that you can’t please everyone, and that’s okay. The key is to take feedback with a pinch of salt. If more than one person offers the same critique, it’s worth paying attention to. But if it’s just one person, don’t let it deter you.
Trust Your Gut and Focus on What You Love
Another thing that really stood out for me was how my instinct about which pieces of work I felt most passionate about was mirrored by others. The pieces I felt most strongly about—those that I loved the most—were the ones that received the most positive feedback. This was incredibly validating. It reaffirmed that staying true to your style and vision is the best approach, especially when it resonates with others.
If there’s one piece of advice I can give to fellow photographers attending portfolio reviews, it’s this: Trust your gut. The work that excites you the most will likely excite others too. So if you’re passionate about it, go all in.
Taking Notes and Learning from Others
One of the biggest tips I have for anyone attending an event like this is to take notes. I made a point to jot down everything I could remember after each meeting. Even if you’re not taking notes during the conversation, take a moment to reflect afterward and write down key takeaways, pieces of advice, or any new ideas. Trust me, your memory might not serve you as well when it comes to recalling every detail from these fast-paced sessions.
Additionally, talking to other photographers was equally valuable. Everyone was so open and willing to share insights, and I loved looking through the different portfolios. It was inspiring to see how everyone had their own unique approach to photography. It really got my creative juices flowing!
Expanding Your Horizons
One unexpected benefit of attending a portfolio review event is the opportunity to expand your horizons. As I mentioned earlier, I didn’t expect to enjoy conversations with professionals outside the fashion industry, but it was one of the most eye-opening experiences. These conversations sparked new ideas for how I could take my work into new markets, or use my style in ways I hadn’t considered before.
Even if these professionals don’t end up being the ones to hire you, their perspectives can offer fresh insights and new directions for your career. You never know what might inspire you.
Be Prepared with Questions
One of the pieces of advice I received from a photography coach before the event was to come prepared with questions. This was a game-changer for me. It gave me the confidence to ask things like:
“What do you think of this piece in the context of your clients?”
“Is there anything you don’t like about my work?”
“How do you prefer to be contacted?”
Asking these kinds of questions helped me have more productive and meaningful conversations. It also showed the reviewers that I was invested in learning and improving.
The Importance of Networking and Connections
Another key takeaway was the importance of networking. Sure, the event itself is valuable for the feedback, but the connections you make are equally important. I met some incredible people, both photographers and reviewers, and built relationships that I believe will last. And hey, I even found myself in a few conversations where people recognized me from the podcast! That was such a cool moment for me.
The event provided a supportive environment where everyone was willing to share tips, discuss their experiences, and help each other grow. It was a true community of photographers at the top of their game, and I came away from the event feeling inspired and motivated.
My Takeaways and Recommendations
So, would I recommend attending a portfolio review event like this one? Absolutely. The knowledge and connections I gained were worth the investment. Even if I don’t land a project immediately, the feedback, the ideas, and the relationships I’ve built are invaluable. And let’s not forget—being able to meet 11 different professionals in a short period of time is a huge advantage for anyone looking to build their career in photography.
If you’re able to attend a portfolio review event, I highly recommend it. It’s an investment in your career that can pay off in so many ways. And if you're considering attending one in the future, make sure to prepare thoroughly, keep an open mind, and trust your instincts.
I hope you found this post helpful! If you have any questions or want to know more about the event, feel free to drop me a message on Instagram or shoot me an email. And who knows—maybe I’ll see you at an event like this one day!
Until next time, keep shooting and keep creating!
