PREPARE FOR PORTFOLIO REVIEWS

SET YOUR OBJECTIVES

• Be clear with yourself about what you want for your work, but also be realistic with your goals.  
• Are you seeking technical advice and guidance, or information about clarity of content, print quality, editing, and sequencing?  
• Are you seeking gallery representation for the work? Do you wish to have an exhibition? Are you looking to publish the work? 

• Limit the number of images you are showing. Fifteen to twenty images in a body of work is a good range.  
• Present a thematically unified or otherwise cohesive body of work. If you have more than one series to show, first show the stronger work, or the work you think that reviewer will be more drawn to. Usually, there is only time to go through one body of work.  
• Every image in your portfolio should be strong. Editing and sequencing your images is very important for how the reviewer will understand and experience your work.

• Remember, you only have 20 minutes to introduce yourself and present your work. It’s a good idea to run through your presentation with a friend or a peer ahead of time, not only to practice how you talk about your work, but to test the sequence of your portfolio.

• Do your homework. Start by reading the reviewer biographies on the MOP website, but go beyond that – look at the exhibitions they curate, the essays they write, and what artists they work with or represent.  
• When ranking reviewers, prioritize those who you think will respond best to your work and be most useful to your objectives. 

• Be on time for your meetings! You will not get extra time if you show up late. 
• Don’t make the mistake of talking the entire time without showing your work. Reviewers can look at your work while you are talking.  
• Be mindful of the time limit with each reviewer; you will want to have time within the session to receive feedback.

• If you prefer to audio record the reviews, always ask the reviewer’s permission first.  
• Whatever note taking or recording format works for you — do it. You want to have as clear of a memory of each discussion as possible.

• It is okay to ask the reviewer for their email. Remember that the Colorado Photographic Arts Center does not give out reviewer contact information.  
• Ask the reviewer if you can add their name to your email list.  If the reviewer requests more information, ask what format they prefer to receive — physical mail or email.  
• If you have other materials — booklets, exhibition catalogues, etc., offer to mail it to them at their office after the event.  

• Write a thank you note or email to every reviewer you saw. Do not expect that reviewers will respond to you. If they don’t respond, it does not mean they don’t like your work. 
•  If a reviewer asked for more materials, send them as soon as possible.  
• Keep in contact with the reviewers who request it.  
• Read your notes, and reflect on the advice you receive.