Portfolio reviews are the most efficient way to meet the people in our field. Besides the obvious feedback that will come your way, opportunities for furthering your career will be available.
Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, you will need time. Yes, it’s exhausting.
It’s worth it.
I have given at least two solo exhibitions to people I have met, and there might have been more had I acted faster. I’ve seen work published, book deals offered, and prints purchased.
Yes, there are online reviews, and I think they are worth doing. However, nothing is better than an in-person review where you get to connect over your work and then connect again in the hotel lobby where everyone is staying.
The lobby (bar!) is where the “networking” occurs among your fellow photographers and reviewers. This is where things can happen, and interpersonal relationships are formed…which are the foundations for future collaborations.
Some things to remember when choosing whether or not to attend…
How Many People Will See Your Work?
Who are Those People?
What are The Rewards?
The prestige of The Venue?
Your Tenacity to Follow Up?
How much is this going to cost?
Some tips…
Research - Start With the Reviewers
Always Bring More - Show Less
Ask For What You Want
I will dive deeply into portfolio reviews in my upcoming workshop at LACP in October.
A quick note on a recent life-changing development (and why there have been few columns of late). I am now a daddy for the first time! My son, Jack, was born this past August and, like all babies, needed and requested my undivided attention.
Thanks so much for your patience. I will now return to my weekly writing.
Classes & Notes
The deadline to submit to the Lucie Photo Book Prize is September 30th.
I am offering a new class through the Los Angeles Center of Photography, DIY to NFT: How to Find Your Place in the Art World. If you are ready to empower your career as an artist who uses photography, this class is for you.
In November, I return to the South East Center of Photography with the popular Choosing Yourself as an Artist.
After a successful Mixed Up Media class, I will offer an ongoing private workshop for those interested in continuing their practice of combining their photography with other media. Details in next week’s column.
Did you know that you can comment directly below?! Have something to say or a question that needs answering? Type it below, and let’s start a conversation.
Michael Foley opened his gallery in the fall of 2004 after fourteen years of working with notable photography galleries, including Fraenkel Gallery, Howard Greenberg Gallery, and Yancey Richardson Gallery.
In 2002, Foley continued his interest in educating and working with artists by serving on the School of Visual Arts and International Center of Photography faculty. He teaches and lectures on contemporary photography issues at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
In 2020, he founded The Photo Community, which offers classes and commentary on contemporary photography.
Foley lives and works on the Lower East Side of Manhattan with his wife, Maya, and son, Jack.
Hearty congratulations on the new addition!
Such wonderful news!!! Congratulations, Michael!