Networking

Networking - Advice
One very usefull piece of advice is the importance of building a "network" to help promote your photography. You may often be confronted by the idea that it's "who you know" that will be the key to your success...and perhaps you feel you don't know anyone in the industry. So, how does a newcomer create a set of people who know their work? One of the best ways can be portfolio reviews. These are often free and are offered by a wide range of groups and events.

Use the internet to look for events such as Photo Fairs, and portfolio review days.

Here are a few tips for success:

1. Bring approximately 15-20 pieces that are all from a related group of work. Too broad a selection makes it difficult to address your "vision".

2. Loose prints are often the best way to go because the reviewer can pull individual ones out to compare or discuss. These can be in a clamshell box or other simple container.

3. If you do oversized prints (larger than 16x20) it's a good idea to make a smaller set with maybe one full sized version you can have off to the side. I know one photographer who shows a small portfolio but has one full-sized image that has been cut into quarters and can be easily reassembled to give the impact of a larger image without the bulk.

4. Practice a short introduction to yourself and your work, then let the reviewer do their thing. It's okay to mention a few items as they look through, but most reviewers need time to process their thoughts.

6. Bring a notepad and business cards. If it's more of a professional situation, bring "leave-behinds" also.

7. And one crucial consideration is to BE ON TIME