Portfolio Reviews

Portfolio reviews provide a good opportunity to show one's work and to get some feedback. However, most portfolio reviews happen only once a year, and typically - apart from the often quite steep entrance fees - they require additional expenses in the form of travel and accomodation. In the age of the internet, it's not hard to see how a portfolio review can be conducted with both parties not meeting in person. Essentially, the reviewee needs to send the photos - along with the statement and biographical information - to the reviewer, who then returns a written review. What is more, in my case I ask each reviewee to present me with a list of questions that she or he wants to have addressed. While such a scenario lacks the personal interaction that happens at a standard portfolio review, it also has some advantages. Most of the costs are eliminated. What is more, the offline interaction takes the edge off a situation that potentially can be intimidating and stressful. And since the review happens without both parties meeting up, scheduling is much easier.

When I get email pointing out someone's work I often get asked to provide feedback. I strongly believe that for feedback to be useful it has to be thought about for a while, and it has to be based on viewing more than just a handful of photos - essentially a portfolio review. Given my work situation and the time required to do a thorough portfolio review, I will be able to do two or three such reviews each week. Given that each review will cut into my free time, I am charging a fee (100 US dollars if you live in North America or 100 Euros if you live in Europe - if you live elsewhere we'll figure something out), which is lower than typical portfolio review entrance fees. While time provides the strongest constraint on the number of reviews, another consideration is the simple fact that I do not consider these reviews as a simple way for me to make money.

The whole review process is designed to be simple, efficient, organized, and - most importantly - beneficial for the reviewee. I have compiled instructions, which are designed to a) make life easy for everybody and to b) help reviewees avoid problems that I have encountered in previous roles as reviewer in photo competitions. If you are interested in a portfolio review send an email to review at jmcolberg.com (replace the "at" with the "@" symbol and get rid off the blank spaces) and let me know that you are interested. Since there will be two or three reviews per week, you might find yourself on a waiting list (if there is a lot of demand it all works on a first come first serve basis). In any case, I will respond to your email, send you the instructions, and I will let you know when I will be able to do the review.

Testimonials:

"Jörg is SOOOO good! He looked at my work as a connoisseur, gallery owner, or competition judge might, then gave his impressions, answered my questions, and clarified them - all in a matter of hours. He was kind, tough, and interesting, explaining his views in ways that I can really use. I will eagerly show him my next portfolio." - Betsey Hansell

"Joerg provides a thoughtful and thorough review, answers specific questions with concrete answers, and generally takes this job very seriously. My review confirmed hunches I had about my work and gave me a spark of motivation -- many thanks!" - Hee Jin Kang

"I've attended several 20-minute in-person portfolio reviews, and though I've gotten something out of each experience, the level of attention that Jörg is able to provide without that time constraint puts his reviews above the rest. Plus, I had it all in writing, and I've been able to refer repeatedly to his comments whenever I was really struggling with something." - Liz Kuball

"A very, very useful critique. Direct suggestions for improving my work, with enough positive feedback sprinkled in to keep me from breaking out in tears. Seriously, it's a solid, objective evaluation and I thank you for your thoughtfulness." - Robert McPeak

"Conscientious is a word that one could use to describe Jörg, and not just his blog. I submitted work for review and received a response that was both prompt and thoughtful. Some aspects took a while for me to digest, and when I didn't respond for a few days, he followed up. A simple gesture to make sure I received his message, but one that prompted me to sit, think and reply. It didn't end there and further dialog continues. It is completely apparent to me that Jörg has offered to do these reviews, and his blog, because he is passionate about photography and the photographers who produce it. Seventy-five dollars will never cover the time he put into my review. Thank you Jörg." - Mike Peters

"The portfolio review Jörg offers is an invaluable evaluation of my work. I received the 2 page PDF with clear comments from a professional perspective about the submitted photos. It gives me a lot to think about and motivates me to go on with energy and excitement to improve. Thank you Jörg for this great opportunity you give with your review." - Michael Werner

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