Preparing for the 2027
Portfolio Reviews?
Complete
Guide!
1. Define Your Goal
Before you begin, ask yourself:
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What do I expect from this review?
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What project do I want to present?
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What do I want the reviewer to remember about me?
2. Select the Right Project
Present a single coherent series of 12 to 25 images, ordered as a narrative. Avoid mixing unrelated work.
3. Edit Professionally
What works:
clean selection, fluid rhythm, defined narrative, brief statement.
What does not:
mixed series, redundant images, interrupting feedback to justify potential weaknesses
4. Recommended Formats
All formats are accepted
Digital Portfolio
Ordered PDF, 12–25 photographs, max 20 MB. Include title and contact information.
Printed Copies
20×30 or 30×40 cm, in sleeves or a simple folder.
Photobooks or Dummies
Perfect for narrative projects. Provides context and materiality.
Tablet or Computer
Files downloaded, battery at 100%. Do not rely on the internet.
5. The Process
Total duration: 20 minutes.
Recommended structure:
Minutes 1 to 2: who you are and what you do
Minutes 2 to 5: present your project
Minutes 5 to 15: reviewer feedback
Minutes 15 to 20: closing questions and next steps
6. What To Bring
✔ Mandatory:
Your project, your review schedule, notepad and pen.
✔ Recommended:
Business cards, photobook, or dummy.
7. Punctuality & Professional Attitude
Reviews run on strict times.
Arrive 15 minutes early, respect the duration, and let the reviewer explore your images without interruption.
Reviewers look for photographers who know how to listen and build professional dialogues.
8. Choose Your
Reviewer Well
Not all reviewers work on the same themes or formats.
Before booking, research each profile and align your project with their curatorial focus. A well-matched reviewer gives more precise feedback and opens more relevant doors.
IPFA Tip: spend 10–15 minutes on each profile before making your selection.
9. After the Review
The most important thing happens afterwards.
Within the following week, send a brief email to any reviewer you connected with: a thank-you note, two or three images, a PDF of the project, and a link to your website.
It keeps you on their radar for future opportunities.
10. Frequent Mistakes
to Avoid
Too many images
No clear objective
Explaining before showing
Over-justifying
Interrupting the reviewer
Exceeding 20 minutes
Low-quality material.
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Trust your work.
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Accept feedback as a gift.
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Respect review hours.
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Talk to other photographers.
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Prepare a 15-second elevator pitch.
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Relax: reviewers want to discover you.
Final
Tips
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