Photo Alliance Portfolio Review 2013

The Photo Alliance ‘Our World’ annual photography portfolio review was held this past weekend in San Francisco. It’s a national juried portfolio review and some some 3,000-5,000 photographers apply to in hopes of getting their work seen by professionals, with around 50 accepted. I was lucky enough to be accepted and was pretty excited to attend.

The event took place on March 16th and 17th between 10:00AM – 5:50PM, with an opening talk on the Friday before. It was held at the San Francisco Art Institute, which overlooks the bay up near Pier 39. The cost of entry was $40, and around $700 if you’re accepted. The way it works is an accepted photographer selects ten out of fifty reviewers. The photographer will meet with ten reviewers, but only five of the ten will be guaranteed.

Who were the photographers that were selected? What kind of work did they present and what were their impressions of the PhotoAlliance Portfolio Review? I took some time out of my Saturday and Sunday to connect with some of the photographers to get a sense for who I had the pleasure to show with, and what kind of work they were showing.

Todd Sanchioni

Documentary & Editorial Photographer  |  35mm film & 6×7 Mamiya B&W  |  based in San Francisco

Todd’s take: “It’s a great opportunity to get work together in a presentable form. I also like the international aspect of it, as well as the other photographers. If I had any recommendations for photographers considering this event it would be to not put too much weight into expectations – just have a good attitude and stay objective.” You can find examples of Todd’s work at his site: fotosanchioni.com

 

Rudi Dundas

Documentary & Fine Art Photographer  |  Canon Digital  |  based in Mill Valley, CA

Rudi’s take: “I think it’s very well organized, and I’ve gotten as much from the photographers as I have from the reviewers. The level of work from participating photographers is very high. I got some really specific feedback from the reviewers and it’s been really useful.” You can find examples of Rudi’s awesome documentary & fine art photography over at her website: rudidundas.com

 

Dan Root

B&W Traditional  |  Hasselblad & Pentax 6×7  |  based in San Francisco, CA

Dan’s take: “Good mix of academic & gallery world. There was quite a contrast of how people responded to my work. I thought academics would like my work, but the opposite was true – the gallery reviewers really liked my work. I loved the criticism and how objective everyone was. I’m not sure if any of it will lead to anything concrete, but I’m really happy that I participated. The tone at this review is very relaxed, which is great.” To check out Dan’s awesome images, see his work over at danrootphoto.com

 

Graham Clark

Landscape & Portrait  |  Canon & Nikon Digital  |  based in San Francisco, CA

Graham’s take: “It was a very insightful, inspiring and busy weekend. Although I didn’t get to meet with many of the reviewers I had initially chosen, it was nonetheless a unique experience where I got lots of honest and objective feedback on some of my work. Just like in music, I think if you are able to find a reviewer that is on the same wavelength there’s a really special opportunity to connect and learn a lot, and potentially grow from it.” To see Graham’s work check out his website at grahamclarkphoto.com

 

Caitlin McCaffery

Wet Collodion  |  Canon Digital  |  based in San Francisco, CA

Caitlin’s take: “Very friendly, inclusive and optimistic. I really like the lateral movement with the photographers, which is just as useful as the reviews. It was great getting objective feedback and criticism, which is just what I was looking for. Check out Caitlin’s unique images at caitlinmccaffrey.com

 

Maro Vandoron

B&W Traditional Processes  |  35mm film  |  based in San Francisco, CA

Maro’s take: “I enjoyed it tremendously. Wonderful opportunity to present my work, and to help me better understand the local art community. In a way it was a fast-tracked way to get in touch with others.”

 

David Gardner

Altered Landscape & People in Environment  |  Canon Digital  |  based in San Francisco, CA

David’s take: “Overall really positive, love the chance to interact with photographers. Quality of reviewers has been really good. My intention was to get feedback on a project in progress. I got some breakthroughs, and it has reinforced my thoughts on the work.” Check out David’s work over at lightight.com

Jeff Kerrin

Landscape  |  Canon Digital  |  based in San Francisco, CA

Jeff’s take: “Amazing. For someone just starting out, it’s an incredible opportunity to get a lot of perspectives.”

Steven Ford

B&W Street Photography  |  Canon Digital  |  based in Seattle, WA

Steven’s take: “Challenging and worthwhile. Lot’s of honest feedback. People say “keep in touch” and they mean it.” Check out Steven’s B&W street photography over at stevenfordphoto.com

 

Conclusions

For professional photographers looking to expand their horizons and network with other photographers and people in the art community, the PhotoAlliance ‘Our World’ Annual Portfolio Review held in San Francisco is a great event that could be really useful. It has a hyperlocal emphasis, so for those who live elsewhere in the country you might find the network effects a bit limiting.

Have questions about this event or want more information? Reply below!