154 ☼ 6 Tips For Your Portfolio Review
A chat with Michael Dooney, gallerist at Jarvis Dooney Galerie in Berlin
Dear friends,
This week's letter features an interesting chat with gallery owner Michael Dooney, packed with practical tips for attending your first portfolio review.
A major THANK YOU to everyone who joined the new Process Photo Club. Your support is energizing and the perks are exciting to work on. Read more about the benefits of the membership here and sign up today. <3
Also, later this summer there will be a Process Photo Walk in Berlin! More about this at the end of this newsletter where the Housekeeping section now lives.
Now Booking September — Portrait Sessions
If you need a new portrait and you are in or near Amsterdam, I am now booking portrait sessions for September. Process Photoclub Members get a 25% discount! Email me if interest. I will only take 6 portrait clients in September so jump on it now.
My New Editorial Portrait Portfolio
I recently put together a new editorial portrait portfolio to send out to magazines and newspapers and I’ve peppered some images throughout this issue to break up the text.
6 Tips for Artists at Their First Portfolio Review
Wesley Verhoeve (WV): Michael, it’s great to finally chat in person after our online interactions. Your perspective is refreshing, especially your generous approach on Threads. Can you share a bit about your background and how you started with your gallery?
Michael Dooney (MD): Sure! I’m originally from Perth, Australia, and moved to Germany in 2008 for my master's in architectural lighting design. After exploring the Berlin gallery scene, my wife and I decided to open a gallery to showcase Australian and New Zealand photographers. We’ve been running it since 2013.
WV: Over the years, you've reviewed many portfolios. Recently, you shared seven tips for photographers attending their first portfolio review, which really caught my attention. Let's go over each of them. The first tip is to be on time.
#1 - Be On Time
MD: Absolutely. Being on time is about respect and professionalism. If you’re late, it not only cuts into your review time but also gives a bad first impression. It’s like showing up late for a job interview or a dinner date. Plan to arrive early, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the location.
WV: That makes sense. The second tip is to know who you’re meeting.
#2 - Know Who You Are Meeting
MD: Yes, this one is crucial. You should know who you’re meeting and why. It’s surprising how many artists show up without knowing anything about the person reviewing their work. This isn’t just about respect; it’s about making the most of your time. If you know the reviewer’s background and interests, you can better tailor the conversation to what you both might get out of it.
WV: That leads nicely to your third tip: rehearse your artist statement.
#3 - Rehearse Your Artist Statement
MD: Right. You need to have a clear idea of what you’re about and why you’ve chosen those specific pieces. It doesn’t have to be a rehearsed speech, but you should be able to articulate your vision and intentions. Avoid overcomplicated art-speak. Instead, focus on what drives you and what your work is about.
WV: That’s a great point. Next, you suggest preparing questions in advance.
#4 - Prepare questions in advance
MD: Exactly. Think of it like a job interview; you should have a few questions ready to show that you’re genuinely interested. These could be about the gallery’s artists, how they find new talent, or specifics about the industry. It shows you’ve done your homework and are engaged in the conversation.
WV: Any memorable questions that stood out to you?
MD: People often ask which images stand out the most to me. That’s a good question because it provides specific feedback on what’s resonating. General industry questions, like how to meet people or get noticed, are common too. It’s helpful to have a few thoughtful questions ready.
WV: Alright, our next tip is to listen.
#5 - Listen and Expect Objective Feedback
MD: Yes, listening is vital. You’d be surprised how many people talk over the reviewer. You’re there to get feedback, so let them speak. It’s your chance to hear from someone experienced, so don’t waste it by not listening.
WV: Do people often argue with you during reviews?
MD: Not usually. I try to frame my feedback with curiosity and open-ended questions rather than direct criticism. This approach seems to avoid confrontation. However, there was one instance where an artist pushed for a gallery show, and I had to be straightforward about it not being the right fit.
Sometimes negative feedback can be more valuable than positive feedback. People might not always share if they don't like something, and you need someone to tell you what's not working. If everyone says, 'It's really nice,' it isn't helpful. Constructive criticism, like suggesting adjustments to the project or printing methods, can lead to significant improvements.
WV: The next tip is to leave something small behind.
#6 - Have Something Small to Leave Behind
MD: Having something small to leave behind is a good practice. A business card or a postcard with images from your series works well. Some photographers give a favorite image as a postcard, which is quite nice.
While photo books or zines are an option, they can be cumbersome, especially if reviewers have many to carry. Offering a choice between a postcard and a book can be considerate, allowing people to choose based on their convenience.
Bonus - Physical vs Digital Portfolios
WV: Related to this, what is your opinion on physical portfolios versus digital portfolios, such as those displayed on an iPad?
MD: I actually don't mind digital portfolios now. Five years ago, I would have said it has to be printed. Printed work is still preferable, but I’ve seen great digital presentations, including videos with sound, on laptops.
Some people bring printed books or boxes with prints, which is nice but can be impractical, especially when traveling. Physical prints are different from screen displays, but you have to work with what you have.
Given the high cost of printing, I wouldn't hold it against someone for using a digital portfolio. Plus, digital presentations can sometimes be better since you don't risk damaging the prints.
Takeaways
Be on time — Respect the reviewer’s time and start off on the right foot.
Know who you’re meeting — Do your homework to make the most of the interaction.
Know what you’re about — Be clear about your vision and why you chose to photograph what and how you do. If you’re not sure yet about your vision, check out these past issues of Process:
Process 011 ☼ Four Ways To Find Your Voice
Process 019 ☼ Reject the Algorithm, Embrace Your Voice
Process 139 ☼ Rediscovering My Creative Voice
Process 140 ☼ Finding the Right Concept for Your Photo Book or Zine
Prepare questions in advance — Show your interest and engagement.
Listen — Take in the feedback given and avoid talking over the reviewer. Accept the feedback gracefully, even if it’s not what you want to hear.
These tips will help you make the most of your portfolio reviews and set you up for future opportunities. Thank you Michael, for sharing your insights so generously. If you’d like to keep up with Michael give him a follow on Instagram and Threads.
If you enjoyed this issue, consider joining the Process Photo Club! It helps keep Process going and includes great perks, like significant discounts on books, prints, and mentor sessions.
An example? Next week, I will publish the Process Work Book, an ebook full of challenges, prompts and inspiration. It will cost €8.99 but it’s FREE for members!
Next Week: Launching the "Process Work Book" full of assignments and challenges to help make you a better photographer!
Keep shooting and take good care of yourselves and others. <3
Wesley
Housekeeping
Berlin Process Photo Walk — I am partnering with my friends at camera shop/photo lab Safelight in Berlin to organize a Process Photo Walk on August 31st. RSVP now here.
Gear & Tools Used
Camera: Pentax 67ii, Fujifilm X100F, Canon 5D Mark IV, Pentax LX.
Film Stocks: Kodak Tri-X, Double X, Kodak Portra 400
Shout out to MPB.com, my go-to place to buy, sell, and trade used cameras and lenses. I love their service and am a paying customer. MPB caters to over 625,000 visual storytellers and provides a 6-month warranty. Thanks for the support, MPB! <3
Lab: All my analog work is developed and scanned by my friends at Carmencita Film Lab. They’re my favorite lab in the world. Use code “PROCESS” to get a free upgrade.
Wonderful insights into the gallery scene.
And beautiful portrait work.
Just beautiful.
Valuable info, thanks!