On Friday October 17th, I had the opportunity to have my portfolio reviewed. This event was sponsored by ASMPNE. (American Society of Media Photographers of New England) This is a professional photography organization that I am heavily involved with as a member of the board of directors. (I am the web guru/social media director)
I have to admit that I was a little nervous, having doubts if my work was good enough. I almost canceled going. I am so glad that I did not. I brought two different portfolios. The first one was from my trip to South Beach that I took at the end of October of2013, the second is from my dark side, which is a series of a decaying seagull that I found outside of my day job.
My first portfolio review was with Thomas Werner, International Photography Consultant and Educator. (https://www.facebook.com/ThomasWernerProjects)
He really enjoyed my South Beach photos. He gave me some suggestions on how to get the word out.
Thomas's favorite was the one from Johnny Rocket's. I cannot say that I can blame him.
Thomas was intriged when I told him I had another series from my dark side. His eyes opened When he saw my dead bird series at first he was not impressed. It was not until he started seeing the decaying process is when he liked them.
Elaine Totten Davis - ETD Coaching
Elaine also loved my South Beach series. Giving me kudos about each and every one.
Elaine was VERY SURPRISED to say the least that I had a dark side. (She knew me before hand)
Elaine suggested that I look into doing video as well. This is something I have been thinking about. It will require a new camera that does video. I will be taking a work shop with ASMPNE next month, you knows. I might be the next Stanley Kubrick. (If you want to learn about the video workshop, CLICK HERE)
Elaine suggested that I might want to do portraits. Not sure if I want to do that. I should have mentioned my series of portraits that I did for my final pro. I am going to set up a private gallery and sent her the link.
Elaine is also going to help me with some other things in my personal life. She is a certified life and career coach. She might help me with directing my photography and me relationship with my daughter Carin.
The third portfolio review was with Emily Rose Maultsby, Clark Gallery
She loved my series of South Beach picking out her favorites.
This was her favorite. (I would have to agree)
Emily also liked these
There was one photo that Emily did not like.
Emily thought it was too voyeuristic. This girl was on her way to a party and her boobs are hanging out. She should have been given a little privacy.
Emily started to look at my dead seagull series. Before seeing them she was a little intrigued by me saying the series was from my dark side. She was not impressed saying she did not think anyone would want this series on hanging up in their house. (I guess she and I have different circles of friends) She stopped half way thru because she did not like the direct it was going. (If she had a full stomach I think she might have lost it)
Emily also liked the fact the my subjects were not dead center, giving a felling of movement.
Emily did thank me for shooting in Black and White because almost no one does black and white anymore.
Emily suggested that I continue the series of Halloween, maybe going to Salem this year. (Which I am planning on)
My fourth portfolio review was with PaulaTognarelli, Griffin Museum of Photography
I have seen Paula around the photography circuit. Paula was aware that I was photographer. It was not until she saw my work did Paula know how talented I really was.
Paula loved my black and white series of South Beach. So much in fact, I am going to be getting a virtual gallery up on the Griffin's website. The link is here.
Paula suggested that another way to get my name out there was to sign up for an Instagram account. Paula said it was a great way to promote myself that did not cost anything. The only down turn is that once my images are out there, anyone or anything can use them
Again my image of Johnny Rocket's was one of her favorites
We ran out of time so I was not able to show Paula my seagull series. Which is fine. She did thank me for shooting in Black and White because no one does. I told her that a mutual friend of ours says that I am sick and I need help because that is all I really photograph; black and white images.
The last review was with Meredith Mulcahy, Grand Circle Travel
I did my last portfolio review with Meredith because of the travel aspect. (She was a last-minute sign up) Meredith is the wife of another board member from ASMPNE.
She liked the series and encourage me to continue with the series. I am going to Salem during the day this year (yes I am a little crazy)
Overall it was a great experience. One thing that everyone said over and over again was how awesome the prints themselves were. They were surprised to learn I did them all myself.
I showed them to Bob Korn of Bob Korn Imaging and he was impressed as well. He pointed out a couple of minor things in my Johnny Rockets image. Some kudos as well has a few criticisms. I told him that everything I learned about editing and printing images I learned from Jim Fitts when I was a student at Center for Digital Imaging Arts at Boston University. Bob bowed his head. One thing Bob did suggest is I stay away from the fine art paper and just stick with the Epson Ultra Premium Matt Paper. It will be a lot cheaper in the long run. I am currently using the Epson Hot Press Natural. Bob pointed out that was the same paper that he used for all of his prints that he was displaying. He did agree with the tactile feel of the fine art paper that I was using was better but just not worth the price.
A lot of people seemed to like my portfolio case. I have a fairly large 16 X 20 Pina Zangaro aluminum case.
I felt like I had to apologize for the stick figure family image that is the upper left side. But everyone said that too many people get too easily offended these days.
Overall it was a great experience. Seeing facial expressions and get one on one feedback was great. Having a portfolio review is a great experience and I would recommend it for everyone.
BTW, here is my favorite image from my seagull series.
