Networking - aka "it's who you know"

One bit of advice most newcomers receive is on the importance of building a "network" to help promote their photography. Often they are left with the idea that it's "who you know" that will be the key to their success...and they don't know anyone. So, how does a newcomer create a set of people who know their work? One of the best ways can be portfolio reviews. These are often free and are offered by a wide range of groups and events.

At the end of this month there's a great opportunity to have your work reviewed by a professional at the SILVER CONFERENCE (see the sidebar for more info). Think of it like speed-dating for photographers. You generally get 20 minutes to present your work to a reviewer and often you can sign-up for more than one. This is a good start on the process of starting to have a "network".

Here are a few tips for success:

1. Bring approximately 15-20 pieces that are all from a related group of work. Too broad a selection makes it difficult to address your "vision".

2. Loose prints are often the best way to go because the reviewer can pull individual ones out to compare or discuss. These can be in a clamshell box or other simple container.

3. If you do oversized prints (larger than 16x20) it's a good idea to make a smaller set with maybe one full sized version you can have off to the side. I know one photographer who shows a small portfolio but has one full-sized image that has been cut into quarters and can be easily reassembled to give the impact of a larger image without the bulk.

4. If you're showing transparencies or other work that has special needs, speak with the organizer ahead of time to see if you can set-up ahead of time.

5. Practice a short introduction to yourself and your work, then shut up and let the reviewer do their thing. It's okay to mention a few items as they look through, but most reviewers need time to process their thoughts.

6. Bring a notepad and business cards. If it's more of a professional situation, bring "leave-behinds" also.

7. Be on time. Good luck.