The photography industry has embraced virtual meetings, making online portfolio reviews an essential skill for photographers. Having produced major portfolio review events that brought creative directors and photo editors from across the US to Austin, and now helping photographers navigate the virtual review landscape, I've seen portfolio reviews from every angle. Here's your comprehensive guide to mastering online reviews.
Technical Setup: Your Foundation for Success
Your virtual presentation environment is crucial. Here's what you need:
Good lighting that illuminates your face naturally
Tidy workspace or subtle virtual background
Quality headphones for clear audio
Reliable internet connection with a backup option (phone hotspot)
Camera positioned at eye level for natural conversation
All equipment tested well before your review
Digital Presentation Strategy
PDFs vs Websites
Through countless online reviews, I've found PDFs consistently outperform website presentations. They offer:
Faster loading times
Freedom from internet connectivity issues
Professional presentation flow
Better control over image sequence
Easy preparation of multiple versions for different reviewers
Creating Your Perfect PDF
Open with a branded title slide
Optimize image resolution for screen sharing
Test full-screen presentation mode
Create multiple versions for different reviewers, and have them easily accessible
See how long it takes to “flip” though the PDF, pausing every once in a while to share a little about some of the photos
Making the Most of Virtual Time
Before the Review
Research your reviewers
Prepare specific talking points
Have backup presentations ready
Join early to test technology
Keep files easily accessible
During the Review
Share your screen promptly when appropriate
Navigate smoothly between images
Provide context for key images
Watch for visual cues from the reviewer
Keep an eye on the time and start wrapping up 2 minutes before the end, then ask if it would be ok to follow up with them, and how (email, linkedin, etc)
Virtual Communication Tips - Building connection
Make "eye contact" by looking at your camera
Use clear verbal cues (body language is limited online)
Stay engaged even when sharing your screen
Watch for platform-specific signals from reviewers
Speak clearly and pause for feedback
Managing Technical Challenges
Have backup internet and presentation access ready
Know basic troubleshooting for audio and screen sharing
Keep calm if technical issues arise - reviewers understand
Have a quick backup plan for common problems
Follow-Up Strategy
Make the most of the digital format:
Send any materials mentioned during the review
Share relevant links to additional work
Connect through professional social networks
Reference specific points from your conversation
Maintain the professional connection online
Ready to Excel in Your Online Portfolio Reviews?
As the photography industry continues to embrace virtual meetings, mastering online portfolio reviews is crucial for your success. If you're preparing for virtual reviews and want to ensure your digital presentation makes the right impression, I can help you develop an effective strategy that gets results.