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Photos by Peter Frank Edwards for Explore Charleston’s website, advertising and social media.
Looking for visual content production for tourism and destination marketing? I help tourism boards, DMOs, and travel brands create compelling visual stories through:
Tourism board image research & licensing
Visual strategy for destinations
Multi-platform content production
Large-scale photo research
Portfolio Review at Texas Photo Roundup. Photo by Nick Cabrera, used with permission.
Looking to have your photography portfolio reviewed by industry professionals? As someone who has both produced major portfolio review events and helped countless photographers prepare for them, I know how valuable an experience they can be.
I've compiled this comprehensive guide to the most significant portfolio review opportunities across the United States for 2025.
Before selecting an event, research the participating reviewers to ensure they align with your photography genre and career goals. For detailed preparation strategies, check out my guides on Portfolio Review Do's and Don'ts and Mastering Online Portfolio Reviews.
FotoFest International Meeting Place March 8 - April 19, 2025 | Houston, TX
One of the longest-running and most prestigious review events globally
Features over 100 international reviewers
Includes exhibitions, workshops, and networking events
Website: https://www.fotofest.org
Early registration recommended - typically sells out months in advance
Photolucida April 23-26, 2025 | Portland, OR
Intensive four-day review event
Features museum curators, gallery directors, publishers, and photo editors
Includes artist talks and exhibition opportunities
Website: https://www.photolucida.org
Known for excellent matchmaking between photographers and reviewers
Filter Photo Festival September 24-27, 2025 | Chicago, IL
Comprehensive festival with reviews, workshops, and exhibitions
Strong focus on fine art and documentary photography
Excellent networking opportunities
Website: https://filterphoto.org
Offers both in-person and virtual review options
Review Santa Fe October 15-18, 2025 | Santa Fe, NM
Juried review event
Focus on fine art and documentary photography
Organized by CENTER
Website: https://visitcenter.org
Application required; acceptance based on portfolio quality
PhotoNOLA December 10-13, 2025 | New Orleans, LA
Organized by the New Orleans Photo Alliance
Features portfolio reviews, exhibitions, and workshops
Strong focus on Southern photography
Website: https://photonola.org
Known for its intimate, community-focused atmosphere
The New York Times Portfolio Review April 26-27, 2025 | New York, NY
Highly competitive, free review event
Focus on photojournalism and documentary work
Produced by The New York Times Lens Blog
Website: https://www.nytimes.com/lens
Application required; extremely selective
Palm Springs Photo Festival May 4-9, 2025 | Palm Springs, CA
Intensive workshop and review environment
Strong focus on commercial and editorial photography
Features leading magazine editors and art buyers
Known for high-quality education programming
NYCFotoWorks Dates TBD | New York, NY
Premier commercial photography review event
Features top advertising and editorial reviewers
Website: https://www.nycfotoworks.com
Excellent for commercial and fashion photographers
Professional Organization Events
ASMP (American Society of Media Photographers)
Multiple regional chapters host review events
Website: https://www.asmp.org
Members receive discounted registration
APA (American Photographic Artists)
Annual Meeting: May 17-21, 2025 | Los Angeles, CA
Convention: August 7-9, 2025 | Denver, CO
Website: https://www.apanational.org
Strong focus on commercial photography
Atlanta Center for Photography Virtual Reviews April 17-19, 2025 | Online
Formerly Atlanta Celebrates Photography
Accessible from anywhere
Website: https://acpinfo.org
Perfect for photographers unable to travel
Medium Festival of Photography October 2025 | San Diego, CA & Virtual
Hybrid event with both in-person and virtual reviews
Website: https://mediumphoto.org
Known for excellent curator participation
New Orleans Photo Alliance's PhotoNOLA portfolio review session. Photo by George Long http://GeorgeLong.com (used with permission)
Register Early
Most events have limited spots
Early registration often offers better reviewer selection
Some events offer early-bird pricing
Research Your Reviewers
Look up potential reviewers' backgrounds
Focus on reviewers relevant to your work
Prepare specific questions for each reviewer
Budget Considerations
Review fees typically range from $45-200 per session
Factor in travel and accommodation costs
Consider virtual options for budget-friendly alternatives
Preparation Resources
New Orleans Photo Alliance's PhotoNOLA portfolio review session. Photo by George Long http://GeorgeLong.com (used with permission)
Preparing for these events is crucial to make the most of your portfolio review experience. That's where I come in! I offer digital and print portfolio-building services to help you create a stunning and professional presentation that will impress reviewers and open doors to new opportunities.
Ready to take your photography career to the next level?
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.
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
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
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
Research your reviewers
Prepare specific talking points
Have backup presentations ready
Join early to test technology
Keep files easily accessible
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)
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
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
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
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.
SEO might not be the first thing on your mind as a photographer, especially with the rise of Instagram as a discovery tool. But here's the thing—SEO is still a game-changer for ensuring people find you outside the scroll. It helps you drive steady traffic to your site, build credibility, and control how potential clients experience your work.
When I’m looking for a photographer to hire for a project, I might discover them on Instagram, but I head to their website to get a complete picture of their work. I almost always share the website link with creative directors when pitching someone for a project. I may supplement that with some screenshots from their Instagram, but the website is still the focus.
So, let’s dive into some practical ways you can boost your SEO in 2025.
Think about how often you use your phone to browse. Google does the same when ranking sites. Make sure your website looks and works great on mobile. A responsive design and quick load times aren't just nice-to-haves anymore—they’re must-haves.
You’ve got stories to tell, so share them! Regularly update your blog with behind-the-scenes peeks, case studies, or industry tips. Not only will your audience love it, but search engines will notice you're active and relevant.
What words do your potential clients type into Google when they're looking for a photographer? Figure those out and sprinkle them naturally throughout your site. For example, instead of just "photographer," go for something like "Austin commercial photographer" to attract the right crowd.
Your photos are your bread and butter, but they need to be SEO-friendly too. Give your image files descriptive names, keep their sizes manageable for faster loading, and don’t forget to fill in the alt text—it’s a simple way to boost your visibility.
If you're aiming for local clients, shout it from the digital rooftops! Make your location clear on your site, and don’t forget to claim your Google My Business listing. Encourage happy clients to leave reviews—they're gold for local SEO.
While not as dominant as before, quality backlinks from reputable sites still play a role. They act as endorsements of your content’s credibility and relevance. Collaborate with industry blogs, write guest posts, and get your site listed in relevant directories. These links help search engines see you as a trustworthy source.
Nobody likes waiting for a site to load, and search engines feel the same. Keep your site snappy by optimizing image sizes, using solid hosting, and cleaning up any messy code. Fast sites don’t just rank better—they also make visitors happier.
Your portfolio should be a living, breathing showcase of your latest work. Regular updates not only impress visitors but also give search engines fresh content to index.
Schema markup is like giving search engines a cheat sheet for understanding your site. Use it to highlight important details about your services, location, and portfolio. It can help your site stand out in search results.
SEO isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it deal. Use tools like Google Analytics and Search Console to see what’s working and what’s not. Regularly checking in on your performance helps you tweak and improve over time.
Even though Instagram might feel like the place to be, SEO is still your best bet for long-term visibility. By following these tips, you’ll make sure your website continues to attract the clients you want.
Check out this list of search terms to include in your content.
Google Keyword Planner - Language search analysis. Must have Google Ads account set up, although you don’t have to be currently running any campaigns to do research.
Google Search Console - Feedback on site visibility and search behavior.
Contact me to talk about optimizing your site. I’m not an SEO expert, but I have worked closely with SEO companies to optimize portfolio sites built in Squarespace, PhotoFolio and Format.
In today’s digital landscape, many photographers rely heavily on Instagram for discovery and client engagement. However, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) remains a crucial tool for photographers looking to build a sustainable online presence. Unlike social media platforms, which are subject to algorithm changes and limited organic reach, SEO ensures your website remains discoverable on search engines, driving consistent, targeted traffic over time. By optimizing your site, you not only enhance visibility but also establish credibility and control over your online portfolio, making it easier for potential clients to find and trust your work.
Here are the top 20 search terms (keywords and phrases) for commercial and editorial photographers to drive traffic to their websites. These keywords are designed to target potential clients searching for photography services or related information.
General Keywords
Commercial Photographer
Editorial Photographer
Professional Photographer Near Me
Corporate Photography
Advertising Photography
Product Photography
Lifestyle Photographer
Portrait Photographer for Businesses
Event Photographer
Photography for Publications
Niche-Specific Keywords
Industrial Photography Services
Food and Beverage Photography
Architectural Photography
Fashion Editorial Photography
Corporate Headshot Photographer
Location-Specific Keywords
[City] Commercial Photographer (e.g., "Austin Commercial Photographer")
[City] Editorial Photographer
[City] Corporate Event Photography
[City] Product Photographer
[City] Lifestyle Photography
Tips for Using These Keywords
Long-Tail Keywords: Combine these keywords with more specific terms (e.g., “Corporate Event Photographer in Downtown Austin”) to capture targeted traffic.
Content Integration: Use these keywords naturally in your website content, blog posts, image alt text, and meta descriptions.
Local SEO: Focus on local variations of these keywords to attract clients in your area.
Regular Updates: Refresh your site content regularly with these keywords to stay relevant in search engine results.
Using these keywords strategically will help improve your website's visibility and attract potential clients looking for professional photography services.
There’s something timeless about a printed portfolio. 💼✨
I recently had the pleasure of creating a print portfolio for North Carolina-based lifestyle photographer Alex Boerner, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. Alex worked with my favorite custom bookmaker, Scott Mullenberg, to craft this beautifully tailored piece.
While social media and websites make sharing work quick and easy, print offers a different experience. There’s something special about flipping through pages, feeling the weight of the paper, and seeing the work come to life in a tangible way. Plus, it's a fantastic way to connect with clients face to face.
One of my favorite things is working with photographers over the course of many years. Buff and I first did a print promo together in 2015. This fall, we worked on a Volume II of her How We Live zine. The zine is designed by https://beckyplante.com/ and beautifully printed by Paper Chase Press.
I love how this big update to Kari Medig’s site turned out. I've worked with Kari for 10 years and it's been amazing to see how his work continues to evolve and his client list grow. Kari is based in Vancouver and creates intimate and honest brand, travel, and portrait work. Check it out at karimedigphoto.com.
Oakland, California-based interiors photographer Vivian Johnson works with some of the west coast’s top designers and architects. Every time we collaborate on a project, I get serious inspiration from the gorgeous spaces and thoughtful details.
When AFAR partnered with Visit California to create their luxury travel guide, they needed expert visual content production and photo research across 500+ destinations. Here's how we delivered.
Source premium imagery showcasing unexpected luxury experiences
Cover 500+ points of interest statewide
Secure rights and releases for multi-platform usage
Meet tight production timeline for print and digital deliverables
Curated network of California photographers, featuring Amanda Friedman's iconic poppy field cover
Direct partnerships with regional tourism boards including Visit Palm Springs, Visit Anaheim
Luxury hotel and restaurant image libraries
Destination marketing organizations' content hubs
Created detailed shot list targeting unique luxury moments
Established streamlined licensing workflow across multiple stakeholders
Managed complex rights acquisition for print/digital usage
Delivered premium wire-bound sourcebook
Created immersive digital experience
Exceeded client visual quality expectations
Established efficient process for large-scale tourism projects
The bonus:
Appreciating the beauty of the images alongside the playful and fun illustrations of the amazing Libby VanderPloeg!
Looking for visual content production for tourism and destination marketing? I help tourism boards, DMOs, and travel brands create compelling visual stories through:
Tourism board image research & licensing
Visual strategy for destinations
Multi-platform content production
Large-scale photo research
The 2023 Snowball Express was 8 days of photography, laughs, hugs, and some tears. Put on by the Gary Sinise Foundation, Snowball Express brings thousands of military and first responder families together at Disney World to honor their fallen heroes.
The media team not only captures all of the events that take place, but they also work closely with families to document the stories of their lost loved ones. It’s one of the most rewarding photo editing jobs I could ask for. Thanks to Julia Robinson for bringing me on to the team.
Photos by:
Julia Robinson
Sol Neelman
Octavio Jones
Matthew Busch
Justin L. Stewart
Austin-based Melanie Grizzel has an authentic and warm approach to portraiture and storytelling. Her images exude a connection with the people she is photographing.
For her website update, we focused on showcasing the best of her portraits, food and tourism photography. The updated site is well-suited to editorial, corporate, non-profit, and travel industry clients.
Angie Webb is an Atlanta-based commercial photographer with a bold, graphic style and fun, lighthearted approach. Her new website features food, brand stories, motion, people and travel.
https://angie-webb.com/
Kate Benson is a New Hampshire-based product, lifestyle, and fashion photographer with an elegant style that feels fresh and modern while giving a nod to timeless beauty. We updated her website to showcase the variety of client work she’s produced and tell the story of the kind of work she is passionate about.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with the Texas Tribune Festival since 2016. Of course, Covid really put a damper on large scale events like TribFest, so I appreciate the event even more now that it’s back in full force.
For the 2022 festival, I focused on producing all of the sponsorship and marketing-related photography coverage, managing the budget, scheduling and photo assignments for the team of photographers and photo editors.
See more of the photos, including those produced by the editorial team.
Erika Rich for The Texas Tribune
Callie Richmond for The Texas Tribune
Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune
Callie Richmond for The Texas Tribune
DC-based photographer Rebecca Drobis was awarded a contract by FHI 360 to create a custom image library for the CDC to use for its diabetes prevention campaigns. CDC realized that traditional stock photography just wasn’t connecting with their users, and wanted to focus on real people talent and situations that would resonate.
I served as the project’s creative director. My priority was ensuring that the CDC’s missions and goals were furthered through Rebecca’s photography.
I reviewed CDC focus group findings, brand guidelines, and other marketing documentation in order to arrive at a list of key themes the photos should touch on.
We approached the project in phases over the course of 14 months, collaborating on what locations, talent, and situations would help the CDC achieve its goals. I created mood boards to help hone the creative direction, and once that was finalized, I created shot lists with location, art and talent direction.
Rebecca and her rock star producer Nancy Swenton took the months of prep and turned into shoot day magic, creating relatable, authentic imagery.
Kate Medley is a fantastic, North Carolina-based documentary storyteller and filmmaker. Her work is focused on social justice, the environment, agriculture, and life in the South. We worked together to revamp her website to feature the kind of work that she is most passionate about doing.
I got to work with the rock star photo crew for the Texas Book Festival again. Everyone was so happy to be IN PERSON and enjoying the beautiful, fall weather. Thanks to Bob and Janis Daemmrich for having me be their photo editor and to the amazing photographers: Laura Skelding, Stephen Spillman, and Bob Daemmrich.
Here are a few of my favorite photos from the weekend.
Attendees pose on Congress Ave / Laura Skelding
Xelena González / Stephen Spillman
Volunteers / Stephen Spillman
Sandra Cisneros / Bob Daemmrich
Jacques Pépin / Laura Skelding
Texas Writer Award boots / Bob Daemmrich
Beautiful weather and good eats / Bob Daemmrich
Chef Chris Scott / Laura Skelding
Rabia Chaudry poses with a fan / Laura Skelding
Capitol rotunda / Bob Daemmrich
Omar Epps / Laura Skelding
Capitol / Stephen Spillman
Aaron Dougherty is a Dallas-based interiors and architectural photographer. The spaces he photographs are so beautiful, and he lights them with the most gorgeous, luxurious light. His attention to detail and collaborative working style make him a favorite of designers, developers, and showrooms.
Jasmine Anwer is a Dallas-based interiors, food and product photographer. Her work has a bold, graphic sensibility and was a joy to curate.
