Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
I'm much less inclined now to be
opinionated about a portfolio in
front of a student. Because when,
in the past, somebody asked for my
honest feedback, I would actually
give it to them.
•
Anonymous posters.
Do you really want a
critique from someone whose handle is
“stinkyfoot”?
•
Rated reviewers.
Except on purely technical
advice sites, high-rated reviewers get there
by being supportive, not by being effectively
critical.
You might have better luck joining—or start-
ing—a local community of creatives who critique each other's work. Again, profes-
sional organizations can be good sources for such a network.
One last consideration about critiquing: You may not always like what you
hear. Any professional who is offering feedback should be polite and offer constructive
criticism—you shouldn't have to take tantrums and abuse. But they are doing you a
favor if they honestly point out that a project doesn't belong in your book, tell you
that your portfolio needs work, or give suggestions on improving your presentation.
Even if you disagree, don't argue. If you really think that they are wrong, ask
someone else. Second opinions can be as useful for portfolios as they are for medical
decisions.
—Bill Cahan
Boston University's Photographic Resource
Center offers free monthly portfolio reviews
to its members. It also provides a fee-for-
service portfolio review for the entire
photographic community.
