We’re excited to announce Alamy is collaborating with Shutter Hub, an organisation providing opportunities and support for creative photographers worldwide.
Karen Harvey, the Creative Director, founded the organisation to create a supportive community for photographers and to provide a platform for the development of ideas and careers. She is dedicated to creating fair access to photography and opening opportunities for everyone.
As part of our collaboration, Shutter Hub is offering three Alamy contributors the opportunity to win a portfolio review with Karen herself. Karen is an expert in the field and has reviewed portfolios in the UK, Europe, Canada, the US and Israel.
She has curated exhibitions at London Photomonth, Open Eye Gallery, Cambridge University, and St Bride Foundation, to name just a few in the UK, and taken shows to Belgium, Denmark, France, Israel, Portugal and the Netherlands.
To help you understand what a portfolio review involves and why it is a fantastic opportunity, we’ve sat down with Karen to get answers to some burning questions…
How long have you been supporting photographers and reviewing portfolios?
I’ve been reviewing portfolios at photography events and festivals for over ten years, but before that I spent a lot of time visiting universities and colleges, working with photography students to get their work together into something they could present with pride once they graduated.
I’ve worked with artists and creatives for over two decades now, delivering cultural projects across Europe, working with museums and galleries, offering consultancy, developing exhibition spaces and education programmes, curating exhibitions, and collaborating with organisations such as The National Archive, English Heritage and Cambridge University.
I also actively work as a photographer, so I like to think I can see things from multiple perspectives and use my experiences and connections to help other photographers.
What happens in a portfolio review?
Every review is different, but the basic format still applies – usually a 20-30 minute session between a photographer and someone in the industry that can help them develop their project, connections and career.
It’s a chance to showcase your best work, or pitch a new project, and it’s brilliant but also it can be nerve-racking. Time flies, and it’s important to try to make the most of the opportunity – which is why we wrote the Portfolio Review Guide!
Why do you think portfolio reviews are so valuable?
I can’t think of any other industries where this kind of exchange is possible. Yes, many artists have studio visits, and lots of professions encourage peer mentorships, but where else do you get the chance to book a one-to-one, share your work for 20 minutes, and potentially walk away with a career changing commission, exhibition or publication opportunity?
What is your top tip for prepping for a review?
Read the Shutter Hub Portfolio Review Guide, of course!
For your chance to win the opportunity to meet with Karen and chat about your work, simply answer these questions, giving as much detail as you can.*
Whether you apply for a review with Karen or not, Shutter Hub have put together this useful guide to help you make the most of the experience. So download it now to get prepared in case you’re selected or to learn more should you decide to take the leap and book portfolio review in the future.
*applications can be made up until midnight BST on 21/04/22 and those selected will be contacted within 7 days.
