George Holroyd
New member
I was just catching up on my Facebook feed and found a post by Lens Culture announcing that the Photofest 2012 Paris portfolio reviews, scheduled for November were "filling up fast". On closer inspection (of the Photofest web site), I read that the fee for the three day event is 695.00 Euros. This is insane and obviously, prices me out of consideration. This is distressing to me, as I am actively looking for ways to gain exposure for my 33 Meters Squared series and will likely be in Paris during the festival. I have other commitments and simply cannot devote much money toward buying into this pay-to-play mentality.
I can hardly believe the number of photographers who are willing to pay such exorbitant prices to sit through a review. Likewise, I am shocked at the number of photographers who have chosen to augment their incomes by fleecing emerging artists. Workshops, portfolio reviews, and themed group exhibits have become nothing more than cash cows for a few established (and marginally-established) photographers and unethical gallerists. I have read numerous complaints about the frequency of deadline extensions for group exhibit calls, seemingly to generate more income in entry fees. Frankly, the whole "business" makes me sick.
Case in point: Over the past few days, I have been agonizing over which 3 to 5 images to submit for an upcoming group exhibit here in Paris. The contest allows a maximum of 10 images, but at 15.00 a pop, I can only afford to submit a few. I've taken part in enough of these to realize that I will always second guess my decision and I am invariably left wondering if I chose the wrong images on those (many) occasions when I don't get into the show. It's a total crap shoot and more often than not, a very disheartening experience.
I have no intention of stopping, i will continue to produce, but I have no idea how to gain exposure without holding my nose and pretending that I'm not getting ripped off by entering into these so-called contests and calls for artists. As for paying a thousand bucks (USD) to attend a portfolio review, forget it.
I can hardly believe the number of photographers who are willing to pay such exorbitant prices to sit through a review. Likewise, I am shocked at the number of photographers who have chosen to augment their incomes by fleecing emerging artists. Workshops, portfolio reviews, and themed group exhibits have become nothing more than cash cows for a few established (and marginally-established) photographers and unethical gallerists. I have read numerous complaints about the frequency of deadline extensions for group exhibit calls, seemingly to generate more income in entry fees. Frankly, the whole "business" makes me sick.
Case in point: Over the past few days, I have been agonizing over which 3 to 5 images to submit for an upcoming group exhibit here in Paris. The contest allows a maximum of 10 images, but at 15.00 a pop, I can only afford to submit a few. I've taken part in enough of these to realize that I will always second guess my decision and I am invariably left wondering if I chose the wrong images on those (many) occasions when I don't get into the show. It's a total crap shoot and more often than not, a very disheartening experience.
I have no intention of stopping, i will continue to produce, but I have no idea how to gain exposure without holding my nose and pretending that I'm not getting ripped off by entering into these so-called contests and calls for artists. As for paying a thousand bucks (USD) to attend a portfolio review, forget it.