Come and discuss your work, career issues, problems and possibilities in a 30-minute slot with guest portfolio reviewer Karen Newman (Curator, Open Eye Gallery), Paul Herrmann (Director, Redeye) or Len Grant (freelance photographer, writer and curator).
Karen Newman has been Curator at Open Eye Gallery since October 2010. She devised Open Eye’s new artistic programme prior to the gallery re-launching in a brand new purpose-built space on Liverpool’s Waterfront in November 2011 and has curated exhibitions with Mitch Epstein, Chris Steele-Perkins, Richard Mosse and Simon Norfolk, alongside new commissions by S Mark Gubb and Emily Speed. Prior to Open Eye, Karen was Curator at FACT (Foundation for Art and Creative Technology); she has a background in supporting artists’ production development and a specialism in lens-based media.
Paul Herrmann has been a freelance editorial photographer since the mid 1980s, specialising in social issues and the arts. In the late 1990s he helped start Redeye, the Photography Network, and now directs it. Through Redeye he helped set up Photomobile, the travelling photography centre, the Look series of festivals Look07 and Look11, the career development programme Lightbox, and the National Photography Symposium.
Len Grant is a freelance photographer, writer and curator based in Manchester. His work focusses on people, documentary and urban regeneration, and features in around 20 books, often produced in partnership with charities or organisations. See http://www.lengrant.co.uk
Further Information
Once you have booked your place, you will be prompted to complete a short form regarding your work and what you would like to discuss. We will then contact you to let you know when your slot takes place - at either: 15:30, 16:00, 16:30, 17:00 or 17:30.
Price:
£12.00 non-members / £10.00 non-members (student & unwaged) / £6.00 Redeye Members
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it only portfolio viewings?
No, you can come with any work-related problems that you want to talk about.
Do I have to be professional?
No, just serious about your work.
How far ahead do I need to book?
As early as possible, and at least a week if you want the best chance of a well-matched viewer.
What do you want in the text you ask for?
Something about the kind of work you do, where you’re up to, and what you want from the session.
Can I just send a CV or weblink?
No, the text we ask for is much more helpful in matching you with a viewer. You can attach a CV if you want but it’s not necessary.
Who will view my portfolio?
We have a number of regular viewers. Paul Herrmann, director of Redeye, views at most sessions and can advise on career paths and developing your work. We have a number of curators and well-established photographers in many different fields also viewing. We try to match you with the most appropriate viewer. If you have a particular request please tell us at the time of booking.
What kind of advice and criticism do you offer?
Our viewers are there to offer support. It is helpful for you to come with an idea of what you want from the session. If you have work in development we will try and make suggestions about where to go with it. If you particularly want a robust critique we can try and oblige.
What form should my work be in?
You can bring a portfolio, loose prints, or work on your fully-charged laptop. We can also usually look at work on a USB pen drive/memory stick but please tell us in advance.
Can I bring transparencies?
Yes, but you will also need a lightbox and magnifier.
How may photos should I include?
The session is only 30 minutes long so it’s a good idea not to bring too much - it can be hard to look at more than 40 pictures in that time. A good number might be between 10 and 40 pictures.
Any special requirements for digital pictures?
They can be hard to see if they’re too small, and slow things down a lot if they’re very large. We advise bringing JPEGs sized between about 1000 to 4000 pixels in the longer dimension, with a colour profile embedded if possible. Use JPEG compression settings between 8 and 11 (approx 70 to 90%, or high quality).
Do I need anything else?
Pen and paper to note down suggestions.
What if I’m late?
Please arrive early. You will probably lose part or all of your session if you’re late. We can’t move things around too much. It’s a really good idea to arrive early anyway in case there are any cancellations available - we will fill these up free of charge.
Why did you move my time slot?
Sorry. There are sometimes last-minute changes we can’t avoid.
What if I have to cancel?
Please try to give as much notice as you can. At least the day before and sooner if possible.
What happens if I don’t show up and don’t cancel?
Please avoid this. We subsidise each place so it costs us a lot more than your ticket price of you do so.
Can I come again?
Absolutely. Please give us plenty of notice if you want the same or a different viewer.