I've participated in four review events since last spring. Two were in Boston, one through the Griffin Musuem of Photography, and one through the Photographic Resource Center at Boston University. I went to the PhotoNola reviews this past December, and did PhotoLucida's annual Critical Mass, an online review process.
As a result of the reviews at the Griffin, which included local gallerists, curators, magazine and newspaper editors, and the curator at the Griffin, I now have a solo show at one of the Griffin's satellite galleries. It's in the lobby of a theater where they are showing A Year in the Life of Frog and Toad which is a great fit for my work.
I am also scheduled to have a show at a commercial gallery this summer. I met the manager of the gallery at the PRC reviews, and she also saw my work online at Critical Mass. After seeing it the second time, she contacted me to book a show.
So, all in all, I would say they are worth it.
Now, the downside. PhotoNola was a great, but exhausting weekend. Somehow, you can end up the whole day without lunch, so eat a good breakfast. They also had a portfolio walk, which is great, but theirs was a bit unorganized, and not all the reviewers walked through, so those reviewers I didn't have appointments with did not necessarily stop by to see the work. Some did, however. I think it's good for a several day event to include a portfolio walk, but I'd like to see it be organized better than they did in New Orleans. Hopefully, they got that feedback.
The other downside... it's expensive, and the benefits of spending the money and time may not materialize for some time. I think I got lucky with the Griffin, as they saw a good fit for my work, but she's planning shows two years out. That said, it would cost more in money and time to meet each reviewer on your own by scheduling appointments, etc. and "hitting the pavement".
One thing to keep in mind... I've met with reviewers who weren't my "target" market, one newspaper editor, a magazine editor (I'm not pursuing such assignments at the moment), the manager of a high end digital printing lab. Each one had insightful comments about my work, and about my process that was helpful. So, I wouldn't necessarily pass on people who "can't do anything" for you. They may well have some insight to offer.
Also, I have had some reviews that were constructive in their criticism... I don't think you should attend a review thinking you will only be graced with accolades... and I found myself thinking more deeply about the work and my editing and sequencing, and even when I went about shooting later. Then I've had some that were critical, but not particularly constructive. Listen, really listen, say thank you, and allow the comments that are helpful sink in, and those that don't feel right... roll off your back like water off a duck.
I will be attending the PhotoLucida one on one reviews in April, and this year the PRC and Griffin are working together to bring a two day review event to Boston. It's only going to be one or two weeks after PhotoLucida, so I may or may not participate... we'll see how reviewed out I feel!
One last note... it's a great way to meet photographers. I had so much fun looking at work in New Orleans... Vicotria Ryan, Wallace Merritt, Susanna Raab among others. It can be incredibly inspiring to look at work, and get your creative juices flowing.
Having concentrated on reviews this year, I will likely not do any in the next year or two. (with the possible exception of FotoFest in Houston in 2010?), I feel the need to get back to work. When I have twenty fresh pictures then maybe I'll jump back in.
