This last part is fairly short and gives most attention to portfolio reviews. Now that I've had the opportunity to actually participate in one (via SPE), I can see the wisdom in many of the suggestions given. I recall one of my reviewers asking me what I wanted to get out of it and I was a bit stunned that I hadn't really given this much thought beforehand! Without a concise goal in mind for the review you may get any and all kinds of recommendations, but not necessarily what you are looking for.
Essentially, I went into this situation with the mindset of it being like a critique, in which I am a student and the professor dictates the terms. Instead, it's more like a serious discussion with a potential colleague: what I am working on that I could use a new perspective with? What further steps may be needed for this project to reach fruition or if it's ready to be launched, how and where should it begin? Perhaps most importantly, given that we do not know each other but I would like us to, how do I come across as a fellow artist and person to work with?
This aspect was sound advice to me, along with the consensus view that these reviews can provide some truly valuable interactions: linking oneself to a community that can become familiar with you while you are learning -and enjoying the company of- it.
The appendix had a great list of photography-related websites, as well as many of the big portfolio reviews out there. A fine cap to a helpful, easy-to-read book.
And as for an update: still going!!
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