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Photos by Peter Frank Edwards for Explore Charleston’s website, advertising and social media.
Looking for visual content production for tourism and destination marketing? I help tourism boards, DMOs, and travel brands create compelling visual stories through:
Tourism board image research & licensing
Visual strategy for destinations
Multi-platform content production
Large-scale photo research
Portfolio Review at Texas Photo Roundup. Photo by Nick Cabrera, used with permission.
Looking to have your photography portfolio reviewed by industry professionals? As someone who has both produced major portfolio review events and helped countless photographers prepare for them, I know how valuable an experience they can be.
I've compiled this comprehensive guide to the most significant portfolio review opportunities across the United States for 2025.
Before selecting an event, research the participating reviewers to ensure they align with your photography genre and career goals. For detailed preparation strategies, check out my guides on Portfolio Review Do's and Don'ts and Mastering Online Portfolio Reviews.
FotoFest International Meeting Place March 8 - April 19, 2025 | Houston, TX
One of the longest-running and most prestigious review events globally
Features over 100 international reviewers
Includes exhibitions, workshops, and networking events
Website: https://www.fotofest.org
Early registration recommended - typically sells out months in advance
Photolucida April 23-26, 2025 | Portland, OR
Intensive four-day review event
Features museum curators, gallery directors, publishers, and photo editors
Includes artist talks and exhibition opportunities
Website: https://www.photolucida.org
Known for excellent matchmaking between photographers and reviewers
Filter Photo Festival September 24-27, 2025 | Chicago, IL
Comprehensive festival with reviews, workshops, and exhibitions
Strong focus on fine art and documentary photography
Excellent networking opportunities
Website: https://filterphoto.org
Offers both in-person and virtual review options
Review Santa Fe October 15-18, 2025 | Santa Fe, NM
Juried review event
Focus on fine art and documentary photography
Organized by CENTER
Website: https://visitcenter.org
Application required; acceptance based on portfolio quality
PhotoNOLA December 10-13, 2025 | New Orleans, LA
Organized by the New Orleans Photo Alliance
Features portfolio reviews, exhibitions, and workshops
Strong focus on Southern photography
Website: https://photonola.org
Known for its intimate, community-focused atmosphere
The New York Times Portfolio Review April 26-27, 2025 | New York, NY
Highly competitive, free review event
Focus on photojournalism and documentary work
Produced by The New York Times Lens Blog
Website: https://www.nytimes.com/lens
Application required; extremely selective
Palm Springs Photo Festival May 4-9, 2025 | Palm Springs, CA
Intensive workshop and review environment
Strong focus on commercial and editorial photography
Features leading magazine editors and art buyers
Known for high-quality education programming
NYCFotoWorks Dates TBD | New York, NY
Premier commercial photography review event
Features top advertising and editorial reviewers
Website: https://www.nycfotoworks.com
Excellent for commercial and fashion photographers
Professional Organization Events
ASMP (American Society of Media Photographers)
Multiple regional chapters host review events
Website: https://www.asmp.org
Members receive discounted registration
APA (American Photographic Artists)
Annual Meeting: May 17-21, 2025 | Los Angeles, CA
Convention: August 7-9, 2025 | Denver, CO
Website: https://www.apanational.org
Strong focus on commercial photography
Atlanta Center for Photography Virtual Reviews April 17-19, 2025 | Online
Formerly Atlanta Celebrates Photography
Accessible from anywhere
Website: https://acpinfo.org
Perfect for photographers unable to travel
Medium Festival of Photography October 2025 | San Diego, CA & Virtual
Hybrid event with both in-person and virtual reviews
Website: https://mediumphoto.org
Known for excellent curator participation
New Orleans Photo Alliance's PhotoNOLA portfolio review session. Photo by George Long http://GeorgeLong.com (used with permission)
Register Early
Most events have limited spots
Early registration often offers better reviewer selection
Some events offer early-bird pricing
Research Your Reviewers
Look up potential reviewers' backgrounds
Focus on reviewers relevant to your work
Prepare specific questions for each reviewer
Budget Considerations
Review fees typically range from $45-200 per session
Factor in travel and accommodation costs
Consider virtual options for budget-friendly alternatives
Preparation Resources
New Orleans Photo Alliance's PhotoNOLA portfolio review session. Photo by George Long http://GeorgeLong.com (used with permission)
Preparing for these events is crucial to make the most of your portfolio review experience. That's where I come in! I offer digital and print portfolio-building services to help you create a stunning and professional presentation that will impress reviewers and open doors to new opportunities.
Ready to take your photography career to the next level?
The photography industry has embraced virtual meetings, making online portfolio reviews an essential skill for photographers. Having produced major portfolio review events that brought creative directors and photo editors from across the US to Austin, and now helping photographers navigate the virtual review landscape, I've seen portfolio reviews from every angle. Here's your comprehensive guide to mastering online reviews.
Your virtual presentation environment is crucial. Here's what you need:
Good lighting that illuminates your face naturally
Tidy workspace or subtle virtual background
Quality headphones for clear audio
Reliable internet connection with a backup option (phone hotspot)
Camera positioned at eye level for natural conversation
All equipment tested well before your review
PDFs vs Websites
Through countless online reviews, I've found PDFs consistently outperform website presentations. They offer:
Faster loading times
Freedom from internet connectivity issues
Professional presentation flow
Better control over image sequence
Easy preparation of multiple versions for different reviewers
Open with a branded title slide
Optimize image resolution for screen sharing
Test full-screen presentation mode
Create multiple versions for different reviewers, and have them easily accessible
See how long it takes to “flip” though the PDF, pausing every once in a while to share a little about some of the photos
Research your reviewers
Prepare specific talking points
Have backup presentations ready
Join early to test technology
Keep files easily accessible
Share your screen promptly when appropriate
Navigate smoothly between images
Provide context for key images
Watch for visual cues from the reviewer
Keep an eye on the time and start wrapping up 2 minutes before the end, then ask if it would be ok to follow up with them, and how (email, linkedin, etc)
Make "eye contact" by looking at your camera
Use clear verbal cues (body language is limited online)
Stay engaged even when sharing your screen
Watch for platform-specific signals from reviewers
Speak clearly and pause for feedback
Have backup internet and presentation access ready
Know basic troubleshooting for audio and screen sharing
Keep calm if technical issues arise - reviewers understand
Have a quick backup plan for common problems
Make the most of the digital format:
Send any materials mentioned during the review
Share relevant links to additional work
Connect through professional social networks
Reference specific points from your conversation
Maintain the professional connection online
As the photography industry continues to embrace virtual meetings, mastering online portfolio reviews is crucial for your success. If you're preparing for virtual reviews and want to ensure your digital presentation makes the right impression, I can help you develop an effective strategy that gets results.
Photography offers many opportunities to showcase your talent and receive support through contests and grants. Below is a curated list of key photography contests and grants for 2025, including specific grants aimed at documentary photographers who are People of Color, Women, or Indigenous.
Magnum Foundation Fund
Amount: Project-based funding (varies)
Focus: In-depth documentary projects addressing critical social issues
Eligibility: Priority given to photographers from underrepresented regions and communities
Deadline: Various
Note: Particularly supportive of innovative approaches to documentary storytelling
National Geographic Storytelling Grants
Amount: Up to $30,000
Focus: Projects documenting cultures, species, and critical issues facing our world
Eligibility: Open to photographers worldwide with proven ability to complete complex projects
Deadline: Rolling throughout 2025
URL: https://www.nationalgeographic.org/funding-opportunities/grants/
Note: Emphasis on projects with clear conservation, scientific, or cultural impact
The Eugene Smith Grant
Amount: $40,000 (main grant), plus several $5,000 fellowships
Focus: Humanistic photography projects that follow in the tradition of W. Eugene Smith
Eligibility: Open to photographers worldwide
Deadline: April 2025
Note: One of the most prestigious documentary photography grants globally
The Alexia Foundation Grant
Amount: Professional grant $20,000, Student grant $1,000
Focus: Projects that promote world peace and cultural understanding
Eligibility: Professional and student categories
Deadline: January 2025
Note: Strong emphasis on social justice and human rights photography
Women Photograph + Nikon Grants
Amount: Five grants of $5,000 each
Focus: Long-term documentary projects from women and non-binary photographers
Eligibility: Women and non-binary photographers with at least 5 years of experience
Deadline: May 2025
Note: Additional mentorship opportunities available
Indigenous Photographer Fund
Amount: $10,000
Focus: Documentary projects by Indigenous photographers about their communities
Eligibility: Indigenous photographers worldwide
Deadline: October 2025
Note: Includes mentorship component with established Indigenous photographers
Black Women Photographers Grant
Amount: $5,000
Focus: Documentary and editorial projects
Eligibility: Black women and non-binary photographers
Deadline: March 2025
Note: Includes portfolio review and mentorship opportunities
The Serendipity Arles Grant
Amount: €5,000
Focus: Documentary and contemporary photography
Eligibility: South Asian women photographers
Deadline: August 2025
Note: Includes exhibition opportunity at Rencontres d'Arles
World Press Photo Contest
Prize: Various monetary awards plus worldwide exhibition
Categories: Contemporary Issues, Environment, General News, Long-Term Projects, Nature, Portraits, Sports, Spot News
Deadline: January 2025
Note: Most prestigious photojournalism contest globally
Pictures of the Year International (POYi)
Categories: Multiple documentary and news categories
Eligibility: Professional photojournalists
Deadline: January 2025
Note: One of the oldest and most respected photojournalism competitions
The Aftermath Project Grant
Amount: $25,000
Focus: Documentary projects exploring post-conflict stories
Deadline: February 2025
Note: Particularly interested in under-reported aftermath stories
Vital Impacts Environmental Photography Grants
Amount: Ranging from $5,000 to $20,000
Focus: Supporting photographers dedicated to capturing environmental issues and solutions
Eligibility: Photographers deeply connected to and documenting within their local communities
Deadline: Not specified in the available information
URL: https://vitalimpacts.org/pages/the-vital-impacts-environmental-photography-grant
Note: Seven grants are named after exemplary environmental leaders, aiming to support solution-oriented environmental stories.
Light Work Grants
Amount: $3,000
Focus: Photography and digital media projects
Eligibility: Residents of New York State (outside NYC)
Deadline: April 2025
Note: Strong history of supporting documentary projects
Aperture Portfolio Prize
Prize: $3,000 and exhibition
Focus: Contemporary photography across all genres
Eligibility: International, emerging photographers
Deadline: January 2025
Note: Often awards documentary and socially engaged work
Project Launch Grant
Amount: $5,000
Focus: Career-launching opportunity for photographers with a completed project
Eligibility: International photographers
Deadline: March 2025
Project Development Grant
Amount: $5,000
Focus: Supporting works-in-progress
Eligibility: International photographers
Deadline: March 2025
Excellence in Teaching Award
Amount: $5000
Focus: Recognizing photography educators
Eligibility: Photography teachers at accredited institutions
Deadline: March 2025
Emergency Grants
The following organizations offer emergency funding for photojournalists in crisis or needing rapid project support:
International Women's Media Foundation (IWMF) Emergency Fund - https://www.iwmf.org/programs/emergency-fund/
National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) Emergency Relief - https://nppa.org/emergency-relief
Rory Peck Trust - https://rorypecktrust.org/freelance-assistance/assistance-grants/
VII Photo Agency Mentorship - https://www.viiphoto.com/mentorship/
Women Photograph Mentorship - https://www.womenphotograph.com/mentorship
Magnum Foundation Photography and Social Justice Program - https://www.magnumfoundation.org/photography-and-social-justice
Note: All deadlines are subject to change. Always check the official websites for the most current information and application requirements.
(Updated February 2025)
An objective, outside opinion and fresh look at work can help you craft a contest or grant entry that connects with the judges.
I've created contest edits for numerous photographers who went on to win World Press Photo, POYi, Communication Arts, and other major awards.
Updated January 2025
Looking for the right platform to showcase your photography? After building hundreds of photographer websites over the years, I've learned what works (and what doesn't) for different types of photographers. Here's my honest take on the top portfolio platforms in 2025 - from user-friendly options like Format to more customizable solutions like Wordpress.
Squarespace
Format
Description: Squarespace offers sleek, design-forward templates that help photographers create visually appealing, professional portfolios.
Pricing: Starts at $12/month
Details: Squarespace
PhotoFolio
Description: PhotoFolio provides high-quality templates designed to showcase images with maximum visual impact, perfect for commercial photographers.
Pricing: Starts at $17/month
Details: PhotoFolio.
See portfolios I built on Photofolio here and here.
Photoshelter
Description: Adobe Portfolio integrates seamlessly with Adobe Creative Cloud, ideal for photographers using tools like Lightroom and Photoshop.
Pricing: Included with Adobe Creative Cloud subscription
Details: Adobe Portfolio
Description: Photoshelter is known for its archive management, e-commerce capabilities, and client proofing tools, making it ideal for photographers with large portfolios.
Pricing: Starts at $10/month
Details: Photoshelter
See a portfolio I built using Photoshelter here.
Description: Cargo Collective provides unique, highly customizable templates, ideal for photographers seeking an artistic portfolio.
Pricing: $99/year or $13/month
Details: Cargo Collective
Description: SmugMug offers comprehensive solutions for portfolio presentation, eCommerce, and print fulfillment, along with robust security and storage.
Pricing: Starts at $9/month
Details: SmugMug
Description: Zenfolio is tailored for professional photographers needing an all-in-one platform for showcasing, selling, and delivering work with strong client proofing tools. Pricing: Starts at $25/year
Details: Zenfolio
Description: Pixpa offers an all-in-one platform with portfolio, store, blog, and client galleries, making it versatile for managing various aspects of a photography business. Pricing: Starts at $7/month
Details: Pixpa
Description: Carbonmade is a drag-and-drop portfolio builder with creative and modern designs, ideal for photographers seeking a simple yet stylish portfolio.
Pricing: Plans start at $8/month
Details: Carbonmade
Description: Semplice, built on WordPress, offers extensive customization options, making it a great choice for photographers who want a unique portfolio.
Pricing: One-time fee starting at $149
Details: Semplice
Description: Cargo combines professional portfolio capabilities with artistic freedom, offering highly flexible and customizable design options.
Pricing: $99/year or $13/month
Details: Cargo
Description: WordPress offers unlimited customization and functionality through themes and plugins. While it requires more technical knowledge or help from a developer, it provides complete control over your site's design and features. Popular photography themes include Flothemes and ProPhoto.
Pricing: WordPress itself is free, but you'll need hosting ($5-30/month) plus theme costs ($15-150 on average). Many photographers budget $500-1000 for initial setup.
Details: WordPress.org
Pros:
Complete control over design and functionality
Powerful blogging capabilities
Strong SEO features
One-time theme purchase vs monthly fees
Large developer community
Cons:
Steeper learning curve
Requires regular maintenance and updates
Need separate hosting
Security responsibilities
Can be overwhelming for non-technical users
Let me know if you have others that you like using!
Looking for a professional to not only curate your best images but also build your photography portfolio website? I specialize in creating stunning, user-friendly sites on platforms like Squarespace, Format, 22Slides, and PhotoFolio.
Whether you need elegant galleries, e-commerce capabilities, or seamless client proofing, I’ve got you covered from start to finish. Let’s craft a site that not only showcases your work but also elevates your brand. Contact me today to get started on your custom portfolio!
As someone who's been attending and producing portfolio reviews for 15+ years, I've seen what works and what doesn't. While portfolio reviews can offer valuable feedback, they're just one piece of the puzzle in building a successful photography career.
First, let's talk about maximizing a review if you decide to attend one:
Be honest with yourself about if you are really ready to show the work. Maybe you need another year of shooting before you start showing your book to art buyers, art directors and photo editors. You only get one chance at a first impression, don't rush it if it's not the right time. Ask people who you trust for their honest opinion.
Research your reviewers and make sure that your work is relevant to what they do. You have 15-20 minutes, often with some pretty influential and powerful creatives in the industry, don't waste it. Would you roll up to a job interview without knowing anything about the company?
Have a purpose for each review and communicate that purpose to the reviewer when you sit down. Example: "I've been following your magazine for years and feel my work would fit in. Do you think I'm ready to shoot for you, and if not, what needs improvement?" Or, "I would love get feedback on the book and recommendations for colleagues in the industry who may respond to my style of work." Or, "This is a new personal project that I'm working on, would love to know if you think it's ready to show to galleries."
Come armed with 1 or 2 specific questions that are pertinent to your reviewer's area of expertise.
Do bring the actual portfolio that you intend to show to clients. Hopefully the reviewers you meet with are also potential clients. They're not going to give you a pass because you intend, later on, to make a better book. So don't bring a hastily thrown together book and then say that you are going to change it later. The whole point of the portfolio review is to get feedback and how can someone give you good feedback if what they are looking at isn't what you really want to show?
Make sure your prints look great. This is especially important when seeing galleries.
Leave behind a well-printed leave behind. Invest in a graphic designer to help you create something that looks professional. Just because you know Photoshop doesn't mean you are a designer. If you are seeing a dream client, kick it up a notch and leave something more unique than a postcard. However, keep in mind that not everyone will want a promo. See below.
Keep notes. By the end of a long day, all the reviews can start to blend together. Make a separate page for each reviewer and mark down which images they pointed out liking, where they paused a bit longer, what questions they had about your work and specific feedback they gave you. You may also want to record audio of each meeting, if the reviewer is cool with that.
Don't default to an iPad presentation. An iPad is not necessarily the best way to show still photography. The glare in some rooms makes it very hard to see the photos, especially if your images tend to be dark. I often find myself looking at my own reflection instead of the photos.
Also, unless the iPad presentation is really slick, it can feel like not enough care was put into the portfolio. I mean, let's admit it, how hard is it to create a folder of images for someone to flip through? When I see a beautifully printed portfolio, it lends the photographer some legitimacy, makes them at least appear to have invested a lot of time and effort into their work, all which helps me take them more seriously.
Everyone spends so much time on their phones now, consuming an almost endless stream of imagery. It doesn’t feel as unique to be swipe through an iPad. Print feels special.
All that said, pay attention to your budget and don’t spend the extra money on printing if you can’t afford it.
Don't force your leave behind on the reviewer. Some people flew in for the event and may not want to tote a bunch of promos and books back. Or they may feel it's environmentally wasteful and rather not have the extra 'stuff' in their lives. Or they just may not have liked your work enough to want to take a promo. Ask if they'd like a card, but don't push it. Also don't just offer a huge and bulky leave behind. If you want to make something big, it's also nice to offer something small like a postcard.
Don't make excuses. Popular examples include: "I didn't bring my strongest work." "I didn't have time to put together much, but this should give you an idea." or "I just found out about this event."
Don't argue with constructive criticism The people looking at your work know what they are talking about. They may all have different opinions, but that is valid considering that people come from different backgrounds and that visual art is very subjective. You may not agree with someone, and that is ok, but don't tell them that they are wrong.
Contact me to learn how we can fine tune your portfolio, create a great promo and get the most out of the time and money you're investing.
Photographers and creatives gather at the Texas Photo Roundup Portfolio Reviews in Austin, TX.
Photos by David Weaver.
New Orleans Photo Alliance's PhotoNOLA portfolio review session at the International House Hotel conference facility.
Photos by George Long
SEO might not be the first thing on your mind as a photographer, especially with the rise of Instagram as a discovery tool. But here's the thing—SEO is still a game-changer for ensuring people find you outside the scroll. It helps you drive steady traffic to your site, build credibility, and control how potential clients experience your work.
When I’m looking for a photographer to hire for a project, I might discover them on Instagram, but I head to their website to get a complete picture of their work. I almost always share the website link with creative directors when pitching someone for a project. I may supplement that with some screenshots from their Instagram, but the website is still the focus.
So, let’s dive into some practical ways you can boost your SEO in 2025.
Think about how often you use your phone to browse. Google does the same when ranking sites. Make sure your website looks and works great on mobile. A responsive design and quick load times aren't just nice-to-haves anymore—they’re must-haves.
You’ve got stories to tell, so share them! Regularly update your blog with behind-the-scenes peeks, case studies, or industry tips. Not only will your audience love it, but search engines will notice you're active and relevant.
What words do your potential clients type into Google when they're looking for a photographer? Figure those out and sprinkle them naturally throughout your site. For example, instead of just "photographer," go for something like "Austin commercial photographer" to attract the right crowd.
Your photos are your bread and butter, but they need to be SEO-friendly too. Give your image files descriptive names, keep their sizes manageable for faster loading, and don’t forget to fill in the alt text—it’s a simple way to boost your visibility.
If you're aiming for local clients, shout it from the digital rooftops! Make your location clear on your site, and don’t forget to claim your Google My Business listing. Encourage happy clients to leave reviews—they're gold for local SEO.
While not as dominant as before, quality backlinks from reputable sites still play a role. They act as endorsements of your content’s credibility and relevance. Collaborate with industry blogs, write guest posts, and get your site listed in relevant directories. These links help search engines see you as a trustworthy source.
Nobody likes waiting for a site to load, and search engines feel the same. Keep your site snappy by optimizing image sizes, using solid hosting, and cleaning up any messy code. Fast sites don’t just rank better—they also make visitors happier.
Your portfolio should be a living, breathing showcase of your latest work. Regular updates not only impress visitors but also give search engines fresh content to index.
Schema markup is like giving search engines a cheat sheet for understanding your site. Use it to highlight important details about your services, location, and portfolio. It can help your site stand out in search results.
SEO isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it deal. Use tools like Google Analytics and Search Console to see what’s working and what’s not. Regularly checking in on your performance helps you tweak and improve over time.
Even though Instagram might feel like the place to be, SEO is still your best bet for long-term visibility. By following these tips, you’ll make sure your website continues to attract the clients you want.
Check out this list of search terms to include in your content.
Google Keyword Planner - Language search analysis. Must have Google Ads account set up, although you don’t have to be currently running any campaigns to do research.
Google Search Console - Feedback on site visibility and search behavior.
Contact me to talk about optimizing your site. I’m not an SEO expert, but I have worked closely with SEO companies to optimize portfolio sites built in Squarespace, PhotoFolio and Format.
In today’s digital landscape, many photographers rely heavily on Instagram for discovery and client engagement. However, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) remains a crucial tool for photographers looking to build a sustainable online presence. Unlike social media platforms, which are subject to algorithm changes and limited organic reach, SEO ensures your website remains discoverable on search engines, driving consistent, targeted traffic over time. By optimizing your site, you not only enhance visibility but also establish credibility and control over your online portfolio, making it easier for potential clients to find and trust your work.
Here are the top 20 search terms (keywords and phrases) for commercial and editorial photographers to drive traffic to their websites. These keywords are designed to target potential clients searching for photography services or related information.
General Keywords
Commercial Photographer
Editorial Photographer
Professional Photographer Near Me
Corporate Photography
Advertising Photography
Product Photography
Lifestyle Photographer
Portrait Photographer for Businesses
Event Photographer
Photography for Publications
Niche-Specific Keywords
Industrial Photography Services
Food and Beverage Photography
Architectural Photography
Fashion Editorial Photography
Corporate Headshot Photographer
Location-Specific Keywords
[City] Commercial Photographer (e.g., "Austin Commercial Photographer")
[City] Editorial Photographer
[City] Corporate Event Photography
[City] Product Photographer
[City] Lifestyle Photography
Tips for Using These Keywords
Long-Tail Keywords: Combine these keywords with more specific terms (e.g., “Corporate Event Photographer in Downtown Austin”) to capture targeted traffic.
Content Integration: Use these keywords naturally in your website content, blog posts, image alt text, and meta descriptions.
Local SEO: Focus on local variations of these keywords to attract clients in your area.
Regular Updates: Refresh your site content regularly with these keywords to stay relevant in search engine results.
Using these keywords strategically will help improve your website's visibility and attract potential clients looking for professional photography services.
There’s something timeless about a printed portfolio. 💼✨
I recently had the pleasure of creating a print portfolio for North Carolina-based lifestyle photographer Alex Boerner, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. Alex worked with my favorite custom bookmaker, Scott Mullenberg, to craft this beautifully tailored piece.
While social media and websites make sharing work quick and easy, print offers a different experience. There’s something special about flipping through pages, feeling the weight of the paper, and seeing the work come to life in a tangible way. Plus, it's a fantastic way to connect with clients face to face.
One of my favorite things is working with photographers over the course of many years. Buff and I first did a print promo together in 2015. This fall, we worked on a Volume II of her How We Live zine. The zine is designed by https://beckyplante.com/ and beautifully printed by Paper Chase Press.
I love how this big update to Kari Medig’s site turned out. I've worked with Kari for 10 years and it's been amazing to see how his work continues to evolve and his client list grow. Kari is based in Vancouver and creates intimate and honest brand, travel, and portrait work. Check it out at karimedigphoto.com.
Oakland, California-based interiors photographer Vivian Johnson works with some of the west coast’s top designers and architects. Every time we collaborate on a project, I get serious inspiration from the gorgeous spaces and thoughtful details.
When AFAR partnered with Visit California to create their luxury travel guide, they needed expert visual content production and photo research across 500+ destinations. Here's how we delivered.
Source premium imagery showcasing unexpected luxury experiences
Cover 500+ points of interest statewide
Secure rights and releases for multi-platform usage
Meet tight production timeline for print and digital deliverables
Curated network of California photographers, featuring Amanda Friedman's iconic poppy field cover
Direct partnerships with regional tourism boards including Visit Palm Springs, Visit Anaheim
Luxury hotel and restaurant image libraries
Destination marketing organizations' content hubs
Created detailed shot list targeting unique luxury moments
Established streamlined licensing workflow across multiple stakeholders
Managed complex rights acquisition for print/digital usage
Delivered premium wire-bound sourcebook
Created immersive digital experience
Exceeded client visual quality expectations
Established efficient process for large-scale tourism projects
The bonus:
Appreciating the beauty of the images alongside the playful and fun illustrations of the amazing Libby VanderPloeg!
Looking for visual content production for tourism and destination marketing? I help tourism boards, DMOs, and travel brands create compelling visual stories through:
Tourism board image research & licensing
Visual strategy for destinations
Multi-platform content production
Large-scale photo research
The 2023 Snowball Express was 8 days of photography, laughs, hugs, and some tears. Put on by the Gary Sinise Foundation, Snowball Express brings thousands of military and first responder families together at Disney World to honor their fallen heroes.
The media team not only captures all of the events that take place, but they also work closely with families to document the stories of their lost loved ones. It’s one of the most rewarding photo editing jobs I could ask for. Thanks to Julia Robinson for bringing me on to the team.
Photos by:
Julia Robinson
Sol Neelman
Octavio Jones
Matthew Busch
Justin L. Stewart
Austin-based Melanie Grizzel has an authentic and warm approach to portraiture and storytelling. Her images exude a connection with the people she is photographing.
For her website update, we focused on showcasing the best of her portraits, food and tourism photography. The updated site is well-suited to editorial, corporate, non-profit, and travel industry clients.
Angie Webb is an Atlanta-based commercial photographer with a bold, graphic style and fun, lighthearted approach. Her new website features food, brand stories, motion, people and travel.
https://angie-webb.com/
Kate Benson is a New Hampshire-based product, lifestyle, and fashion photographer with an elegant style that feels fresh and modern while giving a nod to timeless beauty. We updated her website to showcase the variety of client work she’s produced and tell the story of the kind of work she is passionate about.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with the Texas Tribune Festival since 2016. Of course, Covid really put a damper on large scale events like TribFest, so I appreciate the event even more now that it’s back in full force.
For the 2022 festival, I focused on producing all of the sponsorship and marketing-related photography coverage, managing the budget, scheduling and photo assignments for the team of photographers and photo editors.
See more of the photos, including those produced by the editorial team.
Erika Rich for The Texas Tribune
Callie Richmond for The Texas Tribune
Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune
Callie Richmond for The Texas Tribune
DC-based photographer Rebecca Drobis was awarded a contract by FHI 360 to create a custom image library for the CDC to use for its diabetes prevention campaigns. CDC realized that traditional stock photography just wasn’t connecting with their users, and wanted to focus on real people talent and situations that would resonate.
I served as the project’s creative director. My priority was ensuring that the CDC’s missions and goals were furthered through Rebecca’s photography.
I reviewed CDC focus group findings, brand guidelines, and other marketing documentation in order to arrive at a list of key themes the photos should touch on.
We approached the project in phases over the course of 14 months, collaborating on what locations, talent, and situations would help the CDC achieve its goals. I created mood boards to help hone the creative direction, and once that was finalized, I created shot lists with location, art and talent direction.
Rebecca and her rock star producer Nancy Swenton took the months of prep and turned into shoot day magic, creating relatable, authentic imagery.
Kate Medley is a fantastic, North Carolina-based documentary storyteller and filmmaker. Her work is focused on social justice, the environment, agriculture, and life in the South. We worked together to revamp her website to feature the kind of work that she is most passionate about doing.
