Posted 08 November 2021

Want to get into photography? Apply for our next portfolio review session

On Thursday 25th November we’ll be hosting our next portfolio review, all about starting out in the photography world. So if you’re hoping to work in this area, this is a brilliant opportunity to meet and get feedback from the experts. Open to UK creatives within the first year of their careers, read on for how to get involved.

Our next portfolio review is dedicated to those starting out in photography. Whether you’re a student, a grad, or in the first year of your career journey, this is a chance to meet industry professionals, get advice and feedback and get to know some fellow emerging creatives.

From experienced photographers to world-renowned companies, our reviewers will be ready to cast some fresh eyes over your photography portfolios. You could be into reportage, hoping to make it big in the fashion industry or fancy yourself as a portrait photographer – we’re sure that their insights will help you on your way.

Have a read below to find out how to get involved.

How will it work?

The session will take place over Zoom on Thursday 25th November 2021, from 5pm to 8pm GMT. There are only a limited number of places available, so make sure you sign up to register your interest.

The event itself is fast-paced: In breakout rooms of three emerging creatives and one reviewer, you will get the opportunity to show and discuss work, and get advice and feedback. This will then rotate, so you get to meet several reviewers throughout the evening.

Please note that the session is open to those looking to work in photography and creatives with no more than one year of experience. You will be required to have something to show (e.g. one to two projects or pieces of work that capture what you do), but don’t worry if this isn’t a polished portfolio.

Who will be there?

Rachel Brinton Matthews, senior art director, Getty Images
With over 10 years of industry experience across broadcast and advertising, Rachel is a creative and manager of digital visual productions, artists and collections at Getty Images. For more than 25 years, Getty Images has helped creative, business, and media customers to define moments and shift perceptions using powerful visual content.

Read more about Getty Images here.


Jane Record, creative director of photography, BBC Creative
Jane Record is a photographic art director and creative leader with 20 years experience in the television industry. She is responsible for the award-winning team who commission promotional photography for all BBC content. As a commissioner responsible for such a diverse range of content she has had the opportunity to work with some the most talented photographers, actors and programme makers in the UK.

Read more about BBC Creative here.


Maria Piliero, digital photography assistant manager, Paul Smith
Maria is a senior photographer and digital retoucher working in ecommerce for fashion brand, Paul Smith. Britain’s foremost designer, Paul Smith is renowned for his creative aesthetic in combining both tradition and modernity.

Read more about Paul Smith here.


Derrick Kakembo, freelance photographer
Derrick is a photographer, filmmaker and head of content at independent cultural platform, Reform the Funk, shooting notable figures such as Post Malone, Giggs, Bree Runway, Ashley Walters, and more. His platform, Reform The Funk, describes itself as “a platform for tastemakers, for those who influence popular culture.”

Read more about Derrick here, and read his Creative Lives interview here.


Filmawi, director and photographer
London-based director and photographer Filmawi puts emotive storytelling and imagery at the heart of his work, working across a range of areas including music and fashion. He has helmed bold and atmospheric photography and video campaigns for major brands like Comme Des Garçons, Burberry and Adidas. And in the music world, he has worked with artists such as Stormzy, Post Malone, Chance the Rapper, Wretch 32 on portraits, tour visuals and album artwork.

Read more about Filmawi here, and read his Creative Lives interview here.

How to apply

This session is open to students, grads, or those within the first year of a creative career. Please note you are only eligible to register if you are:

• Not in full-time creative work
• Within the first year of your career
• Based in the UK
• Aged 18 and over

Register your interest by midnight, 15th November via the link below.

Please note

Registering for this event does not guarantee a place. Those invited to attend will be emailed a week before the event, and will be asked to pay a £5 deposit. This is to confirm your attendance, and will be refunded after the session.

Attendees are selected based on their eligibility, so please be assured that if you are not invited, this is not a reflection of the quality of your work.

We hope to see you there!

Written by Creative Lives in Progress