Post review blues

If you’ve ever had your folio reviewed, whether at an event, online, or done the rounds of ad and design agencies, you may have experienced that wonderful post review euphoria.

(They LOVED my work! They even contacted me! I am complete! )

But after the trillions of briefs failed to fly in the door (wait what?) the post review blues may set in.

Self doubt arrives fast on its heels as your Emails remain un-replied to, and the DM’s ignored.

(They probably hate my website. They’ll never hire me…They’re so rude!)

I have heard this so many times before. It’s like the seven stages of grief.

So if you could please park all your self doubt just for a few minutes and read these 4 suggestions, I promise you will feel a bit less rejected.

1. Never assume you know what they are thinking.

Your ‘worst’ meeting could have been your best. One of the ‘worst’ reviewers of a photographer who attended at CA+ last month voted the same photographer’s folio as his favourite. He just wasn’t a bursting-with-expression kind of guy. So stay in touch with everyone you meet, you just never know.

2. Don’t take it personally.

A lack of replies may have nothing to do with you. Some don’t reply to Emails full stop. Doesn’t mean they didn’t open it, or read it. Maybe they’re on vacation. Maybe they have family dramas. As a rep (and still now) I really struggled to get back to everyone who contacted me. But I always noted the ones that I wanted to keep an eye on. It’s most likely not about you.

3. Don’t ask anything of them.

Every time you ask them for feedback, tell them to look at your website, or ask them to get back to you, you are giving them a job! So don’t ask for a reply. Don’t ask what they think. They’re not stupid. If the right link is there and they want to find more, they will.

4. Don’t give up

One follow up is not enough. Neither is three, especially with social media. Stay in touch with them and keep sending updates of new work (you are shooting new work aren’t you?). Honestly, you’d be amazed at how few photographers (including your competition) give up much faster. Keep your comms visual, and inspiring, and keep going.

This is a long game, and you’re doing just fine.

Eye on the prize.