We are pleased to announce the first Hamburg Portfolio Review. Photographers from all over the world are invited to submit their work. Our primary goal is to establish a new platform for the international photo scene in Europe. We want to create opportunities for aspiring photographers and contemporary storytellers from all over the globe and convene members of the worldwide photographic community to meet, help each other, have fun and exchange their knowledge and ideas.

The Hamburg Portfolio Review offers photographers the opportunity to present their work to international experts in the photographic industry. A top-class jury will screen all applicants and select 100 photographers, who will be invited to join the Review in September. Due to Covid the Hamburg Portfolio Review will be held virtually this year. During the face-to-face Portfolio Reviews, the chosen photographers will each meet 4 of over 40 photo experts from a wide variety of sectors and showcase their work in an exhibition.

We will give aspiring photographers a voice and visibility to their work by establishing contacts with publishers, media houses, museums, festivals, foundations, universities and institutions. There are no genre requirements. However, the focus is on narrative photography, not on advertising imagery.

The Hamburg Portfolio Review targets those who are sincere about photography. For whom photography is not just a hobby but a professional visual medium to address contemporary issues. We are curious to discover new photographic work from all around the globe, image-makers and visual storytellers that have developed their unique voice and have something to express through photography.

The Hamburg Portfolio Review is a collaboration between Gruner + Jahr with the media brands STERN and GEO and the University of Europe for Applied Sciences. Kindly supported by Canon Europe, the Körber Foundation, the Altonaer Museum and the Hamburg Ministry of Culture and Media.

We are looking forward to your work.

What winners receive

• The possibility to present and discuss their work with 4 of over 40 internationally known experts from different photographic sectors
• The chance to showcase their projects in an exhibition
• The opportunity to establish relationships with international media houses, festivals, publishers and foundations
• Hamburg Portfolio Review offers you the chance to build up a network of contacts and gain recognition within the photographic world

How to enter

All photographers over 18 years are invited to submit their work. Each participant may submit up two projects with 10 images or one submission with 20 images total. Call for entries is between 02 June and 30 June 2021.

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Hamburg Portfolio Review?

With the Hamburg Portfolio Review, we want to establish a new professional development platform in Europe for the international photo community. Our mission is to create opportunities for emerging photographers from around the world regardless of their nationality, ethnic background, gender or financial status and give voice and expression to creatives aiming to present their project(s). The intention is to create an event with an international and diverse outlook, so we would especially like to invite photographers and reviewers from under-represented countries and regions in Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America. The Hamburg Portfolio Review enables young talents to present their work in a professional environment and provides a unique chance for them to discuss their project(s) with top-notch professionals in the photo industry, whom they otherwise might not be able to meet in personal reviews. We will link the participants to the regional publishing industry, art foundations, museums, festivals and international organizations.

What is the Hamburg Portfolio Review looking for?

The Hamburg Portfolio Review targets those who are sincere about photography. For whom photography is not just a hobby but a professional visual way to address contemporary issues. We are curious to discover new photographic work from all around the globe, image-makers and visual storytellers that have developed their unique voice and have something to express through photography.

When will I know if I have been selected?

The selected participants will be announced on August 1, 2021. We will notify you via email.

Why do I need to include a portfolio in my application for the Hamburg Portfolio Review?

Portfolios and already existing photos are work samples that help us understand the candidate’s photographic style and thematic orientation.

How detailed should the portfolio be?

The portfolio should sufficiently outline the character and purpose of your project(s). The portfolio can consist of max. 2 projects and 5–10 images per project.

Are there any genre requirements for the portfolio?

There are no genre requirements. However, the focus is on narrative content, not on advertising imagery.

How are the participants of the Hamburg Portfolio Review selected?

The participants are selected by a jury consisting of a team of picture editors of the magazines STERN, GEO and some other magazines of Gruner + Jahr and photography professors of the UE Germany.

Is there a registration fee?

Participation in the Hamburg Portfolio Review is free of charge, there is no registration fee.

How many participants will be invited to the Hamburg Portfolio Review?

From all applications received, a jury will select 100 participants for the Hamburg Portfolio Review.

Technical data for online application: What is the maximum size for the application files?

CV: not more than 2 pages, biography: max. 1500 characters, the data size max. 1 MB. Portfolio/project: max. 20 images, each image 3000 px on the long side, default. Captions in the IPTC Metadata are required

Is it possible to apply as a team of photographers?

No, it is not possible to team up with other photographers. We only accept submissions by individuals.

Is it possible for one applicant to submit two different projects in two separate online applications?

No, we only accept one application per person.

Who is eligible to apply — is there an age restriction?

You are eligible to apply if you are older than 18 years during the application. Is there anything important I must note before submitting work to the Hamburg Portfolio Review? You must have the publication rights to the people shown on your pictures.

Is it possible to submit videos/moving images?

No, videos/moving images are not eligible. We only accept digital images as JPEG files.

Can I apply for the Hamburg Portfolio Review with a project that has already been published?

Yes, you can apply with a project that has been published.

Can I apply with a project that has previously been submitted to a competition?

You are eligible to submit the same project.

Is it possible to submit long-term projects?

Yes, it is. Please remember to indicate the timeline of creation and if it is an ongoing project.

What will happen with the submitted images?

We will use the submitted images for the selection process of the Hamburg Portfolio Review. Please note: The submitted images may be used for publications as part of the marketing activities (website, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and mailings) of the Hamburg Portfolio Review.

Who do I contact if I have more questions about the Hamburg Portfolio Review?

Please contact our Hamburg Portfolio Team via: info@hamburgportfolioreview.de

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