International Photography Festival Opens Portfolio Reviews with Curators
Prestigious annual program connects emerging and established photographers with leading industry decision-makers from 33 countries
NEW YORK, November 21, 2025 — The International Photography Festival announced today the opening of registration for its 2025 Portfolio Review Program, offering photographers exclusive access to one-on-one sessions with influential curators, gallery directors, and editors from the global photography community. The program, scheduled for March 15-17, 2025, at the Metropolitan Pavilion, will host over 200 reviewers representing 179 galleries and 43 publishing houses from 33 countries.
The portfolio review sessions come as the professional photography industry experiences robust growth, with the global market valued at approximately $105.2 billion in 2025, according to industry analysis from Dojo Business. Professional photography services alone account for $33.5 to $55.6 billion of this total, reflecting a 4.4% to 6% annual growth rate driven by expanding e-commerce, social media demand, and digital content creation across commercial sectors.
“The portfolio review program serves as a critical catalyst for career advancement in an increasingly competitive visual economy,” said festival director Margaret Chen. “In 2024, participants secured more than 150 exhibitions, 75 publishing contracts, and numerous representation agreements directly through connections made during these sessions.”
The three-day intensive program features 20-minute individual reviews with decision-makers from institutions including the Museum of Modern Art, Tate Modern, Aperture Foundation, Magnum Photos, and National Geographic. Reviewers include photo editors from The Guardian and Financial Times, curators from the Getty Research Institute and Victoria & Albert Museum, and directors from leading galleries in Paris, Tokyo, and New York.
Market research indicates that photography festivals generate substantial economic impact beyond direct artist opportunities. The Ballarat International Foto Biennale contributed more than $28 million in direct economic activity, while PHOTO 2024 generated $12.3 million for its regional economy. These events demonstrate how portfolio review programs drive both cultural and commercial value across the photography ecosystem.
Registration fees range from $350 for four sessions to $695 for eight reviews, with discounted student rates available. The festival has reserved 30% of available slots for emerging photographers from underrepresented communities, continuing its commitment to industry diversification. Virtual review options will also be offered for international participants unable to travel to New York.
“Last year, I met with five reviewers who fundamentally transformed my project trajectory,” said 2024 participant James Okwuosa, a documentary photographer from Lagos whose work on climate migration subsequently earned a solo exhibition at Photoworks UK. “The direct feedback from curators who ultimately championed my work was invaluable.”
The International Photography Festival, founded in 2008, has grown into one of the most significant annual gatherings for photography professionals worldwide. The 2025 edition will feature parallel exhibitions, artist talks, and the prestigious Photobook Awards ceremony. The portfolio review program has facilitated more than 12,000 individual mentoring sessions since its inception, with 68% of participants reporting career advancement within 12 months of attendance.
About The International Photography Festival
The International Photography Festival is a leading global platform dedicated to advancing photography as an art form and professional practice. Each year, the festival brings together artists, curators, collectors, and industry professionals for exhibitions, portfolio reviews, educational workshops, and networking events. With over 250,000 annual visitors and a network spanning 50 countries, the festival has generated more than $45 million in economic impact for host cities since 2015. The organization maintains partnerships with major museums, educational institutions, and cultural foundations worldwide to support the development and dissemination of contemporary photography.
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