Director PPD American Portfolios |
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Each Print Study Group is comprised of 6 to 10 participants who enjoy sharing their prints with other printers, want to improve the quality of their prints, and are interested in an objective evaluation of their prints. Print Study Groups are known as “portfolios” because each group mails a package (or portfolio) of prints from member to member for review. American Portfolios is comprised of approximately 20 different Print Study Groups. To participate please contact the Director of American Portfolios and describe your interests such as color or monochrome and darkroom or computer processed prints. |
OPEN: Open to any kind or type of print: any subject matter - no restrictions - anything goes.
RESTRICTED: Most portfolios are of the restricted type designed to meet the specific interests of the photographers making up the group. For example some portfolios accept only color prints and others only monochrome. Some are for self-made and others are for commercially made prints.
SELF-MADE: Prints created in a darkroom or with a computer by the photographer.
COMMERCIALLY-MADE: Prints created by another person either in a commercial darkroom or by computer.
DARKROOM PRINTED (P): The print is created by chemical means using a darkroom and light sensitive materials.
COMPUTER PRINTED (CMP): The original image would be exposed on light-sensitive material (film or electronic), and printed with an ink jet or similar printer.
MONOCHROME OR COLOR: Restricted to either monochrome or color; some groups accept both.
PRINT SIZE: Maximum size restrictions may be 8x10, 8x12, 8 1/2 x 11, or 11x14.
REGIONAL PORTFOLIOS: These portfolios are for members residing in a particular geographic area and are open to any format. There are two regional portfolios: Greater Northeast Regional (GNER) and Greater Northwest Regional (GNWR).
ASSIGNED SUBJECT (ASG): The subjects are selected in advance and the members submit images that fit the assignment.
NATURE (Nat): The subject matter is limited to nature subjects (e.g., landscapes, seascapes, wildlife, plant life). The American Portfolio Nature prints do not conform to the PSA Nature definition (e.g., cloning is accepted, hand of man is not considered).
Most portfolios have assigned Commentators who are experienced photographers and printmakers. They evaluate each member's work, make constructive comments for improvement, and issue awards for particularly fine prints.
If there is no Model Release available, the image may win but cannot be published. For those who do not have a Model Release, Sample Model Release Form - doc - interactive pdf - both of these forms can be filled out and saved on a mobile or desktop device.
There is no fee for this activity. PSA Membership is required.
To enroll in an American Portfolio, complete the Enrollment Form or send an email to the American Portfolios Enrollment Director. After signing up for one of the American Portfolios, members are placed on the list to receive the portfolio at the next round.
» American Portfolios Enrollment Form: Interactive website page
If there is no Model Release available, the image may win but cannot be published. For those who do not have a Model Release, Sample Model Release Form - doc - interactive pdf - both of these forms can be filled out and saved on a mobile or desktop device.