Scholarship FAQ’s

Why would I attend the Medium Review?

Attending a portfolio review is a significant investment of time and resources. We recommend that photographers considering the Medium Review have a photography project you’ve invested 1-2 years developing and that you feel is fully developed.

Attending a review is a way to gain professional connections as well as feedback and advice on your next steps from reviewers who have experience in the field.

Who would see my work at the review?

In early spring 2024, photographers participating in the Medium Review have the chance to submit a ranked list of the reviewers they would most like to meet with. We work as allies to ensure each photographer has the chance for a meeting with a majority of their top choices. We share information about each reviewer and offer support if you have questions we can help answer.

What kind of photographs should I have and how many to bring?

One thing reviewers say is that they want to see a “body of work.” In other words, a group of pictures that are held together by a similar theme, story, sense of place or style. Reviewers far prefer to see a “body of work” over a selection of “my twenty greatest hits” where each picture may be brilliant, but the pictures don’t really go together.

As a general guide, a solid portfolio to bring to the Medium Review would be 15-20 images that are related as a “body of work.”

How is a portfolio printed for the Medium Review?

Because photography is used in so many different ways, this is tough to answer! But again as a general guide, a clamshell box with 15-20 prints that are around 11x14 or 16x20 inches is a manageable size to view on a table during your reviews (and can be easier to travel with).

What does the Medium Review scholarship include?

The review scholarship covers tuition to attend the Medium Review, one year Artist Level membership to Medium Photo, admission to all artist talks and seminars at the 2024 Medium Festival, complimentary submission to the annual Size Matters exhibition, mentoring support before and after the Medium Review.

If I’m awarded a scholarship for the Review, will Medium help me prepare?

Participating in a portfolio review can feel overwhelming, especially the first time. The Medium Review includes an online workshop and information session for all the photographers in the review, many of whom are participating for the first time.

Further, Medium plans several dedicated, small Q&A sessions just for scholarship recipients. We can’t wait to meet you and introduce ourselves on Zoom!

I’m not sure this opportunity is right for me this year, how else can I engage with Medium?

In-person and online, Medium offers artist talks, workshops and events that celebrate the power of photography to connect us. Our email list and social media channels are great ways to learn about future programs and opportunities. Our YouTube channel includes many recorded artist talks and more.