If you’re a commercial photographer looking to connect with the people who actually commission work, the Production Paradise Portfolio Review is one of the few moments in the year where the industry meets face-to-face. No algorithms, no guesswork, just real conversations with the creative directors, art buyers, producers, and editors who shape today’s campaigns.

Now in its ninth edition, the event has already taken place in cities like Amsterdam, Barcelona, and London, bringing the same core intention each time -  helping top creative talent meet the right people, gain clarity, and open doors that are normally difficult to reach.

What exactly is the Portfolio Review?

Every edition brings together fifteen to twenty international creative decision makers to meet high-level commercial photographers from across the globe. Over the course of two days, each photographer sits for a series of twenty-minute one-to-one sessions, carefully matched to their work, direction, and goals.

These are not rushed speed dating moments. They are proper conversations, a chance to discuss artistic direction, positioning, portfolio decisions, and what reviewers are actively searching for when hiring talent. Many photographers describe these meetings as the most valuable guidance they get.

Who are the reviewers?

Across past editions, reviewers have included creative directors, producers, editors, and art buyers from agencies such as Leo Burnett, Edelman, TBWA, VML, Ogilvy, and many more. 

As Global Creative Lead at Wunderman Thompson, Chermine Assadian put it, “We rarely get the time to properly look at photography, meet talented people and understand how they work. The Production Paradise Portfolio Review is one of the few occasions where you can sit down, talk, and really connect with the creators behind the images. Everyone should try it at least once. And the team is lovely too.”

A setting designed for genuine conversations

Mornings and afternoons are reserved for review sessions, with long lunch breaks and relaxed networking dinners in the evenings.

These evening gatherings have become a real highlight. Think relaxed, cocktail-style meet-ups where everyone can move around easily, spark quick conversations, and jump between groups without feeling tied to a table. It’s the kind of atmosphere where ideas flow, and the chats often carry on long after the event ends.

Photographer Clair Angel summed it up simply, “What an amazing few days. I am incredibly inspired and grateful for the opportunity and for all the creative souls I had the pleasure of meeting.”

Why photographers keep coming back?

Photographers join for different reasons, but most mention the same benefits:

• tailored meetings with reviewers aligned to their work
• clear, honest feedback from people who commission talent
• the chance to be seen beyond an inbox
• insight into how their work is perceived in the commercial world
• new contacts that often lead to future projects
• networking with international photographers
• optional coaching sessions before the event
• and, of course, the creative boost of spending two days in a lively setting

Photographer Mikkel Jul Hvilshoj, who has joined five times, explains it well. “I gain fresh perspective on my strengths, spot weaknesses I may have overlooked, and often get clarity on how my work is perceived. Even when no immediate opportunity arises, I return home with renewed energy and inspiration.”

How the meetings work?

Each participant has ten personalised one-to-one meetings across the two days. They have full access to the venue to network with fellow photographers. Places are limited to around thirty participants to keep the experience focused and meaningful.

Practical details for the upcoming Barcelona edition:

Location: Talent Garden, Poblenou, Barcelona
Dates: 19th and 20th February
Optional coaching sessions: available before the event
Networking dinners: hosted both evenings
Hotel: partner hotel with a special rate, one minute from the venue

Once confirmed, participants receive preparation tips and portfolio advice to help them make the most of every session.

To see how recent editions unfolded, have a look at the Amsterdam 2025 highlights or the Barcelona 2024 review; they give a clear sense of the pace, the energy and the level of creative exchange.

Looking ahead

If you want to join the next event, follow us on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop. You can also book a short call if you’d like to check whether the event is the right match for you.

At Production Paradise, the aim remains simple: to help visual creatives grow, connect, and be seen by the people who matter. The Portfolio Review is one of the most direct ways to make that happen.

For any questions, feel free to write to us at hello@productionparadise.com.

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