I recently took on the role of coordinator for the Contemporary Postal Portfolio. The Portfolio provides opportunities for members of the Contemporary SIG to view and comment on prints and books made by other members and to receive feedback on their own work.
There are two circuits of boxes at present with five boxes going round each circuit. The original circuit has been in existence for over 20 years. Members find it a stimulating and encouraging means of sharing their photography with others and enjoy seeing and handling work in the form of prints. This has certainly been my own experience since I joined. When a box arrives through the post you add a piece of your own work, be it a single print or a series of prints or even perhaps a book. You can also view the work of other members, read the comments which have been made and add your own comments. The suggested turnaround time for boxes is two to three weeks. Once you have finished with a box, you send it to the next person on the circuit. When the box has completed a circuit and has returned to you, you can see the comments which have been made on your own work.
In addition to the circuits, we have monthly meetings over Zoom to show and discuss work and other topics members want to raise. Every three months a meeting is given over to discussion of a published photography book chosen by a member.
The Postal Portfolio would welcome new members. If you are interested in joining us or want further information, please contact me at contemporarypostal@rps.org
Nigel Corby
Coordinator, Contemporary Postal Portfolio