Improve your photography with a print study group.

WHAT IS A PORTFOLIO (Print Study Group)?
A portfolio is a small group of photographer who enjoy sharing their image-making
ability and print work with photographers having similar interests. A portfolio is a
print collection submitted by study group members.

PORTFOLIO ORGANIZATION
A portfolio is made up of about eight members The membership of many portfolios have
a good mix or experience and knowledge. Members work together with the aim of
improving their photography and printing. The portfolio is managed by a secretary
(a.k.a., Associate Director). A commentator is assigned to some portfolios (see Portfolio
Commentator).

PORTFOLIO TYPES
There are two portfolio types: (1) Open; (2) Restricted. Open portfolios accept any
print process and print type. A restricted portfolio accepts a certain print process or
kind (see Process Types and Print Kinds for an explanation). When selecting a portfolio, be
familiar with the print process and print kind so as to match your interests to the group.

PORTFOLIO KINDS
Most portfolios are for those members who create the final image themselves either in
darkroom or with a computer. A few portfolios accept commercially-made prints and these
portfolios are for members who have their prints made by someone other than themselves.

PROCESS TYPES
The most common print process is the darkroom print. Any print process is acceptable
including computer (electronic) printing which is gaining popularity.

PRINT KINDS
Portfolios are organized as either color or monochrome print. Some open portfolios accept
both color and monochrome prints.

PRINT SIZE
Packaging considerations require a maximum print size. There are 8.5x11 and 11x14 inch
print size portfolios. These are the maximum print sizes and smaller than the maximum
print size can be submitted that would for example, include 8x10 print paper.

PORTFOLIO OPERATION
A portfolio is sent by mail to each member in round-robin fashion. Members are expected
to write comments on each of the other members' prints. Seven days are schdeduled to
process the portfolio then the portfolio is forwarded to the next scheduled member and a
progress report is sent to the portfolio secretary. Each circuit, members enjoy writing
newsy notes to other group members.

SPECIAL PORTFOLIOS:
ASSIGNED SUBJECT - A different challenge. A subject is selected in advance by the group
secretary so members can either select an image from their files or are moved to photograph
an image to satisfy the assignment.

EXPERIMENTAL PORTFOLIOS - Members of these portfolios use experimental techniques to
create images of unique character. Darkroom and computer print print portfolios are
available. The print may be made without the use of a darkroom or a computer.

PORTFOLIO COMMENTATOR
Some portfolios have commentators assigned to them. The commentator is an experienced
photographer and printmaker who will evaluate each print and make constructive comments
for improvement.

The commentator also presents the Green Eagle award to prints for special recognition
making these prints eligible for the annual Green Eagle print contest.

ANNUAL PRINT CONTEST
This contest is for those prints receiving the Green Eagle award. There are two
separate contests. One contest is for monochrome prints and the other contest is for
color prints. Winning prints receive medals and ribbons and are exhibited at the annual
PSA International Conference and on the PSA web site. First place prints are published
in the PSA Journal.

These prints are submitted to the American Portfolio's director no later than twenty-pne
days before the commencement of the annual PSA International Conference.

SUBJECT MATTER
Subject matter is open in most portfolios. In general, pictorial (artistic) images are
submitted. Restrictions might be in the Nature and in the Assigned Subject portfolios.

SUMMARY
It is easy to see why the American Portfolios has been a popular Pictorial Print
Division activity for PSA members since World War II giving members the opportunity to
make photographic buddies across the fruited plain and to improve a personal interest.
Some members think of their study group as a nationwide photogrpahy club.

To enroll in this activity, (1) Use the enrollment form on this web site; (2)Ask that an
enrollment form be sent to you by contacting an American Portfolio's representative listed
on these web pages and in the PSA Journal's Services Directory.

The following summarizes how portfolios are organized and can be helpful in selecting a
study group to match your interests:

There are two fundamental portfolio types. Keep this in mind when selecting a group.
1. Restricted
2. Open

RESTRICTED PORTFOLIOS
Portfolios accepting one or more of the following process types or print kinds:
1. Only self-made or only commercially-made prints.
2. Only darkroom or only computer-printed prints.
3. Only monochrome or only color prints.

Restricted study groups are for those members who may not be familiar with or have no
interest in another print process or print kind. If there is a question about whether
the portfolio is restricted or open, please ask the activity or membership director or
the portfolio secretary. Most groups are restriced in some way.

OPEN PORTFOLIOS
These portfolios have no restrictions and are open to any print process or any print kind.
What this means is both self-made and commercially-made prints, darkroom and computer print,
monochrome and color prints can be submitted to a study group.

It is helpful when completing the enrollment for to truly indicate your interests so your
enrollment can be matched to the appropriate study group. Should interests change,
transferring to another study group is possible or another study group may be joined or
even created. If necessary, please add a note on the enrollment form to clarify your interests.

SELF-MADE - Print is created in a darkroom or with a computer by the member.

COMMERCIALLY-MADE - Print is created by another person in a commercial darkroom or by
computer.

DARKROOM PRINT - The print is created by chemical means, sometimes referred to as the wet
process.

COMPUTER PRINT - The original iamge would be exposed on light-sensitive material (film,
electronic), made into an electronic file, and printed with an ink jet or similar printer.

REGIONAL PORTFOLIOS - These portfolios are for members residing in a geographical area.
These groups are "Open". Currently there are regional study groups for members residing
in the northern Atlantic states and the northern Pacific states. When there is enough interest,
study groups will be organized in other national geographic areas.