Soliciting a professional eye is important when a photographer builds a portfolio. However, it is important for the photographer to do a self assessment first. A photographer must be able to look at the body of work with a distanced yet gentle eye. All artists are their own worst critiques. One can start by creating a folder and dropping images that are upon first glance bland. An easy way to start a critique is by asking yourself, "would I buy this as a piece of art?" After going though 100 or so photos do another round, create 3 folders marked, Best, Better, The Best placing 33 images in each folder, the 100th image should be your favorite of all time.

Even if your images consist of people, landscapes, and editorial images it is okay to lump them together. The next stage is to then find a second pair of eyes preferably someone qualified in photography to sit with you and provide a critique. Trust, it is a good thing.