Have you ever wondered how one photographer gets industry recognition and art gallery representation...

When other equally talented, hard working, and dedicated photographers get lost in the flood of images on social media?

It isn’t because the successful photographer wants it more.

What separates invisible photographers from exhibiting artists is their knowledge gap about the world they want to be a part of. 

It might be a cliché to say knowledge is power – but, it is true.

Knowledge about the art world and how you choose to use it, is what separates photographers who are overlooked from those who keep adding new lines to their CV.

Acquire the knowledge required for you to succeed in showing your photography

Everything I can share with you I learned the hard way – experience.

Like most passionate photographers when they’re starting to take their work seriously, I had no idea about how the interconnected network of art galleries operated when I first exhibited my photography in the early 2000’s.

Thinking back to the solo exhibition I had during the 2008 edition of FotoFreo photography festival, I still had a lot to learn.

First solo exhibition during FotoFreo 2008

Then, after years of taking workshops, reading books, and more exhibitions (now in Germany where I was based) I recognised something in myself.

I was better at promoting the talent of others than I was of producing my own photography.

In 2013 I opened Galerie Pavlova (the name will make sense in a moment) at 116 Linien Str. Berlin with a solo exhibition of Between Worlds, from the late Greek Australian photographer Polixeni Papapetrou.

Michael Dooney in front of works by Polixeni Papapetrou at Galerie Pavloa (Jarvis Dooney)

Specialising in contemporary photography from Australia and New Zealand, we presented a niche programme of exhibitions which showcased both emerging and established voices from the region.

The curatorial focus enabled us to participate in the inaugural Photo London fair in 2015.

After years of people assuming we presented Russian artists (Pavlova) we rebranded to Jarvis Dooney – the surnames of my wife and I who ran the gallery together.

In the 2016 and 2018 editions of EMOP Berlin (European Month of Photography) we presented exhibitions at Jarvis Dooney gallery, the Australian Embassy Germany, and the Kunstlerhaus Bethanien.

Michael Dooney with artist Kate Robertson at the inaugural Photo London in 2015

Each exhibition either showcased an established Australian position to a European audience (Anne Zahalka, Derek Kreckler, Polixeni Papapetrou), or presented the work of an emerging artists on an international stage (Kate Robertson, James Tylor).

Every year since 2017 I have reviewed portfolio’s at Les Rencontres d'Arles as part of the official programme. Both to find new talent for my gallery and connect photographers with other people (gallerists, curators, collectors) in my network.

Presenting work of Derek Kreckler at the Australian Embassy Berlin during EMOP Berlin 2018

This was all from discovering photography through my then girlfriend (now wife) and seeing where it might take me.

I had no existing network, connections, or experience in the field.

The path from picking up a camera in Perth (Australia) to opening a gallery in Berlin (Germany) and becoming part of this world was completely uncharted. 

You can learn from the mistakes I made along the way and save yourself the years it took me to work it out on my own. 

In 2016 the bbk Berlin (professional association of visual artists in Berlin) invited me to create a workshop teaching photographers about art galleries.

Over the past 10 years, hundreds of artists and photographers attended these booked out workshops – in the process gaining a solid understanding of the art world they want to be part of.

For years there were only two groups who could participate in the workshops.

Portfolio review as part of in person workshop at Jarvis Dooneybbk Berlin members who attended the in person workshops at my gallery.

Or students enrolled in the international class at the Neue Schule für Fotografie in Berlin.

It wasn’t possible for anyone else.

Not only because of the paperwork requirements, but the physical limitations of needing to be in Berlin to attend an in person workshop.

Presenting this live online also has it’s challenges (I know because I’ve tried doing it across multiple time zones).

So I have recorded a version specifically for serious photographers who don’t want to lose out on access to this insider information.

Screenshot of the live online master class across multiple time zonesThis 2 hour online master class takes you from invisible photographer to one who is empowered with the knowledge needed to influence their future.

It distills two decades of life lessons and experience in the art world into an easy to digest package.

Armed with the insider knowledge required to take control of your art world success.

By simply taking this master class, you’ll be ahead of 98% of other photographers when it comes to getting exhibitions, finding a gallery to work with, and building your network within the art world.

Gain clarity about the art world

The art world (most of life really) is like a game. Except no one explains the rules or teaches you how to play, that you have to work out for yourself.

Some people never work it out and are constantly frustrated when things don’t go as they had hoped. Others work it out eventually and wish someone had explained it to them sooner.

The wisdom you’ll gain from this master class will save you years of disappointment and the pain felt when your expectations about the art world, getting exhibitions, and finding a gallery, don’t meet the experienced reality.

Map out your art career

How much time and money have you spent in the last few years entering photography competitions with nothing to show for it?

There are other ways of getting your photography shown in galleries, and exhibiting your work, that don’t involve competing with thousands of other photographers in global open calls.

Once you know there is an alternative to developing your art career, you can stop trying all the ways you know deep down don’t work, and start concentrating on the ones that do.

Michael Dooney

Your guide on this journey

When I arrived in Berlin in 2010 I was an art world outsider.

I worked in an unrelated field, I didn’t know anyone, and had no idea about the system I would soon be a part of.

Five years later my gallery participated in the inaugural Photo London Fair.

This isn’t to say that it was easy, but I do know it’s possible to start from zero and make progress in the art world.

Since founding Jarvis Dooney gallery in 2013 I have presented the work of over 250 artists, participated in major art fairs (Photo London, LOOP Barcelona), and have enabled numerous international debut exhibitions in photography biennials (EMOP Berlin).

Every year since 2017 I have been reviewing portfolio’s at Les Rencontres d'Arles as part of the official programme. (where you'll find me again this year!)

The material in this master class has been taught to over 100 photographers in person at the bbk Berlin and the Neue Schule für Fotografie.

I also host Subtext & Discourse | Art World Podcast where I interview other gallerists, art collectors, and curators, who share their insights and experiences of this unique industry.

This 2 hour master class distills over 10 years of life lessons and experience in the art world into an easy to digest package.

Giving you the knowledge required to get more exhibitions, find a gallery to work with, and build your network within the art world.

What you will learn in the Master Class

The 2 hour master class is split into six separate modules

The Art World, the Art Market, and Photography

Much like fashion, music, and cinema – art and photography are creative industries.

Understanding how this world operates will save you a lot of frustration and disappointment. More importantly, the knowledge will enable you to get to where you want to be.
Image of Michael Dooney presenting the webinar of How to Promote Your Photography in the Art World

Prints and Books

Viewing the art world through the lens of commodification, photographic prints and photo books are your two main products when participating in the marketplace of art.

We talk about the advantages and disadvantages of each, how to decide for which medium is best for your project, and look at some artists who gained recognition through specific bodies of works
Image of Michael Dooney presenting the webinar of How to Promote Your Photography in the Art World

Editions and Pricing

As the title suggests, we talk about how to edition and price your work.

What the standard practices are for photographers, artists who have made their own rules, and how to decide what is best for you.
Image of Michael Dooney presenting the webinar of How to Promote Your Photography in the Art World

Artist's Statement and CV

If only your work could speak for itself.

When quality is subjective and time is a scarce resource, artist's statements and CV's play a crucial role in determining whether a curator will consider your work.

We'll look at some examples and how to put yours together.
Image of Michael Dooney presenting the webinar of How to Promote Your Photography in the Art World

Website and Online Presence

We live in a digital age. If you're not online you don't exist.

We talk about the importance of your website, building your online presence, what to do about social media, and where to focus your energy.
Image of Michael Dooney presenting the webinar of How to Promote Your Photography in the Art World

Competitions, Portfolio Reviews and Networking

Getting your work seen by decision makers is at the heart of the art world.

Don't spend your time and money entering all the wrong competitions.

Learn how to cut through the noise, select the right events and meet the people who you want to work with (and want to work with you).
Image of Michael Dooney presenting the webinar of How to Promote Your Photography in the Art World

What they don't teach you in art school

The insider knowledge from this Master Class gives you the tools to start exhibiting your photography, connecting with galleries, and building your network.

You will unlock the following material by enrolling in this master class:

  • A 2 hour video master class (with English subtitles) covering everything you need to know to start navigating the art world as a photographer.
  • List of resources including books, podcasts, and videos (if you want to dive deeper into the material)
  • Access to the community on Thinkific and Facebook where you can network with past students.


Informal portfolio review evening at Jarvis Dooney for local photographers

Is this master class right for you?

Are you happy with your existing progress or do you need help?

Have you wanted to exhibit your photography but feel intimidated by art galleries? 

Does thinking about pricing, editions, and certificates of authenticity leave you overwhelmed and unsure where to even start?

Have you been rejected by galleries and feel stuck or unsure where you’re going wrong? 

Do you pay to enter competitions and submit work to open calls, only to never receive any response or feedback to why your work wasn’t selected?

Do you ever ask yourself “what am I doing wrong” when you see other photographers getting exhibitions of their work and gallery representation ahead of you?


Moderating a panel discussion at the International Photography Festival Association (IPFA) in Barcelona 2025.

If you’re already selling work, exhibiting in art galleries, or participating in photography festivals, then this probably isn’t for you.

It’s likely you already have the required knowledge.

But if you don’t know how to price and edition your work, where to meet the gate keepers and decision makers, or feel completely out of your depth when it comes to galleries, then you can benefit from closing this knowledge gap.

Day of artist talks for experimental group exhibition of postcards at Jarvis Dooney 2019

Maybe you’re thinking, I’m too old for any of this to make any difference to me.

One of my first workshop participants in 2017 was German photographer Barbara Wolff (b.1951)

Until this point she had only exhibited her work a few times.

Less than a year after we met she had a solo exhibition at Collection Regard in Berlin. Which led to more exhibitions in Germany, France and even to Brazil.

You can hear more about Barbara’s story in our podcast interview. Or hear from Marc Barbey of Collection Regard sharing his experience of the partnership in separate podcast interview.


How to Promote Your Photography in the Art World

A 2 hour master class transforming you from outsider to exhibiting artist

Access the Master Class now!

What you'll access

Make the decision to professionalise your art career and take control of your future.

  • 2 hour master class covering:

    - Your career goals and aspirations as a photographer
    - The art world and the art market for photographers
    - Photographic prints and photo books
    - Editioning and pricing your work
    - Your artist statement and CV
    - Your website and online presence
    - Competitions, portfolio reviews, and networking

Bonus material

Available for a limited time.

  • [BONUS] Private Community

    $119 per year

    Online community of current and past course participants, with whom you can ask questions and build your network.

  • [BONUS] Lifetime access to the master class.

    $179 per year

    As the material in the master class and improves with student feedback, you’ll be able to benefit from the updated recordings and material in the master class.

What past students have said

Edward Thompson

"A solid overview of the art photo world. I'd recommend the course to photography graduates and early/mid career photographers with aspirations of 'making it' in Photoland."

www.edwardthompson.co.uk

Stephanie O’Connor

"The course was very clear and useful for a variety of reasons - it went deep into the roots of the art market, whilst also exploring editioning/pricing and how to be present without being imposing. Approaches to making connections was very helpful for me and reinforced things I was already doing, which was a plus!"

www.stephanieoconnor.co.nz

Paola Ruvioli

"The course was very useful, it helped me focus on my critical points so I could present my work effectively, saving time. The topics covered are numerous but so interesting that the time flew by. The course gave me the incentive to carry out in-depth studies which could perhaps be useful in realizing my dream of publishing a book. I highly recommend it, an excellent course, thank you so much Michael, you did a great job!"

www.paolaruvioli.com

Anders Bigum

"The course gave a brilliant insight into the complex world of art photography. Lots of very useful and well structured information. Got some insecurities calmed and got in communication with galleries and have a solo show coming up in spring."

andersbigum.com

Elizabeth Orcutt

"Michael's expertise and delivery inspires huge confidence, and although I have years of industry experience, I learned a huge amount, particularly about myself and how I manage my time. I've always felt that my work was non-commercial but I think there is potential to sell. I feel confident I know what to do now! I highly recommend working with him and will do so again myself."

elizabethorcutt.com


2 hour master class (with English subtitles) covering all the above content and more.

List of resources including books, podcasts, and videos.

[BONUS] Private community where you can network with current and past students.

[BONUS] Lifetime access to the course material.

[GUARANTEE] 100%, no-questions-asked refund and rollover policy if you complete the course materials and find it isn’t for you within 14 days of purchase.

FAQ

  • How much does this cost?

    There are very few online courses which teach the ins and outs of the art world.

    Most are prohibitively expensive, charging $1000's to access the training.

    Those with a live component or coaching cost even more.

    I don't want to gate keep this information from artists and photographers who can benefit from it.

    The full price of the webinar is $289 $49.

    Less than you would spend on coffee each month.

  • How long will I have access to the material?

    You will have access to the course materials forever!

    Each time the Master Class is updated you'll also have access to the most recent recording.

  • Can I book additional 1:1 sessions with you?

    Yes, 1:1 coaching sessions will be available soon.

    If you are interested you can contact me on mail (at) michaeldooney (dot) net and I can add you to the mailing list for when this is announced.

  • Can you cover everything in only two hours?

    The goal of the master class is so you understand the fundamentals of the field.

    There are additional books to read, videos to watch, and podcasts to listen to included in the material for those who want to go deeper.

    You can of course write and ask me questions for anything you don’t understand or need clarifying.