I think portfolio reviews, mentorships and workshops are more what you’re looking for. Find a photographer or photo editor whose work you really admire and see if they do them.
As for competitions, they can be a bit of a money sink but some of the more prestigious ones can be a nice boost if you do well. You typically won’t get critiques though, at least not to the same extent as a portfolio review.
I think portfolio reviews, mentorships and workshops are more what you’re looking for. Find a photographer or photo editor whose work you really admire and see if they do them.
As for competitions, they can be a bit of a money sink but some of the more prestigious ones can be a nice boost if you do well. You typically won’t get critiques though, at least not to the same extent as a portfolio review.