This is ‘Part II’ of a multi-part series on my ‘philosophy’ behind taking better photos. In today’s post I talk about how to find your photo friends. Want to read ‘Part I’ in this series? Click here to learn what it means to ‘snap with intention’ and join the movement on Instagram!
Back in 2009 when I was first learning how to take better DSLR photos, I was easily swayed by the work of others.
During this time I was mostly following communities on Flickr and posting my work there. Not only would I judge each photo I saw posted there as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ or ‘my style’ or ‘not my style’, but that judgement would reflect back on my and my own work. I was in a vicious cycle of feeling greater than or less than and it left me feeling edgy and anxious all the time.
I eventually swore off communities and forums. I thought the larger the community, the larger the judgement. So I created my own online space instead. I started a blog and decided I might as well have my own place where my work was sacred and I had the freedom to share what lit me up the most.
Over time I’ve realized come to realize it was never community that was the problem. In fact, community and collaboration are vital for growth and improvement in any arena. The problem was, the communities I was seeking out didn’t align perfectly with my purpose.
When it comes to finding a community to support your growth as a momtographer, it’s important to honor your needs and find one that will allow you to thrive.
How to Find Your Photo Friends
1) Know Your Purpose
Obviously if you’re reading this, your purpose is likely to improve your photography. But what kind of photography lights you up? And who do you want to meet? And where? The clearer you can get on these questions the more settled you’ll feel when selecting where to devote your time and energy.
2) Know Your Why
I want you to think about the role community is playing in your life. There were so many photography forums I joined for a hot minute just because my friends said ‘this one is great!’ And then it turned out I hated it. I needed something I could quickly browse and explore on my own, but all the places I was being sent required a time suck of resources and energy I simply didn’t have to give.
3) Know What You Want To Learn
I found that I was falling into a lot of professional photography communities that were broaching topics beyond what I ever wanted to learn about my camera. I could feel the alignment was off there from the get go. I found that I wanted to talk about more than just the quality of our pictures. I wanted a community of moms and women to talk about life balance and self-discovery and passion and creativity too.
4) Know Where You Want To Go
Are you hoping to join a community online, or actually meet people face to face? I’ve tried it all from online forums, to classes, to Facebook groups, to local lessons, to clubs, and meet ups. I’ve found I prefer a balance of both the online world with the in person, but online tends to fit a bit easier into my busy mom life these days.
5) Know How This Will Support You
What are you hoping to gain from a community group? New skills? Friendships? Inspiration? This all goes back to your purpose and why. But the more you know this, the less those feelings of worry or anxiety or judgement will come creeping in. Because the more comfortable you feel in a group the more welcoming, and supportive, and positive the experience will be all around.
Want to be a part of my own growing momtographer community? Learn more about Momtography Club here!
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