Photography can be an isolating profession.

If you are a photographer, then I bet you spend a lot of time alone. Most freelancers and independent artists do. But it doesn’t always have to be!

As photographers, we don’t work in a building with a central water cooler where we can catch up with coworkers every morning. But everyone needs community! People who you can reach out to in times of triumph and in times of stress for work advice. To even just share the small moments with! I know, sometimes photography can feel clique-ish, but I promise you there are lots out there who want that connection too! So, make the first move.

Ways to find other photographers to connect with:

1. Join, or start, local Facebook groups of photographers and be active in that group

2. Reach out to that group and organize a coffee meet up once a quarter (this advice is GOLD)

3. Say “hey” 👋🏼 to that photographer you run into on a shoot

4. Attend workshops and connect with small groups

There’s nothing like having like-minded people you can lean on. I mean, you can explain to your spouse (OR DOG) all day long about an issue, or a win you’re having with work but there’s just something different about sharing that same story with another photographer. So that story is being shared to an audience that gets it and could give you feedback. Don’t get me wrong, even with some lonely days…this job still rules!

But, connecting with other photographers makes the job that much more enjoyable. The people I have connected with and learned from over the years is the most valuable and priceless thing I have earned!

If you are interested in working together to surround yourself with community, click here! I can’t wait to connect with you.

Cindy Swanson

The Next Level Retreat (above group photo) was a goal setting retreat for creatives. It doesn’t alway have to be other photographers that you connect with and lean on…it can be other creatives/small business owners. It’s good for the soul to have like-minded people to connect with!