Deep down, I have always been an introvert. I can remember hiding behind my Mom’s legs when we would go anywhere and when anyone would try to talk to me. I was deathly terrified of people.
As I grew up, my parents pushed me to not be so introverted. I was a talker and a “popular” person among my friends, but put me in a group of strangers and you’d probably find me hiding under the table.
But then I found my camera – and with it in my hands I suddenly became a confident and more outgoing person. I loved who it made me become. I tell people, when I have my camera in my hands and I’m directing a photo-shoot, I am a completely different person.
5 years ago if you would have told me that I would want to start a networking group of small-business photographers in my area [most of whom I had never met] I would have told you that you were crazy. Now, the idea makes me over-the-top excited! I want to meet other photographers! I want to get to know each other! I want to know that I’m not alone in this crazy business and I want them to know that they aren’t alone either.
My goal for this group was not to make anyone feel like they aren’t good enough or could never reach the business-level that someone else is at, but to help each other – to learn from each other – and come out at the end stronger for having known each other.
So, I jumped in and started. With the help of my good friend and bank “neighbor” Danielle, we began to reach out to other photographers we knew or had heard of in the area and invite them to meet with us. We held our first meeting in January by just going out to dinner. It was me, Danielle, and one other photographer. We had a great time and took the time to brainstorm ideas.
Last week we held our second event – and even though we had about 5 people respond that they were coming, I believe the weather scared most of the folks away [we had threatening thunderstorms] so again it was just me, Danielle, and one other photographer. Honestly, at first I was a little disappointed – but as the evening carried on I was so thankful. We had a FABULOUS time. I truly enjoyed myself and enjoyed talking and shooting with these two amazing ladies.
We agreed that we wanted to do more than just food – we wanted to actually shoot – so we set up a time to shoot each other with a goal of headshots. Everyone needs updated headshots and we wanted to create a comfortable environment to play and experiment and I think we succeeded. It was FUN and I cannot wait until the next time we can get together!!
