How to Connect with Fellow Photographers
As a photographer, you will probably build up an arsenal of connections during your career. These might be with vendors, clients, and even in the case of wedding or event photographers, the management at a range of venues. However, what you may not make are connections with other photographers. After all, these may be the people you are in competition with, and photography is not typically seen as being a team event.
If you are not making these connections then you may be missing out. There can be a lot of value from building up a photography community with those individuals you are in direct competition with. Connecting with fellow photographers has the potential to lead to referrals and of course will allow you access to a group of like-minded people who will know the highs, the lows, and the joys of your chosen profession.
So read on to see some of the ways you could connect with fellow photographers.
Engage on Social Media
Many photographers are small businesses and one of the best ways in which you can support a small business, and connect with them, is through social media. Look for fellow photographers whose work appeals to you, follow their social media page, comment on images that really speak to you as a fellow photographer, share some of their posts. There is a good chance they may be looking to connect with fellow photographers and could end up engaging with your social media page as well.
Join Photo Sharing Sites
Sometimes looking at other photographers’ work on photo-sharing sites like ClickASnap can be a great way of being inspired. Remember while you are there it is great to post a comment if something catches your eye. And if you are also on the same site maybe the other photographer will see your work and comment back. When you have a common ground, complimenting work that you really admire is a great way to begin connecting with other photographers.
Support Other Businesses
It may seem an unusual idea when you can get behind the camera yourself but if you need some photos to promote your business, perhaps a headshot for your website, hire another photographer to do the work. Not only will you be supporting the photography community, but you will be able to connect with a fellow photographer and also see how someone else works behind the lens and how they deal with their business. In short, as well as connecting it can also offer you potentially valuable insights into how you can grow your own business.
Get Involved in an Online Community
There are plenty of photography communities online. Why not see if you can find one that is local to you or where the people share an interest in the same sort of photography as you? This could be a great place to connect with fellow photographers, share tips and just talk about photography in general. Connecting with other photographers doesn’t have to begin in person; online groups can be the perfect starting point.
Start a Newsletter
If you want to try something a little different then why not start a newsletter? Don’t mistake this for being “salesy,” though. A newsletter is a great way to share information that other photographers may find useful. You could also share your own photos to show exactly how far you have come as well. This is a great way of keeping in touch with other photographers without being pushy. The advantage of a newsletter is that it might inspire new photographers as well as those who are well established.
As you can see, there are a variety of different ways to begin getting involved with the photography community. Getting in touch with other photographers could provide you with constructive criticism, inspiration and the confidence to try new things with your camera.
This article has been published in accordance with Socialnomics’ disclosure policy.
