It is truly amazing what networking with other photographers can do.  I remember my very first Q & A with Amanda Hedgepeth Photography and my eyes were opened to this whole new world.  Other photographers like me, some newer, some more seasoned, but I LOVED sharing with them, and watching them grow.   Having other people to talk our nerdy photo talk with, it really became a great outlet and learning opportunity.

A few weeks later I attended an online Q&A… this photographer had a different view on networking, and for a second I questioned all that I had loved about networking…

At this online Q & A  I asked this photog if she enjoyed networking and what she thought the benefits were….I was curious at the end of the Q & A could we all trade facebook pages.   Her answer was no I do not believe in networking, and once I leave the chat you will no longer be able to talk to each other.   And yes, she signed off so quickly there was no networking welcome.   I was left with lots of new knowledge but a very strange feeling in my gut…. like what the heck just happened?     I think in the beginning we all hesitate to share knowledge  (that we have worked sooooooo freaking hard for) and networking might feel like competition, I was genuinely curious to hear another opinion on the matter.

So after a few days of really thinking about it, even though I kinda felt my question was unanswered or snubbed, I began to go back to my networking ways, I attended two more Q&A’s with Amanda, and then formed our online group.    Anyone who attends Amanda’s Q&A’s is invited to her facebook group where we all share and help each other out.   Many great photographers do this, I’m also in a fabulous group with Sharon Elizabeth Photography.   Both groups have been AWESOME.

So in Amanda’s group we have gotten together for dinners, found helpers/second shooters, referred TONS of business to one another, and last Friday we decided to get together for some shooting and headshot swapping.      We had a blast and it was awesome sharing time with these lovely ladies!   They are all SO talented, and I have loved seeing their improvement over the last year.  I know for sure I would not be where I am today with out the help of others.   Yes I spend hours alone reading, googling, you-tubing…..but having people to share your frustrations, victories, opinions etc has been a remarkable experience.   It makes me feel so much more complete as business to have some great photographers in my corner.   Not competing, but helping each other, and fist pumping  from the other side of the computer each time one of us succeeds 🙂

Here are my beautiful photo friends!!!!    Shooting downtown Norfolk was awesome, I can’t wait to go back, as much as I hate parking down there lol!