Moments — a very brief period of time.
Something I thought about while driving on the road during work. Isn't it funny how everyone in the photography community, or any community, all have their lives and problems? It is until we pick up our cameras that we come together. Compared to everything else, the photography community is small but at just the right size. Connecting with others in our small world can improve the experience you love.
For the first year and a half in photography, I only lived through interacting online with other creators. Really good friends now; they helped me get into the space and showed me essential tips.
I would go out every week to shoot. It was a peaceful and fun time, for sure. It wasn't until this year that I met super-talented and some of the nicest people in the community in person. I now go on photo walks not by myself most of the time but with other local photographers around me. I consider them friends now, and as photographers, they help me creatively, too.
Getting to know my local photography community here in the Bay Area has made a huge difference. It's helped with my creative eye to see how others might see them, networking with people across the country on a road trip I'll never forget, and pushing myself to make something greater every day. Just like keeping to yourself and staying comfortable, you make growing for yourself a stricter process. With others in your circle, you have helping hands to assist you where you need help.
Find people in your local community and connect! The breathtaking sunsets I spend with other talented people are a thousand times better than the ones by myself. Both are still good for the soul, but one is better for multiple people. Get into events at the local film shop, followed by looking up your city hashtags; reach out! The number of doors opened because of one DM I sent to someone I consider a huge creator is immeasurable. For some people, this also can be a scary thing to do. Let's face it, though: we are all introverted people who made the mistake of picking up an expensive extroverted hobby.
Let's all be creative and awkward together.
