Last year I joined The Rising Tide Society‘s Facebook page. The aim of the group is to build a creative community, not competition. Being semi-new to the Upstate, I am always craving to meet other creatives and last night I went to Together Tuesday and let me just say – WOW. It was incredible!
But, it got me thinking. I’ve been in the photography world for 7.5 years and it’s always changing. I have always believed in being kind and helpful to fellow photographers and I love that the community for that belief is growing! So today, I wanted to share with you 5 reasons why I believe in community over competition.
1. I was very alone when I started.
I was SO afraid to reach out to experienced photographers so I kind of had to just figure it all out on my own. Asking a photographer if I could 2nd shoot a wedding with them for experience never crossed my mind so I just started shooting without any education. Thankfully, it has all turned out ok, but in the last year I have really started to work with other photographers and I have grown so much! When I started, there really wasn’t an easy way to connect with others but with the evolution of Facebook it makes it so much easier to find help & support! It’s nice to not feel alone.
2. I am by nature not competitive.
Which may be why my business has had a lot of ups and downs. I am not a hustler. I tend to fly under the radar and be ok with the bare minimum (which drives my uber competitive husband nuts! haha). I am a “we are all winners” type person and as a small business owner that probably isn’t the best moniker. Being in a community over competition group helps build my love for photography, referral network, and just met some amazing people!
3. I love people.
I mean, most people do, but one of my love languages is Acts of Service. I get immeasurable amounts of joy from loving on people and photographing special moments is my jam! Last night, meeting all these wonderful creatives just made my heart burst and building relationships with people who “get” you is pretty awesome!
4. I believe in kindness & being genuine.
Again, most people do, but last night one of the ladies made a comment regarding competition that she had heard from a fellow photographer — “There are enough weddings for everyone.” Even though it’s hard not to look at another photographer and think “wow, I wish I was that busy,” I have learned to be grateful for my beautiful clients and to be happy for other successes! [you can read about that journey here]. Sharing in others joy is important as a business and building relationships with like-minded people, to me, is crucial to success.
5. I believe in God’s word.
God tells us that two are better than one and “iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Prov. 27:17). He made it very clear that personal relationships, both professionally and personally, are very important. If running a business become so consuming and competitive, where is the joy? If you shut your self out, look down on others, or only care about the dollar signs — will you truly ever be happy? I know I wouldn’t. My talents are not because of education or luck, God blessed me with them and doing everything to His glory is my #1 goal. Showing a Christ-like love to all that I meet is something I strive for.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Now I want to share with you two women who helped me on my journey! These two taught me the importance of community.
I met Brandy when she asked me to photograph her husband’s homecoming and we clicked. Although we haven’t talked much since her big move to Colorado, when we were both in NC she was my rock. We talked openly about our business and struggles. We helped each other and supported each other in a very saturated area. She was my first photog friend!
This girl. I can’t explain how much I love her. I posted on my FB page that I had a bridal session coming up if anyone wanted to come and thankfully she came! She is such a gem and has my back 24/7. She is my go-to for referrals and I beg her to 2nd shoot with me because she is simply amazing. She has shown me so much kindness — I may have to dedicate a whole blog post to her!
Photo by Micah Hewett Images (amazing work! Check her out!)
**Side note: I am always here for advice, a pick-me-up, or just to chat with any photographer who wants too. I want you to know that my email “door” is always open!**
Love this post!!! It was awesome to meet you last night too! I’m so excited about finally being connected with others who “get it”!!!!