I was somewhere way back at the end of this line of photographers on a photowalk.
Photo: Zach Sawyer
Confession: I'm an introvert. I like – and often thrive on – my alone time. Putting myself in situations to meet people doesn't come naturally. That's especially true when it comes to meeting other photographers. And as someone who has moved every three to four years in my adult life and works from home, connecting with other photographers is even more difficult. While that solitude can be valuable in certain doses, it can become isolating, and it also may not be the best way to build a sustainable relationship with photography.
That's where community comes into play. The importance of community has become especially clear to me over the past year or so and has inadvertently become a recurring theme in my life. It's come up in various ways, but most notably, it's been a consistent theme as I've been taking part in some local photography clubs for the first time ever.
Taking the first step
The first meetup I attended was on a beach to photograph storm-damaged houses.
Photos: Abby Ferguson
Last year, I connected with a local photographer via Instagram who invited me to a group chat filled with photographers of all levels who participated in photo walks through a handful of casual clubs in the area. I conversed in the chat, but I purposefully avoided joining the photowalks that were posted. To be honest, going on a group walk with people I didn't know was intimidating, and I was unsure if it was something I would enjoy. After all, photography is often a solitary endeavor for me.
Despite my reluctance, I knew meeting other photographers would only be a good thing. Plus, as this is a place my husband and I will be for the long term, I wanted to set down some roots and finally make some connections here. And so, last fall, I finally put aside my reservations and attended a meetup.
A group shot (excluding me) of that first meetup that I attended.
Photo: Abby Ferguson
The walk was a smaller, more casual one than most; there were only five of us, which was part of what pushed me over the edge to attend. We met in the evening and grabbed some dinner before heading to a beach where some houses had been left abandoned or in disrepair after hurricanes a few years ago. Cameras ranged from 35mm point-and-shoots to full-frame DSLRs and even a 4x5 view camera, and conversation was easy as we all meandered and, at times, did our own thing.
Overall, the meetup hit the sweet spot of being with others while still allowing me to focus on my own images if I wanted to.
Shared interests matter
A group shot from the first larger photowalk I attended.
Photo: Jeremy McGuire
That initial meetup left me feeling inspired and connected with new friends who also love photography. It also gave me the confidence to try something new and join larger photo walks on a somewhat regular basis. Knowing a few people makes it easier, of course, but I also now know I can still do my own thing to get images I'm excited about, without feeling trapped by the group.
I also take part in regular conversations about photography in the group chat, everything from answering questions to geeking out about something (especially new film). I've met some very good friends through the group chat and the meetups. It's through these groups that it's really hit home how important it is to build community, especially community around shared interests.
Another bonus of hanging out with fellow photographers is that no one cares when you stop to take photos. And you may even get photos of yourself in action.
Photo: Marcelo Murillo
Like other hobbies or specialties, photography has highly specific jargon and gear. To someone who isn't interested in photography, it can be like a foreign language. It makes a significant difference being able to talk to people who understand why you care about cameras, composition, prints, editing, lenses or waking up early to catch the good light.
Even if you aren't a gearhead, having people who understand the specific joys and frustrations of photography can make the practice feel less lonely. Being able to share an image I worked hard to get with a fellow photographer is very different from sharing with someone who doesn't care about or understand photography.
Motivation and accountability
Photowalks give me the opportunity to scratch my portrait itch more often, too.
Photo: Abby Ferguson
I've written a fair amount about working through creative droughts or doubts with photography, [Links!] and community can be a significant factor in getting out of those times.
Knowing there are regular photo walks gives me a reason to get out with a camera, even when I might otherwise talk myself out of it. That said, it's not accountability in a strict sense. After all, no one is checking whether I show up or thinking less of me if I don't. But having a group of people making plans, sharing images and talking about photography keeps the medium more present in my everyday life, which can keep it fresh and interesting.
Don't forget about online communities
I met these two through Flickr (which they also met through). This image was taken in 2012, not long after we first met in person, on a Lomo LC-A borrowed from Tim, on the right.
Photo: Abby Ferguson
I think there is real value in connecting with people face-to-face and building community locally. However, I'm also of the internet age and recognize the importance of online communities, too. Some of my best friends in real life are people I've met online first (shoutout to Flickr for being the start of this). I also found my local photography groups because I connected with someone on Instagram.
I also recognize that not everyone has access to local photography groups with in-person meetups. I'm extremely fortunate to have multiple groups that hold meetups within a few hours' drive, but that's not the reality for many. Online communities, such as ours here at DPReview, can be excellent stand-ins and supplements to in-person connection.
Solitude and community can coexist
To be clear, I still very much value the solitary aspects of photography. I don't want every outing with my camera to be a social event. But joining my local photography groups has reminded me that it doesn't have to be an isolating medium. Sometimes being around others who care about the same strange, oddly specific things can make photography feel more fun and energizing, and it's worth getting out there when possible.
