Encouragement for New Photographers: Going First

Building community as a new photographer – going first

By Lauren Bounds

As a stand alone business, photographers are often very much going about building and running a business all on their own.  After moving states and trying to launch into full time photography, I knew I didn’t want that to be my reality.

Sometimes, though, relying on the people in our personal community to be the ones to encourage us and support our efforts isn’t always the best option. I knew I wanted to find other photographers that I could be friends with, while learning from each other and celebrating each other’s success. However, this is sometimes easier said than done.

So how do you go about finding a community of like-minded photographers?

I’ve often found in life that “going first” is the very thing that is needed to build relationships. As a more introverted person, I’ve often been in situations where it took me being the one to reach out first.  While in college, It took me knocking on someone else’s dorm room door to see if they wanted to get coffee. It’s taken me being the first to be open and vulnerable to create a deeper friendship. As a mom it was being the first one to talk to the other mom that is alone at the playground while we watch our kids.  

Building community as a new photographer – going first

When I go first, I can open the door to the possibility of community. Over the past year, I’ve reached out to local photographers to try to meet and get together or to do a headshot session swap. Sometimes I never got a reply or the answer I was hoping for.  But, I kept trying and reaching out until I found others in my local community looking for the same thing I was.  

Going deeper.

By diving head first into some wonderful programs I was able to find an even larger community of photographers. I joined a mentorship program that was inline with my personality and goals that gave me an even broader network. Now, I know other photographers from all over the world by joining the Unbasic Creatives community. I’ve been able to learn from some of the best and kindest photographers that share my love of creating genuine and connected family photography. One of the most impactful ways I’ve found connection within my network is by attending in person workshops, like Hannah’s The Art of Connection Workshop.  After a very hard year, I was able to relax, enjoy doing what I love and laugh so much with fun photographers.

I am a better photographer by being open and willing to share tips, ideas, and general support with my community.  I don’t think I would have found this group if I didn’t take the steps to reach out and become a part of it.  

Building community as a new photographer – going first

I’m Lauren, a newborn and family photographer in North Texas. I live in Aledo with my husband, two kids, and goldendoodle. I love being outdoors hanging out by a fire pit with my family or going on walks with my dog and friends. I’m an aspiring gardener and would love to one day finally grow an avocado tree to supply all the guacamole my family can eat. As an adoptive mom, I love being able to give families beautiful images of themselves that will serve as a reminder for all the small moments they share together.

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