Let’s face it, I’m not a competitive person. I’m just not. I always wanted to attend one of those skill trainings you can find at https://www.piciandpici.com/keynote-speaker/, but there was never the right time.

This is most likely the reason I spent most of my childhood sports days warming the bench (in fact, I had a really small ass, so I wasn’t even good at that). 

Picture this if you will …

A scrawny little girl with a thick Jersey accent living in a tiny town in Vermont (you can only imagine the teasing that took place). 

I was always brainstorming ways to get out of sports practice by faking an illness or an injury. Back then, running 2 miles just didn’t appeal to me. (Actually, running 2 miles now doesn’t really appeal to me either.)

But you know what I was good at? Cheering on my friends.

Every game I would suit up, stretch, and then assume my position on the bench. 

I would cheer (ok, maybe more like “hollered”) so loud from the sidelines for all of my teammates that my throat would hurt by the end of the game. 

I would give my unsolicited advice to the coach any chance I could get. I was always looking for ways to help my team win. 

… even if I was sitting on the bench.

[Right about now, you’re probably wondering, “where she going with this?” So let me tell you …]

“creativity is not a competition”  – Autumn Sky Hall

The photography industry can be a pretty competitive place to hang out.

Let’s face it, everyone owns an iPhone that can take some pretty amazing quality photos. Some people no longer feel the need to hire a professional photographer for the milestone moments in their lives.

This, however, does not give us an excuse to compete with one another in an unhealthy way.

There are plenty of people getting married and having babies every. single. day. that do still find professional photography important and worth the investment.

Take a deep breath. There is plenty of work for all of us.

Instead of tearing one another down, what we should be doing is building each other up. Encouraging each other to do their very best. As Autumn Sky Hall said, “creativity is not a competition”.

I am encouraging all of my photography friends to join a [photography] support group if you’re not already part of one. Get together for coffee once a month or chat online with other photographers to discuss ideas and brainstorm ways that we can help each other out. Offer help where you can and you’ll be surprised how good it feels, not to mention all the good that comes back to you.

*If you don’t have a group that you feel comfortable chatting candidly about the trials and tribulations of being a self employed photographer, join our supportive photography community on Facebook today.*

And if you think you can’t (or aren’t supposed to be) friends with other photographers, that’s silly. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love and support from some amazing photographers along the way that opened their hearts and businesses to me to learn from.

Learn together. Grow together. Be kind to one another. It’s as simple as that.

xo,

Jenni

ps – I’m serious about the support group thing. What are you waiting for?! Join our photography community today!