Photography is so often a solo pursuit. To be honest, I think that’s one of the things I love about it. I don’t need a team to play this game. There’s a feeling – I call it FLOW – of the weight of the camera in your hand and the connection to the world around you as you see the light falling “just so” and you, the camera and the subject are all alone together in that moment, and it’s perfect. As much as I love those solo moments of communing with my environment and my camera I have found that experiencing them with another photographer – or two, or six – can really elevate the feeling.
For four years now I have had the absolute pleasure of spending time each year with a group of like-minded women photographers in some pretty inspiring places – first as part of a larger group and later as our own group of seven. When I tell friends (non-photographers) about these trips, they are always impressed with the places we go – California, Vancouver Island, the mountains of Colorado – but for me, as beautiful as these places are, I always say “Imagine doing the thing you love for months at a time on your own and then imagine getting to do it with people who love it as much as you do”. That’s the big draw for me. The beautiful surroundings are just the cherry on top. It’s the connecting that’s the magic.
A week ago I was deeply embedded in that magic, up high in the mountains of Colorado. There’s an ease to being with other photographers. No one minds pulling over to get the shot. Lingering in a pretty patch of light is encouraged. Everyone is a willing photography subject and happy to take direction or make wardrobe changes.
photo credit: Cherish Bryck
Coming home last week was coming down, literally and figuratively. The group is dealing with the all-to-soon separation and trying to keep the connection up via text and Facebook messages and #latergrams. I know it will be months before I can connect in person with these women from all over the continent so I sought out some connection closer to home.
This past weekend was the 10th Instagram World Wide Instameet and, as luck would have it, my local IG group was having a meetup. The meetup took place at the Canadian War Museum, with participants’ entry and a tour sponsored by Ottawa Tourism. Aside from the exhibits, the War Museum is an amazing building, thoughtfully crafted by architect Raymond Moriyama. It was a great treat to wander this space with other photographers, all connected to this thing we love to do.
photo credit: @minkwilliams
Of course, I love connecting with you all here and on Instagram. This community helps to keep me going when my in-person photo connections are months away. I’d love to hear how you all connect with other photographers near and far.
Debra
Yes. To all of this. And so grateful to have frolicked and shot and connected with you last week. xo
Oh yes. I literally found my tribe at Shutter Sisters Camp that first year. It’s amazing how many connections were made. So many like-minded friends that all cherish photography. I’m still in heaven! 🙂
LOVE this post. The connections we’ve all made that started online and blossomed into real live friendships are amazing. A love of photography can really bring people together. xo
Every freaking word, absolutely. My husband is always saying “stop! Take pictures!!” but even with him I rarely feel that complete ease as when I’m with other photographers. “Hey, you mind turning to the right a little, lift your chin, great…hang on, I need to change film.” And you know it’s ok and probably in 20 minutes you’ll be modeling for them. Lovely. xo
I met my first blogger many years ago on a trip to San Francisco. Then, when we moved to the UK, I wondered how on earth I would ever make any friends – London is so big! I searched the online world to find like-minded souls. And find them I did! I went to Squam and met more. I have since spent time with many of them, both in London and other places (mostly in the US, but some also in Europe). I think the thing I miss most about moving back to NZ is. being able to hang out with my London photo pals, but we stay connected via instagram & skype & emails. There is magic in the connections we make