Creative collaboration and community. Why it's so important.

When I first started my career as a photographer I suffered with MAJOR imposter syndrome, I think I probably still do to an extent. I was terrified of other photographers and my industry in general, in case they saw right through me and would start shouting at me for trying to be one of them.

This feeling is pretty consistent I have found across all industries, especially amongst women and even more so creative women. it’s a horrible form of anxiety/low confidence that often prevents people from real growth both within their business and as creatives.

That fear of being judged stopped me going to networking or joining workshops out of fear I didn’t belong and I most certainly had no friends in my industry. This stunted my growth for a number of years as I plodded along solo, teaching myself and wishing myself confident enough to put myself forward for second shooting or go to the endless number of events and workshops I saw other people attending.

I am also my own worst enemy as my lack of confidence/social awkwardness can force me to put on brittle armour to protect myself which I have learnt later on makes other people feel like I didn’t like them when actually the reality is I am feeling horribly awkward and have no idea how to handle myself. It’s genuinely a wonder I have managed to achieve the things I have.

Then I made a change. I put my brave pants on and I invested my time into building relationships with other people in my industries, especially photographers. This was super scary at first and every time I reached out or walked into a networking event my anxiety would spike and the need to run or armour up would almost take over but I pushed through and despite my social awkwardness I started to make friends and find a community of likeminded brilliant people.

Business is all about relationships and although that can be hard to navigate at times the pros of finding your community is massive. Things like being able to help one another with problems, referring work, enjoying downtime together and just having people around you who can relate to the struggles surrounding self employment is a massive boost both for confidence and mental well being.

As a photographer, one of my favourite things before lockdown was to collaborate with other photographers. Meeting up for a coffee and going off photographing one another was a great way to improve my work and help someone else. I also took part in some studio days and I learnt so much about lighting and had an amazing fun day with people who love what I love.

I have also gone away a number of times now with other people who work in my industries and had the best time as well as gained new skills and knowledge. I love that I get so inspired by other peoples success being a cheerleader for my friends makes me feel good and therefore pushes me to be better in a really positive way. I also love how when you get a win no matter how small my business friends really get it and are always so happy for me.

If anyone asked me what my biggest mistake was in my first few years of business my immediate response would be that I hid myself away out of fear. To anyone starting out I encourage you to develop those relationships as a priority. And the best byproduct is that some of my business friends have become some of my favourite people, not just for work and they make my life so much better for being in it.

Photos are from the collaborative shoots I did with Kirsty Mackenzie Photography, Chloe Lee Photography and Elyse Marks Imaging. I loved working with these epically talented ladies and I can’t wait to see them all again soon!