When I made up my mind to be a part of the Jax Shoot Club this year I wasn’t exactly sure how it might fit into my life. Maybe that was just my subconscious wondering how I might fit into all of their lives. To my delight, not only did I feel like I fit right in but I have developed some fantastic friendships along the way. So many times I hear photographers discussing whether or not they should “befriend their competition?” I say, why wouldn’t you? Our clients ultimately choose “us” as their photographer because they like and relate to something about “us” as individuals. Somehow or another we fit into the design of their day. And that has nothing to do with our competition. Quite frankly, I am happy to have relationships with other incredible local photographers because I know that when I have to refer a client out that those clients are, no doubt, in good hands. And in turn my “competition” knows that I too will take care of any referrals that they usher my way. It’s a great trade off. Networking is such a huge aspect of our business. If you choose to stay stagnant in your own world what happens when you find yourself in need of some help? And believe me, it will happen! You can’t cultivate a relationship overnight. You have to earn the trust and respect of your colleagues. That way when you need them there is no hesitation as to whether or not you can reach out for back up and vice versa. When you make a conserted effort to extend your local network you will begin to see your business grow. It is inevitable. So…in 2010…I challenge you to step outside of your comfort zone and make it a point to meet new friends and get to know your “competition.” Soon that word “competition” will translate to “colleague” and as a direct result of that you will experience growth. I am willing to bet on it! Consider some of the top photographers in the world…David Jay and Jasmine Star (just to name a couple) do you think they would be where they are today without creating a successful network of colleagues? Nope. I don’t think they would.
All of that said…allow me to share a few quick snaps of me and my colleagues at our first annual Jax Shoot Club Christmas party that I hosted here at my home. We truly had a blast! It was a night of socializing, networking, shared experiences and new friendships. When my hubby and I built this home, so much of the process and design was influenced by my love for entertaining. And it is nights like this when I can easily accommodate a large crowd that makes me appreciate my home even more. I have always loved to host and entertain and this Christmas Celebration was no exception. The only difference between this night and so many others is that I allowed myself a “break” and requested that everyone contribute a dish. Ah, that was heaven! Everyone brought something different and delicious and that allowed me time to personally speak to each and every guest that attended and that was so refreshing. To all of you who came, I thank you! I hope that the evening was as enjoyable for you as it was for me. To all of you who couldn’t make it, I missed you! I wish you all wonderful things for 2010. I am honored to call you my colleagues and my friends.
Peace out!! I love that photo of us :) Thank you for hosting the Christmas party at your beautiful home!! :) You rock!! Have a Happy New Year :) Blessings!
Can’t wait! I’m definitely down for helping the local photographer community with ya! With you offering your cool workshops and the low-cost studio rentals I’ve got going on… Jacksonville is going to be awesome for photographers! :)
Can wait for the next Shoot Club Dawn!
We had so much fun getting to know a lot of people and just hanging out! Def have to do again soon. I would say this as far as the competition v. Colleague- only people who are insecure in their own talents wouldn’t want to befriend other photogs… When I work with Ron, Wes and Stacy- I never think- “My God, they are going to steal my ideas and take bus away from me!” Instead we work together to improve as a team and as photogs in general… Just as no two people are alike neither are our styles or creative touches…. We talked about this briefly at the party- but if you take an apple and place it in the center of the table and you have 20 photographers come and take one shot of the apple the way they see it and want it seen- you will have 20 different and unique perspectives… I am in total favor of networking with one another.. Another photog friend once said that if we would all get together and talk about pricing we could really set the standard of people choosing us for our talents and personalities and not on price alone… and she is right. Anyway, I am babbling- but people really need to begin to take the focus off of themselves and realize that competition is ok on a fun level, but you need colleagues that will help to build you up and challenge you to better your talents. Bigg Huggs~ S.
Dawn, I had a blast at the Christmas party. And I am ALL FOR networking with other photogs. And I am also glad I have met some good friends through photography. I can’t wait to see you and everyone again at the next shoot out or another event! Or maybe even a workshop… =)
awesome post. looks like a great party. i completely agree with colleague part. i know that any and all business i get is a gift from God, so no need to worry about “competition”
Thank you again for offering us your home Dawn. It was such a lovely evening and everyone had a great time getting to know one another. When Kara and I started the Jax Shoot Club that was our entire vision, to allow us all to view eachother as colleagues and not competition. We are in this industry together and to be able to share with one another, build each other up, help out in times of need, and just provide an ear to listen from time to time is something really special. It is a wonderful feeling to be able to be surrounded by other creative professionals and all grow together. Thank you so so much for being a part of our community and sharing who you are with us. We love you!
What a great looking group, I’ve been checking out everyone’s websites, I havn’t been able to make any of the Jax Shoot club events, just started reading about ya’ll the end of November, but sure hope to make it to the January shoot club event.
Derek Veal
So true!! I absolutely love this post!
Dawn! These pics are great! It was so generous of you and your hubby to open you home to all of us. You are a real sweet heart. The party was great and as always, it’s nice to be in the company of friends. It was so great to hang out with you again. See you soon!