Since Restart has come to end, I’ve been getting frequent questions from photographers who are struggling with certain things. Now by all means I don’t think I have the answers to it all, but what I can share is my experience on matters at hand. Hopefully by sharing these questions, it helps more than just one person. Oh and by the way, my mother would always tell me that if I ever had a question I was probably not the only one thinking it.
Hi Ryan,
Ok, so I know this is a complete shot in the dark and I am not the kind of person to reach out to “strangers” but I feel compelled to do so.
I was genuinely moved the the whole reSTARt process and you for some reason really moved me the most. I felt like I could really connect with you in this experience.
I wanted to ask you for some advice or tips. I am currently working full time but eventually want to move my focus to photography. I have what I would consider one good photog friend. I am trying to use this group to generate new friendships and support groups. What advice do you have for those who are shy when it comes to meeting new people? In the rest of my life, I am not a shy person, but when it comes to meeting other photographers, I get intimidated. I’m just wondering if you have any tips as you recently went through an experience where you were forced (in a good way) to connect with others in the industry.
Thanks in advance for your time and just so the offer is out there, if you ever find yourself in Atlanta, I’d love to connect and share a wonderful southern cocktail .
Thanks!
-Shy
Hi Shy!
First off, you’ve already made a great step to reaching out to me…another photographer (in your words). And you already have 1 good photo friend so you’re on the right track. My best advice to you is to put the “scared to meet another photographer” mindset down and think of it as just meeting up with someone new. Sort of like dating…but not quite.
When you are networking it’s all about building relationships and what you guys can do for each other. I just recently met someone local and we met over breakfast and we just talked about life. We talked a little about photography too but what I think we mostly did was bonded with each other over our life conversations and struggles we have in the industry, or what programs we use, etc. I felt like we genuinely made a connection over our meeting. Eventually, I may need a second shooter or she may need a second shooter. Or I may refer a wedding to her if I’m booked. Or vise versa.
How we came about this was facebook. We became facebook friends and messaged each other to see when a good time to meet was. Exchanged numbers and set up a time that way. Now I know that may not always work with others, I’m just letting you know what worked for me and hopefully what will work for you too. And most importantly? Just be yourself. If one photographer is too busy to meet, don’t give up. There’s probably lots of photographer in the Atlanta area that feel the way you feel. You better believe if I’m ever in Atlanta I’ll take you up on that cocktail. 🙂
Hope this helps,
Ryan
Ryan
Happy Friday!
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