The original 615 meet-up 1996.

Last week I spoke at a panel for the Tennessee chapter of the ASMP. Much was discussed about how to start and succeed in a photo career. Marketing advice was given and plenty of questions were asked.

At the end someone asked for one piece of advice to young photographers starting out. What I really felt was of utmost importance was for those starting out to embrace and build “community” in the photography world.

Community is a loose word. There have been various incarnations of community within the photo world ever since it began. However, with the onset of the internet and social media, community has taken on new levels and new possibilities.

I still run into photographers from the “old school” who are dumbfounded at the prospects of one photographer sharing valuable knowledge and secrets with other photographers. There has definitely been a shift in the way things are done now verses even 10 years ago. There are hundred of successful photo blogs, tutorial sites, etc. that share useful information to those who seek it out.

Many photographers I meet deeply resent these up-and-comers who have accomplished more in 5 years than they did in their first 10. We’ve all heard “photography is being ruined by everyone who owns a camera and thinks they’re a photographer.” I admit I used to have those feelings and have muttered those words early on. But then I realized that everyone starts somewhere. Sure, there is probably an overstock of photographers in the marketplace right now, but hard work and talent will weed them out. Those of us who are farther along in our careers needn’t fear someone who “fancy’s themselves a photographer.” I fancied myself as one starting out and it’s turned out well for me so far.

I emphasized at the panel to embrace community, teach others, learn from others and build relationships with others in the photo community. Everyone needs a mentor and everyone needs to be a mentor is my philosophy.

I hang out with several photographers in Nashville on a regular basis. We go out and have drinks, talk, share, gripe, moan, etc. I think we know that the more we surround ourselves with like-minded people the more we grow as artists; Iron sharpens iron as the saying goes.

I will definitely admit that Nashville is a city that makes community very easy. It’s an extremely laid-back city where it truly is a small world. I was in Atlanta 2 weeks ago and I turned to my Wife and said, I love Atlanta but Nashville is great because as big as it is, everyone seems to know everybody else. We have a pretty healthy art scene here and for the most part it’s made up of people who are friendly and open with each other.

So your milage may vary with community in your city or town but give it a try. About 10 years ago a good friend of mine Jeremy Cowart called me to tell me an idea he had. We were both graphic designers back then. His idea was to start an email list for other designers in town to make contact and share ideas, work, etc. At first I wasn’t sure if the idea would fly but him and I made up a name (the615) bought the domain and reached out to other designers. 10 years later there are approx. 200 or so designers, programmers and photographers who make up the list. I have made some amazing friends that would not have ever existed had the615 not been started. The list is all about people asking questions to their design problems, technical help, work critiques, etc. People even offer work if they are too busy. I have landed several jobs from those on the615 or by referrals from it.

Community works when people leave their egos at the door and embrace the concept that an industry is stronger when it’s members are free to ask and share. I can also attest that anytime you give back you get so much more in return. So go out and grab a beer with some fellow photographers in your area. Find a mentor and be one.