Friendships, Help and Support in the Photography Industry

In life friendships are very important relationships that we rely on and appreciate. Support is another key element in life, whether it be from family which let’s face it is a staple in life but support from friends and from our peers are just as important which brings me to the reason for writing this particular blog post.

I have learned over the years of being involved in the photography industry that support among photographers is a huge thing and for the most part other photographers are more than willing to lend a helping hand when they can. This is just one of the many things that make this industry so amazing and perhaps why I am so proud to be part of it. It’s a great feeling when you are able to reach out to your peers in the industry for help, just to bounce ideas off of or get feedback and not have to worry about people getting all defensive or protective and not want to share their knowledge. When we help and support each other, we ALL win.  It makes everything better on the whole.

Skip Cohen is one of those people I am speaking of. He is someone I like to call a friend and has even mentored me over the years.  Now I haven’t known him that long but in the few years I have known him, he has always offered advice, opinions and help whenever I have reached out.  I know he is just a phone call, email or Facebook message away if I have questions or need some guidance and he has told me as much. This kind of support is invaluable and this type of thing is a big part of why I think this industry is so incredible.

Skip is a big part of why this industry is so great. He is a pillar in the photography industry and has been involved in it for years. He is an educator, a marketing guru and back in 2013 he launched Skip Cohen University - to help educate photographers from all over the world. 

It’s really quite interesting and funny at the same time because just about a week or so ago I was reading one of Skip’s blog posts and it was one which was guest written by Jenn Bruno Smith a fellow photographer in the industry. I was thinking to myself:  I wonder if Skip will ever ask me to guest write a post for him or do a blog post/feature on me someday?  Well, much to my surprise and excitement,  I received a message from Skip about a week and a half later asking if I would be ok with him doing a feature blog post on me on his website (article found here) To say I was excited would be the understatement of the year!  Of course I was thrilled at the chance to be featured on his website. I thought: “wow, ME, featured on Skip Cohen’s website, what an honour” and I was incredibly flattered that he asked. Of course I said YES!!! Without any hesitation at all.

So for all you photographers out there, whether just starting out or seasoned veterans: you have an entire industry of people you can lean on or reach out to for help along the way. Don’t hesitate!  Take advantage of your network of peers, and believe me you will be pleasantly surprised by the level of professionalism and help you will receive. THAT is just one of the many reasons I am proud to say I am part of this amazing community that is, Photography!