In an industry often seen as saturated and highly competitive, there’s a quiet revolution happening — a shift from competition to community. As a photographer, I’ve seen firsthand the magic that happens when we choose to lift each other up instead of seeing each other as rivals.

Photography is deeply personal. No two artists see the world the same way. We can photograph the same sunset, the same couple, or the same street — and still tell completely different stories. That’s the beauty of it. When you realise that your vision is uniquely yours, you stop worrying about "competition" and start seeing opportunities for connection.

I’ve been lucky to meet and collaborate with so many talented photographers who believe in sharing knowledge, cheering each other on, and even referring clients when they’re booked out or feel someone else’s style is a better fit. It’s proof that there’s enough space for everyone to thrive.

Community over competition means:

✨ Recommending a fellow photographer when you're unavailable.

✨ Sharing tips about locations, lighting, or editing.

✨ Celebrating each other's wins — big or small.

✨ Offering support during the slow seasons or tough moments.

✨ Knowing that someone else’s success doesn’t diminish your own.

In fact, someone else's success can actually inspire you. Watching another photographer land a dream client, book out a season, or publish a stunning session isn't a sign that you're falling behind — it's proof that success is possible, even in a crowded market.

Their growth doesn't take opportunities away from you; it shows you what's achievable and often opens doors for collaborations, referrals, and new ideas you might not have discovered otherwise.

We all bring something different to the table — different styles, different client experiences, different visions. When a photographer in your community wins, it elevates the whole creative industry. It encourages higher standards, sparks fresh inspiration, and keeps the spirit of innovation alive.

It’s a ripple effect — and when one person rises, it creates momentum for all of us.

And honestly — sometimes someone’s energy or way of doing things might give you the ‘ick.’

Maybe it’s their marketing style. Maybe it’s how they interact online. Maybe it’s something you just can't quite put your finger on.

That’s okay. Not everyone will feel like "your people," and they don't have to be.

At the heart of true community is acceptance — allowing others to be fully themselves, even when it’s different from how you would show up.

You don’t have to work with them, follow them, or cheer them on loudly — but respecting their space and success without judgment is part of creating a healthy creative community.

Acceptance over judgment. Curiosity over comparison. Community over competition. Always.

On that note — talking negatively about others behind their backs completely goes against the heart of community over competition.

It might feel harmless in the moment, but gossip and judgment behind closed doors can erode trust faster than anything else. It creates an atmosphere of fear, insecurity, and fake support — which is the exact opposite of what we're all trying to build.

If we want to preach community, we have to live it, even when no one’s watching.

That means having the maturity to either address issues directly and kindly, or to simply let it go if it’s not yours to carry.

The way we speak about others says everything about the kind of community we’re contributing to.

When we shift our mindset, we don't just grow stronger businesses — we build genuine friendships. We create a supportive environment that fuels creativity instead of stifling it.

If you’re a photographer reading this: I encourage you to reach out to someone whose work you admire. Send a kind message. Offer to grab a coffee. Celebrate their milestones. We are all better when we lift together. Because at the end of the day, there’s something way more beautiful than a perfectly composed photo — and that’s a thriving, encouraging, and inspiring community. 🤍