A better way for the world of entrepreneurs
I often wonder what it is about the photography world that breeds competition 🐱
I rarely hear from friends in other industries about the kind of cold-hearted, downright malicious behavior I've witnessed in the photography world
I've tried everything to build genuine connections: reaching out to fellow photographers, joining local photo groups, attending workshops & networking events, mentorship (both as the mentor & mentee), etc
Nine times out of ten, my emails were ignored. The photo groups felt more like opportunities for self-promotion than actually connecting & networking events left me feeling overwhelmed & isolated
I regularly come across people preaching notions of 'community over competition' only to watch them turn around & steal concepts, ideas, business models, etc
I can't lie & say I haven't questioned everything at least once or twice:
"Maybe I should stop trying to connect with people in this industry…"
"Maybe I need to stop trusting people so much"
"Maybe I should stop sharing my process & tips & experience"
Fuck that!
I will never stop believing in a better way for the world of entreprenuers. I will never stop believing that we *can* truly support each other. That we can openly share our hardships to make it easier for the next person. That we can share our techniques or whatever little tricks we use to get that magickal shot.
I know we know that on an intellectual level. When I see someone use #communityovercompetition it's usually accompanied by a reminder that there is 'room for us all'
And it sounds lovely & heart-warming on the surface
But it doesn't mean shit if we still have ourselves convinced, deep-down, that we need to knock others down or play dirty in order to succeed. It doesn't mean shit if we're not turning our words into action. And it doesn't mean shit if those actions aren't aligning with a *truly* community-oriented vision.
I will always keep striving for a reality where the meaning of 'community over competition' is real & fully felt. I know it's possible. And I know we all deserve that. 💛
