I wasn’t part of “the biz” back during the days of secrecy, excruciating competition and eyeing other photographers with distaste. True, some of that most definitely still exists in the industry, but there’s a newer, more refreshing mindset that’s come out of the woodworks. One of sharing, of generosity, of teamwork and collaboration. Of the idea that when we work together, feeding off of each others’ successes and disappointments, that the industry as a whole becomes better.

Around this time last year, I started thinking over my then-current website. It was doing its job, for the most part, but I knew that I needed to upgrade to something a bit more high-end. I’d been hearing about ShowIt from a few of my favorite photographers, but it wasn’t until I read THIS post on my friend Katelyn’s blog about the Richmond SHARE group that I was sold. ShowIt isn’t just a website platform- it’s a community. ShowIt users encourage and push one another to new heights, freely sharing with each other. As someone who thrives when I’m surrounded by other people, I knew I wanted in. So I settled on a website designer and off we went!

SHARE groups are community groups for ShowIteers (ShowIt users) sorted by region- there’s one in Richmond, Hampton Roads and DC for us Virginians. But because I knew the DC group had trouble meeting regularly because of everyone’s insane schedules, I found myself driving down to Richmond for the monthly meet-ups. Some of my favorite people in Virginia were part of the Richmond SHARE group, so it wasn’t much of a sacrifice at all. But the busier I became, the harder it was for me to make those meet-ups, and after getting a push from Kevin Sturm during The Big Next, I decided to go out on a limb and start a SHARE group for Northern Virginia! I still have no idea whether or not it’s going to soar or fall flat on its face, but I figured it’s worth a shot. Plus, with our newer, slightly larger digs, Matt and I’ve been hoping to open our home more to host friends. Perfect opportunity, right?

One of the things that J&M talk about that holds us back from chasing our dreams is this idea of “who am I…?” Not in a “what’s my purpose in life?” sort of way, but more in a “who am I to want THAT? Who am I to think I can start a SHARE group? Who am I to think people will actually come?” It’s that nagging insecurity, the voice in the back of your head that says “hold up, no one gave you permission to do that!” So, so often, I find myself looking for that permission in other people- my husband, other photographers, mentors, etc. This industry is FULL of people trying to do amazing things, and as much as we all want to help each other fly, no one’s going to seek me out just to give me permission to pursue my dreams. It’s cowardice, really, to sit back in my office and refrain from taking risks because no one’s told me I should do it. So starting the northern Virginia SHARE group? It’s step one of what I’m sure will be a long process of learning to trust that when I feel called to do something different, to try something new, that God has something planned for me. It may not be anything amazing- I may be being called to fail, to be humbled by that failure, and to learn from my mistakes. But the one thing I know is that if I never answer the call, never give myself the chance to succeed, it’s going to be a long, boring road.

(Random side note- it’s amazing how going back and re-editing old work makes it feel like brand new portfolio pieces again! One of my 2013 goals is to book another wedding in the Caribbean, because this trash the dress session in Aruba with Terra Dawn was INCREDIBLE and remains one of my favorite sessions I’ve ever shot).

Happy Tuesday!