If I have learned anything as a photographer it is that working together rather than alone can make all the difference. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting, knowing and trusting fellow photographers who share the same passion is not only invaluable, but necessary. Building these connections means learning from each other’s experiences, sharing tips and tricks, and growing a network that uplifts everyone involved. Here’s why this matters and how these partnerships can benefit you and your clients.
Sharing Hidden Locations and Creative Techniques
Ever stumbled upon a location that feels like a hidden gem? Some of the best photo spots aren’t always well-known or obvious. Working with other photographers allows you to share these unique places, creating opportunities for fresh, dynamic shots that set your portfolio apart. The top left location is a spot that was shared with me this year. It's under the Anthony Henday! I've probably driven over this a dozen times and had no idea! The top right is a location in Whitemud Creek Ravine, Edmonton that I shared with a friend photographer for a witch themed photo shoot I was involved in. It's the perfect spooky spot and in summer is stunning and filled with greenery and life!
When I connect with local photographers, I’m often surprised by their hidden knowledge and tricks that improve my own work. It’s a creative exchange, helping us discover new ways to use equipment and settings to elevate our photos. For example, my friend Kerim Aktug knows lenses like nobodies business. I on the other-hand am a master of Photoshop. Together we share our knowledge to help each other improve the quality of our images. As trends evolve, this kind of real-time knowledge sharing is critical, whether it’s finding that perfect Edmonton spot or exploring new landscapes across Alberta and Canada.
Mastering Photoshop and Editing Together
Editing is an art that’s constantly evolving. Different photographers have their own editing styles, and sharing these can be a game-changer. When photographers come together, we get to learn editing methods we might not have tried before. For instance, small tweaks in Photoshop or Lightroom—like advanced skin retouching or color grading techniques—can completely transform an image. In my case I teach my friends about my filter that i call "Secret Sauce" and how to use it. It is literally applied to most of my images because it's what makes them look like my style, avoids mudding the white and black tones, and adds a pop of colour.
By collaborating with others in the industry, you pick up on trending techniques that help keep your work relevant. Staying current with these methods is crucial, especially for photographers in competitive markets like Edmonton, and being open to new ideas is what ultimately keeps our portfolios fresh and engaging.
My Photographers
I would like to introduce you guys to my 2 main photographers. They are basically the only 2 people I let photography me. I know that sounds weird, but hear me out. As a photographer, when I watch other photographers photograph me I find myself thinking "that's not how I would pose me" or "that's not going to look good" etc. These photographers like to work with me to learn how I like to be photographed, which is how I approach my clients. I want to hear about your pain points. your concerns about your body, your photo fears. I want to alleviate those fears. These photographers work similar to me and also provide me with new information that helps me grow when we work together.
Left 1 is a photo of my husband and me taken by Kerim Aktug and photo 2 is a photo I took of Kerim on one of our photo adventures in Calgary. We generally try to have 1 photo adventure per year. Living in a different city can make this hard, but it is always worth it. We also call each other to keep each other updated on our different interests, both photo and non-photography related. Kerim used to work at Mount Royal teaching photography. He knows so much and I always learn when we work together. He also has a strong sense of play and curiosity when it comes to Photoshop. This is where I come in, and I have shared many a tutorial time with this friend.
Stefanni Ireland is a newer photo friend of mine (top right is my photo of Stefannie, 2nd right is a photo of me by Stefanni). We both struggle with body dis-morphia, so don't really trust others to photograph us. However the day we met was during a Halloween witch photo-shoot we were doing with Kerim for fun. I could tell she was nervous about photos so I asked if I could take her photo of her camera. That way if she hated them she could delete them, and if she loved them she could send them to me and I could work my Photoshop magic and finish them up. I am happy to report that she loved the images and a friendship was born. She recently hired me for photos and shared a couple of her fave photo spots, which I really enjoyed learning about.
Top 3 Ways to Connect with Fellow Photographers
If you're looking to expand your network and connect with other photographers, here are some of the best ways to get started:
- Attend Local Photography Meetups - Meetups are great for connecting with others in the industry. You can find events in Edmonton or other Alberta cities through platforms like Meetup.com, Eventbrite, or even Facebook groups for photographers in Canada. It’s a casual way to network and can often lead to long-term professional relationships.
- Engage on Social Media and Photography Platforms - Social media is a powerful tool, especially LinkedIn and Instagram, to find photographers who share your style or values. Commenting on others' work, joining groups, and being active in local forums or pages can make connections easy and natural.
- Collaborate on Small Projects or Events - Sometimes, offering to collaborate on a small project—whether it’s a styled shoot, community event, or even a photography blog post—creates a perfect opportunity to build trust and learn from each other. Edmonton has many local events and collaborations for photographers, making it an ideal city for creating these valuable connections.
BOOK our MEETING!
In the end, our industry thrives on collaboration. When photographers support each other, it leads to a creative community that grows together, sharing skills, locations, and trends that keep us all on the cutting edge of photography. Want to chat? Book a Mentor Meeting today!
