The Value of Having a Community

Finding your community is key.

I recently spent a weekend with an incredible group of photographers at our annual Professional Photographers Association of Massachusetts (PPAM) convention, EVOLVE.

To feel like part of a community is priceless.

PPAM offers a very unique community for photographers in Massachusetts, with a few friends coming in from Maine, New Hampshire, and Connecticut as well.

Let me back up for a moment:

Professional Life. It has taken me my son’s entire lifetime to build Sunschein Photography. I went to school to learn all about digital photography and the business of photography, and a year later my medically complex son was born and the rest of my life was on hold.

Sure, I landed a handful of photography jobs throughout the years. Small weddings, family photos, events and parties. And then one family session for a friend whose daughter was disabled. She is the one who suggested I focus (sorry, no pun intended) on “Special Needs Photography.”

But once I joined a women’s small business community, doors started opening. All of a sudden I had “work friends.” They gave me support both personally and professionally.

I learned how to truly nurture and connect with my photography audience. Instead of saying yes to so many different types of jobs, I learned to focus my attention on the people I know best- families, caregivers, and service providers for disabled individuals. It made perfect sense. 

My communities collided, in a good way!

Personal Life. I was dipping my toe in and out of the disability community, looking for connection, support, and maybe some clients. It felt somewhat superficial, though, without meeting people in person and really connecting. Getting to know other moms at my son’s school was a good start though. School open houses, coffee meet-ups, and lunch dates started to fill up my calendar.

Scrolling through a special needs moms FB page, I noticed a woman who is also a photographer. We connected, and we were instant friends. Besides meeting someone who “gets” me both personally and professionally, my new friend convinced me to attend a convention to meet other photographers from all over the state. Not only did I attend the event, I immediately became a member of PPAM.

Which brings me to this recent convention, the 4th year I have attended Evolve. Always so much learning and networking- in fact, last year I, with a colleague who is an Occupational Therapist working with autistic students, actually presented on photographing individuals with special needs! (Check out her newborn photos– so precious!)

This year’s event felt different, better. I became more involved in the group. I chaired the board nominating committee and then took on the role of incoming VP of Programming. And I’m really excited- I have so many ideas!

At this year’s convention, our brains were flooded with knowledge from some impressive individuals.

Efficient workflow strategies for volume photography (sports and schools) from our talented colleague Rich Logan. 

Simple lighting techniques in a way that makes sense from world renowned photographer Joel Grimes. 

An exclusive viewing of the work of LA Times photojournalist Gia Ferazzi, who has covered the devastating California wildfires of the last 20+ years. 

Watching the fascinating process of Painting with Light with Dance Portrait Artist Kathryn Costello.

A super thorough yet straightforward approach to running our photography businesses from Family Photographer Kim LaFauce. 

And words of wisdom from Massachusetts hypnotist Dan Candell.

Invaluable communities

I am getting to know my talented and kind colleagues.

I am constantly learning about business and technique.

I am having FUN! 

And that’s not all!

As I have become more involved in my photography community, I am able to become more involved in my disability community as well. New friends who have become clients; new clients who have become friends. I belong to one particular Facebook group called Moms of Amazing Kids. You guessed it- it’s a place for moms of disabled children to share resources, offer support, and make friends. The mom who started the group has recently launched a website for our village– take a look, join us, and check out my listing in the Resource Hub 😉

My point is…life can be so fulfilling when you are surrounded by the right people. Professional colleagues, supportive friends, people who understand your struggles…these are some basic building blocks for success in all parts of life.

Find your community and take on the world!