Real Talk: Why I Believe in Supporting Fellow Photographers

Hey everyone,

“There are too many photographers already.” “The market is oversaturated.” “Everyone with a camera thinks they’re a photographer now.”

I hear these complaints all the time, and honestly? I get it. I really do. When you’re trying to build a business and it feels like there’s a new photographer popping up every week with their shiny new camera and Instagram account, it can feel overwhelming and discouraging.

But here’s what I believe with my whole heart: there’s room for all of us.

Art is in the eye of the beholder. That’s not just some pretty saying we throw around – it’s the truth that should guide how we treat each other in this industry. The style that speaks to one person might not resonate with another at all. The photographer who’s perfect for one family might not be the right fit for a different family. And that’s exactly how it should be.

I think about my own clients and why they choose me. It’s not because I’m the only photographer in town or because there aren’t other options. They choose me because something about my work, my personality, or my approach connects with them specifically. And you know what? The clients who don’t choose me? They’re finding photographers who are better fits for what they need.

This isn’t a competition where only one person can win. This is an art form where diversity makes everything better.

When I see another photographer’s work that takes my breath away, my first instinct isn’t to feel threatened – it’s to feel inspired. When I see someone trying a technique I’ve never considered or capturing moments in a way that makes me think differently about my own work, I get excited about the possibilities.

I recently came across this video that perfectly captures what I’m talking about: https://youtu.be/F-TyPfYMDK8. It’s such a beautiful reminder that not everyone sees things the same and they each provide great photographs.

Here’s what I’ve learned from supporting other photographers instead of competing with them: we all get better. When we share knowledge, celebrate each other’s successes, and refer clients who aren’t the right fit for us to someone who is, the entire industry improves.

And you know what’s amazing? When you operate from a place of abundance instead of scarcity, abundance shows up. When you believe there’s enough work for everyone, there is. When you focus on being the best version of yourself instead of worrying about what everyone else is doing, your work improves naturally.

I think about new photographers just starting out, and I remember how intimidating it felt in the beginning. How much it would have meant to have someone established offer encouragement instead of making me feel like I was invading their territory. Now I try to be that person for others.

Because here’s the thing – we’re all at different stages of our journey. The photographer who’s just starting out isn’t taking work away from me; they’re serving clients who might not be ready for my experience level yet. The photographer who’s been doing this longer than me isn’t my competition; they’re someone I can learn from.

Every photographer brings something unique to the table. Our backgrounds, our perspectives, our personalities, our technical skills – they all combine to create something that no one else can replicate exactly.

So instead of seeing other photographers as threats, I choose to see them as colleagues. Instead of hoarding knowledge and opportunities, I choose to share them. Instead of focusing on scarcity, I choose to believe in abundance.

The world needs more beauty, more art, more people capturing the precious moments that matter to families. There’s room for all of us to do that work, and we’ll all do it better when we support each other along the way.

Talk soon, Alisha