Is Your Busy Season Not Busy Enough?

Dear Photographers,

Photography is more than just taking great shots; it’s about telling stories, capturing moments, and building connections. But there’s one key element that often gets overlooked, even though it can make a huge difference in your journey: networking.

Networking can be the key to filling up your calendar during this busy season. Whether it’s securing new clients, partnering with other creatives, or getting word-of-mouth referrals, the connections you make now can have a direct impact on how quickly your schedule fills up.

Even if you believe you are well connected online, personal connections are more valuable. Whether you’re looking for collaborations, new clients, or simply a community of like-minded creatives, networking is how you get seen.

Growth happens faster when you’re surrounded by like-minded creatives.
Whether it’s an online forum or a local meetup, photography communities give you a space to share, learn, connect, and stay inspired. Online groups on Facebook, Reddit, or Slack are great for quick tips, gear talk, feedback, and even project leads.

Offline groups and local communities that set up photo walks and more can help you build real, face-to-face connections that can lead to collaborations and referrals. Looking to find your people? Start with our curated list of Photography Groups on Facebook.

Engage, contribute, and you’ll be surprised how much the community gives back.

The best networking often happens on set. Build genuine relationships with the vendors you work alongside:

Because when you credit them in your posts or tag them as collaborators, it not only increases your visibility but also strengthens professional bonds. 

Participating in styled shoots is another great way to grow your network. Vendors often use these photos for their own portfolios, meaning your work travels far beyond your own feed. Or as professional wedding photographer Josh Birman puts it:

These shoots don’t just connect you to planners, they also connect you to other individuals in the biz, leading to more referrals and gigs down the road.

Whether workshops, festivals, or community meetups, networking events are a goldmine for building connections. After all, walking into a room full of people in the same industry is way more effective than cold-DMing strangers on social media.

You get to show your personality, have real conversations, and leave a lasting impression. Meeting someone face-to-face also adds depth to your relationship and opens the door for meaningful collaborations.

We understand that finding the right events to attend can feel overwhelming, which is why we've put together a list of the top photography events happening this year. Whether you're looking to learn new skills, make lasting connections, or get inspired, here’s a quick look at what’s coming up next.

Make sure to check out our blog post on more Top Photography Events & Workshops happening in 2025 for all the details. We’re excited to see you at one (or more) of these events this year.

Until next month,
Stay creative, stay connected,
The Aftershoot Team 💛