83. Photo Walks: Building a Community (Why it’s worth the effort)

We're thrilled to share some exciting news about our recent activities! We’ve started focusing on mentorship programs and in-person teaching for the past year. Many local photographers often seek opportunities to become second shooters at weddings or to build their wedding portfolios, and we thought, "Why not help them?" This would also allow us to identify gaps in what photographers want to learn and offer targeted guidance. Reflecting on our journey, we wish such opportunities had been available to us nine years ago. This could have been a straightforward way to enter the wedding industry without working for free. Our goal is to use our nearly decade-long experience to teach, mentor, and give back to the community in ways we didn't have. Our first Photo Walk event was held in downtown Ottawa. We had a past couple re-enact their wedding day, with makeup from Rebecca Rose Beauty, a dress lent by a Sinders Bridal House and florals from The Ochre Peony. This allowed multiple vendors to benefit from the event by creating content. It was like a styled shoot but more involved, with a focus on helping photographers build their portfolios and gain experience. We set up a sign-up list and were pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming response—over a hundred people showed interest! We eventually sold out the event's 20 spots in less than 24 hours. Our first event ran for about two hours with multiple locations. While we aimed to engage with each participant, the large group size made it challenging. Participant Engagement: We noticed that participants were initially hesitant to ask questions. However, once we began demonstrating poses and giving directions, people became more engaged and started asking more questions. Diverse Skill Levels: Our group included a wide range of skill levels, from beginners to award-winning photographers. This diversity made the event dynamic but also posed challenges in catering to everyone's needs. Networking: The event was also a fantastic networking opportunity. Participants could connect with other photographers, share experiences, and build relationships in a supportive environment. For our next event, we decided to try something different. We leveraged our connections with local venues to host Photo Walks in specific locations, starting with Le Belvédère, a popular wedding venue. This approach allows photographers to learn how to shoot at specific venues, maximizing their portfolio diversity. We've extended the event duration and included more intimate group sizes to foster better interaction and personalized learning. We’re also introducing styled detail stations, including flat lay setups with different invitations and stationery. This provides participants with a chance to practice and enhance their portfolio with professionally styled images. One of the most rewarding aspects of these events is seeing the community come together. Participants help each other, share knowledge, and validate each other’s experiences. This supportive environment is what we aim to foster, making sure everyone feels included and valued. Looking ahead, we envision these Photo Walks evolving into more tailored experiences, catering to different skill levels and focusing on various aspects of photography, from technical skills to business coaching. We also see potential in expanding our reach online, offering workshops and resources for photographers worldwide. Our Photo Walk events are more than just opportunities to build portfolios; they're about creating a community where photographers can learn, grow, and support each other. We’re committed to helping others succeed and providing the guidance and opportunities we wish we had when starting out. We look forward to seeing where this journey takes us and the impact it will have on our photography community.