A Photography Network

[Saknika]

Here on Phototique we are a network of photographers. We help each other out by critiquing each others photos so that we can grow, and have practices and challenges that make us really push ourselves in different ways too. And it's fantastic!

But sometimes, I wish we were a group of people who could go out and shoot together in real life, and not just communicate via the internet. That way we could share techniques and ideas at the shooting location, and grow that way.

I don't know about you guys, but I've been trying to find such a network here in my little town... and failing miserably. All I know so far is a drug addict (long, long story), an egotistical moron (he told me he already knows everything there is to know, and needs no help...), and a film jerk (by this I mean he won't look twice at you if you have a digital camera).

What about everyone else? Do you have any sort of network or friends with whom you can share this passion irl, and grow that way? And if so, do you have any tips on how to find such a network?

As much information as the internet holds, there is only so much we can do in text. Sometimes, hands-on is even better. If you know what I mean. Using both together really is the best way.

[ScottWood]

Wow, what a trifecta.

I would like to get into a group, and I am sure that there are some here, but I just haven't had the time to track one down.

[Saknika]

Haha, yeah. I don't associate with any of them anymore, really. No more than is necessary, at least.

I'm guessing since you're near a pretty large city, you might have an easier time than myself. LOL

[ŋєт™]

I don't have anything here...or at least I haven't met anyone with the same passion for photography I do. None of my friends are into it at all so when I'm out taking pictures I'm pretty much a loner. I did have one friend that loved it as much as I do, but there's a long story with that one....we don't hang out any more lol

The other day I did pass a guy with a D90 and we talked for a bit, but that was it.

[shp]

I can't find anyone here in Ahoskie, I know of this girl from high school but she and I never really talked and it's likely we're not going to start now. But because I don't know her well and because I can't drive, I can't exactly meet anyone right now. It would be nice to work with other photographers as it would be a bunch of fun brainstorming ideas.

Maybe Phototique should put up an annual event for its photographers to gather together and take photos? I plan to look through DeviantArt and FlickR to try and find people from around my hometown but I'm sure there won't be much luck in doing so. I asked a professional photographer if she would help me out and she doesn't even have time. She's been at it ever since she was 12 and she's now, I think, in her fifties and about to retire in a couple of years.

[Saknika]

With the economy right now, and how spread-out we are here on PT, I doubt a meet-up could happen any time soon.

[Hope C.]

Here in the flathead valley where the population has maybe reached 25,000, and there aren't even 1,000,000 people in the whole state... finding people with the same passion is a little difficult. I happened to get lucky on Facebook and met someone who is also into horse photography and she and I will probably be out at Rebecca Farm with our cameras together a lot this summer. She's also started riding at the same barn where I ride now, so we are getting to know each other through that.

I've also met a few people, though most of them were from out of state, who are into photography by going to the organized events involving horse showing. With a place like Rebecca Farm, you know there are going to be people taking pictures, especially at the big event every July. So that's how I do it.