Fixing the Photography Community: A Call for Kindness and Growth
In this post, I explore whether we’re truly supporting each other as photographers—or if we’ve become a community of rude gearheads, only in it for ourselves.
I want to start by saying hello and welcome back! In this post I'm going to talk about the photography community and what sometimes can feel like a negative space. But before you read the title and assume I’m about to bash the community or go full-on negative, let me assure you: that’s not what this is about. Instead, I want to ask a simple question: Are we supporting each other enough and what causes the toxicity at times?
I’ve been in and out of this art form since my late teens. Most of you likely don’t know that I began my career as a sports photographer for a local soccer team, the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. They played in a league that no longer exists, the NASL. At that time, I was doing it because of my love for the game and my desire to learn sports photography.
I still remember showing up to my first game, walking onto the pitch with the other photographers, and feeling so excited to be there. I stood among them. I asked about their process, how long they'd been shooting, and how to better capture those amazing sports moments. It felt like a real community a small group of people sharing ideas and supporting one another.
This was pre-Instagram, back when Facebook was the only place I knew to share photos and it was filled with support. It was a simpler time, or a less-saturated one.
Alright, enough rambling about pre-Instagram days and small groups of people sharing ideas blah, blah, blah. What the hell am I talking about?
What I’m talking about is this: it feels like the community aspect of photography can be toxic at times. It makes me wonder—do the advancements in gear, social media, and the internet play a role in that? Is photography, as an art, less inviting than animation, painting or other art forms? So let's get into the meat of this question.
An oversaturated market
How do you normally view a photographer’s work? For most of us, the answer is likely Instagram or a personal website, if one exists. Some of the more refined might say "photobooks." Occasionally, you'll find a gallery.
Now ask yourself this: where do you usually find the most toxic comments? From my experience, places like Reddit, Threads and some photography forums take the cake. I'll say this is a huge net I'm casting here. Not everywhere on the internet is like this I understand that. But In those toxic places, some might dress it up as "constructive criticism." But, let's be honest there's a fine line between helpful feedback and harshness.
I’ve personally seen some brutal comments thrown around, and it makes me wonder: is it the oversaturated market of photography that breeds this, or is it just the nature of online spaces? Everyone’s trying to stand out, and sometimes that seems to come at the expense of lifting each other up.
What makes it even harder is that photography is so subjective. One person’s masterpiece might be another’s “meh.” So why is there such a need to tear others down? It feels like the focus has shifted away from appreciating the art itself and more towards dissecting every minor detail—gear, settings, post-processing choices—as if any one of those defines a “real” photographer.
But let’s not forget, it’s easier than ever to create and share photos, which is both a blessing and a curse. While more voices and perspectives can be seen, the space can also feel crowded and competitive, making it much harder to find a sense of community.
Gear bias
It’s no surprise that I’m going to talk about gear and what its impact on the art form as a whole is. When I was in San Diego recently, I attended a gallery opening and spent some time walking around the venue. I’d say about 90% of the conversations I overheard were about gear.
I don't think gear is the enemy here. But, when it comes to photography, often people care more about the paintbrush than the painting. Focusing excessively on gear can isolate photographers who have significant talent but do not want or cannot afford the latest and greatest cameras and lenses.
Once, during the gallery event, I stood behind a group of people admiring some photos. I overheard one of them point to my photo and say, “Ah, man, I love this one!” Naturally, I was curious. I walked over to chat and asked what they liked about it. They responded, “I love the detail of the waterfall and how the shadows fall off.”
Then came the question: “What camera did you use?” I told them, “My iPhone 12 Pro.” I kid you not, the guy’s face dropped, as if I’d offended him. He asked, “Didn’t you have a real camera with you?” I explained that I've traveled the world for years. I used an iPhone as my main camera. I took some of my favorite images with it.
The point is, it’s not all about the gear. It’s about getting out there and creating to create; sharing to grow, not to compete. We need to remember that. Don’t isolate or dismiss people because they shoot with a Fuji or, heaven forbid, a SONY!
Digital vs Film
This might be a stretch or a false claim. But, do you think the film community is more supportive overall?
I can’t help but wonder if the instant gratification that comes with shooting digital sometimes leads to a strange level of overconfidence. You click the shutter, check the back of the camera, and think, Oh hell yeah, I nailed it. This shot is gonna blow up! You rush home, slap on a preset with minimal thought or effort, and post it immediately. Then the likes roll in—or don’t. Maybe you get three likes, one of which is from your ex, and somehow that gives you the confidence to hop on Reddit or some forum and tear down someone else’s work.
Digital has its own strengths—it’s accessible, forgiving, and allows for rapid learning and experimentation. But perhaps the instant feedback loop can sometimes lead to a loss of reflection that film naturally demands.
The “lust for likes” has replaced the patience and thoughtfulness that film inherently requires. With film, there’s no instant feedback. You won’t know if you nailed the shot until you develop the roll, and even then, it might not be what you expected. That process teaches humility—it forces you to slow down, think, and appreciate the art form.
I'm not saying digital photographers don't work hard. And, film photographers aren't saints. But, the slower pace of film seems to foster a deeper respect for the craft and, often, for each other. It's the shared experience of ruining a whole roll. It's the frustration of trying to load film onto a reel in total darkness. It feels like there’s more camaraderie there, less judgment.
But then again, maybe I’m just romanticizing film. Every community has its toxic moments. I'm sure somewhere a film photographer is judging someone for using expired Kodak Gold instead of Portra 400.
Enough of the negative what can we DO about it?
So, how can we help improve the photography community to support each other and grow?
Find Other Photographers Who Aren’t Just in It for Themselves
Recently, I’ve been on a side quest to find photographers and groups who genuinely care about the craft and the community. One example is a local group I joined here in the PNW called Photographic Center Northwest. They host local showings, real critiques, and photo walks from time to time, and it’s been a great way to connect with like-minded people.
I also want to highlight a few community members who I’ve learned a ton from. They provide great feedback and helpful content: Lucy Lumen, Dave Herring, and Joshua Edgoose. I’m sure there are many others I’ve missed, but these are people I’ve had personal experiences with. Reach out to photographers you admire; you might be surprised by their responses.
Don’t Focus on Likes or Social Media as Much
I know this is easier said than done, but it’s so important to shoot photos for yourself, not for a double tap on a screen. Everyone craves validation for their work, but social media can be brutal. It’s worth reminding yourself that these platforms are designed to make money, not to promote you as an artist.
If you focus on Instagram or other platforms, it's vital to have a well-curated feed. Follow people who aim to be supportive. If that means starting a new account and increasing the number of pages you follow over time, then so be it.
I did this, and it changed my whole outlook on social media with the benefits it can provide.
Be Humble About Your Journey
I remind myself all the time: stay humble. The moment you think you’ve got it all figured out, you stop growing. Photography is always changing - there’s so much to learn. From beginners' fresh ideas to a professional's years of experience.
I grow by seeking feedback in a positive community, places like The Raw Society or Framelines can be helpful places to find likeminded people. I also experiment with new techniques, stay curious, and learn from others. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being open and enjoying the process.
Don’t Gatekeep
If you have knowledge that could benefit the community, share it. I know it’s easy to fall into the mindset of “If I share everything I know, I’ll become irrelevant,” but that’s not true.
Whenever I teach or share with others, I find it helps me in two big ways. First, it keeps me sharp and refreshed on the topic. Second, I often learn something new from the questions beginners ask. Sharing isn’t just generous, it’s mutually beneficial.
END THIS!
Ok, ok, fine, this post started as one of my usual car conversations where I ramble to my partner about random things. She told me, “I think you should write this all down”. So, here we are 1,800 words later. I could write another 1,800, but I think you understand my point.
Be kind. Don’t be toxic. Share what you know and lift others up instead of tearing them down. Photography is an art, a craft, and a journey, and we’re all at different stages. The more we support each other, the better this community and our photos will be.
By focusing less on likes and competition, and more on lifting each other up, we can transform the photography community’s perception—from toxic to supportive.
Let's focus less on the gear, likes, and competition. Let's focus more on the stories we tell and the connections we create.
Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed this one. If you did enjoy it please consider subscribing for future ramble posts about all things photography, travel and just life thoughts. Lets build this community and help each other grow as artists!
Imagine we're still hanging out at our favorite cafe, cameras on the table, digging deeper into the conversation about photography. If you've enjoyed this little coffee break and feel like getting me a cortado with oat milk, hop over to my Buy Me a Coffee page. It genuinely keeps the conversation—and creativity—flowing. Cheers, friend!
I love my Sony camera, haha!
But really, I'm so glad to see this discussion being brought up. I started learning photography around 2013-14 and have mostly been doing it on the internet, reading blogs and forums and joining some free courses. And I must say that hanging out on photography places online has mostly made me insecure and afraid of other people's opinions, even in recent years when I joined a local camera club.
Threads is absolutely brutal (in all contexts, not only photography) but I've found that more niched photography forums are more supportive, I've been in a micro four thirds forum, and now Sony Alpha after I bought my new camera, and with the "gear war" out of the way everything seems more relaxed.
You're so spot on about dissecting every detail, which in some cases we can learn from but mostly I think it's damaging and destroys some of the enjoyment in both shooting and viewing other people's photos.
This was a great read Joshua! I definitely think what you said about it being subjective is what leads to some of the negativity…everyone having their own specific idea of what constitutes as “great” photography can make it hard for anyone in the space to agree. Thanks for sharing this and opening up the conversation. How great is Substack!?