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.
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.
I'm sorry to hear that some online spaces made you feel insecure. Sharing your art should always feel exciting, not intimidating. The good news is, like you said, there are so many pockets of the internet where people genuinely appreciate and support others' work. It sounds like you've already found some of those spaces, which is awesome!
I also love Sony cameras too!
I'm glad you enjoyed the post and thank you for the comment.
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!?
Thank you, Lucy! I completely agree, it can be really challenging when everything is so subjective and often boxed into specific styles. Also Substack is awesome and seems like a great place for us all to share ideas and grow!
A great ramble Joshua, really enjoyed it and couldn’t agree more on the aspect of being kind and supporting one another. Reaching out to people we admire really hit home because there are many great photographers who took the time to help us and continue to encourage us today as we build our community, and I think everyone needs that.
The greats who came before us and figured it out who also take the time to give back to the community are exactly why they’re the greats. Thank you for the kind words Christelle and I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I really enjoyed your ramblings, Joshua😉 a lot of it is relatable, even though I've mostly been met with kindness in my online community. What I definitely agree with is the need to slow down in order to progress - and you made me even more determined to shoot more film this year. Thanks for that🙌🏻!
Thanks for the support. I was a little nervous posting this one, honestly, because I don’t want people to think I’m bashing the community in a harsh way. I’m glad the community has been supportive and kind to you! It’s how it should be.
I get what you mean, but you definitely wrote an insightful & balanced piece, in my opinion! I think the online world has been kind to me partly because I'm a woman in a man's world, but it's appreciated nevertheless :)
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.
I'm sorry to hear that some online spaces made you feel insecure. Sharing your art should always feel exciting, not intimidating. The good news is, like you said, there are so many pockets of the internet where people genuinely appreciate and support others' work. It sounds like you've already found some of those spaces, which is awesome!
I also love Sony cameras too!
I'm glad you enjoyed the post and thank you for the comment.
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!?
Thank you, Lucy! I completely agree, it can be really challenging when everything is so subjective and often boxed into specific styles. Also Substack is awesome and seems like a great place for us all to share ideas and grow!
A great ramble Joshua, really enjoyed it and couldn’t agree more on the aspect of being kind and supporting one another. Reaching out to people we admire really hit home because there are many great photographers who took the time to help us and continue to encourage us today as we build our community, and I think everyone needs that.
The greats who came before us and figured it out who also take the time to give back to the community are exactly why they’re the greats. Thank you for the kind words Christelle and I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I really enjoyed your ramblings, Joshua😉 a lot of it is relatable, even though I've mostly been met with kindness in my online community. What I definitely agree with is the need to slow down in order to progress - and you made me even more determined to shoot more film this year. Thanks for that🙌🏻!
Thanks for the support. I was a little nervous posting this one, honestly, because I don’t want people to think I’m bashing the community in a harsh way. I’m glad the community has been supportive and kind to you! It’s how it should be.
I get what you mean, but you definitely wrote an insightful & balanced piece, in my opinion! I think the online world has been kind to me partly because I'm a woman in a man's world, but it's appreciated nevertheless :)