Connection in Community
Monday, November 7, 2011 by Shutter Sisters 
There are these ties that bind us to our outside world. Sometimes they're tangible. Like a phone call from a friend or an unexpected visit from a family member. All straight-forward events, rather predictable. But there are other bonds, less obvious ones, connecting us in an invisible web of community stretching far from our homes. Take this one for example. You are more than likely reading this blog because of your love of photography, but if you're like me, you return again and again for the special glimpses we get into one another's lives through the daily posts and the various theme groups…and of course the thrill and chance of having your photo featured.
But I've found that there's something more, something bigger, something exciting that takes place when we go from just visiting a group anonymously to engaging with it fully. When we take one little step in its direction, magic begins to happen. You see, I've found that by reaching out, even when it seemed uncomfortable or strange or weird, that my world expanded growing in unimaginable directions. It certainly didn't happen overnight, but slowly I've found myself with a new circle of friends, female photography friends, which as we all know aren't necessarily living down the street. And as my circle increased, something unexpected happened, I found my confidence in my photography grew stronger, my focus deepened, and I found a calm within myself that hadn't existed before. The energy we shared collectively seemed to augment one another's skills. And sometimes, someone who'd seemed unapproachable to me, because they were further along in a journey I wished to emulate, would be willing to respond if I took the time to reach out to them.
Over the past year, I've been able to shift my community out of cyberspace and into face-to-face encounters with these incredible women. From Frankfurt, Germany to Monterey, CA from to New York City to my hometown of Philadelphia, I've been fortunate enough to attend several meetups that a year ago I could never have imagined. I've gone from meeting these women in person to shoving up against one another while barefoot on the beach to get just the right shot…from where we stood! But that's just what has happened. I felt honored and delighted at my reception, and a little amazed at how it all unfolded. And all because I reached out, taking one, little tippy toe step at a time.
How about you? Have you felt the magic of community? What relationships and bonds have you formed lately? Today, share with us your images of connection.
Image (shot with a Lensbaby) and post courtesy of the awesome Holly Clark, who many of us know and love as Soupatraveler.
Reader Comments (32)
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/home/2011/11/6/symphonie-fantastique.html
http://www.flickr.com/photos/magnetisedbylife/6282996550/in/pool-1764581@N22/
http://cowgirlbyproxy.blogspot.com/2011/11/painting-with-lights.html
http://kateyestudio.com/2011/11/texture-heaven.html
I'm grateful for the opportunity to have met several of my online friends in person this year (including you!). I now know it is possible that true friendships can grow out of online connections.
Here is a link to our meeting on the beach that day. To me our meeting was an example of how small the world really is and how taking a chance can lead to truly magical things. So happy to have stood toe to toe with you.
http://iamhereproject.blogspot.com/2011/10/no-90.html
I recently went on a hike with a friend with whom I've grown closer because of our shared love of photography. It was a beautiful day and the view was incredible!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rslaflam/6323435048/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/libertadleal/
as to your point about fully engaging, this was never made more clear to me than in attending Camp Shutter Sisters last month. i have participated on this site and in Tracey's Picture Everything classes and other online communities but never before with the whole of my person until camp. and the rewards were bountiful and lasting. i do not think i am exaggerating to say that i will feel the magic of that community for quite some time.
and now, an image i love that really captures the spirit and the power of that community:
http://flic.kr/p/axEQ4h
I think it's been almost two years since I posted my first sp on flickr, which was also the first picture I had ever posted of myself online anywhere. Prior to that I'd developed a few friendly contacts and a handful of acquaintances through flickr, but it was amazing what started to happen as soon as I showed my face & revealed more of myself through my words. It is so true that the more you are willing to open up to the world, the more that you receive in return.
Now the only real difference between my other friends and my flickr/ photographer friends is that I have a better feel for my flickr friends' daily rhythms because I see their day to day. xo
http://dorisrudddesigns.wordpress.com/2011/08/14/reflection-in-the-door/
I love this community...especially after I trusted taking those baby steps each time toward making new friendships.
Hope to meet up again soon. xo
Here, me and my tribe acting silly, and lovin' it!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendytienken/6265640080/
I hope you can make your way to Atlanta soon, I'm sure there are lots and lots of things that can help.
I love you sweet heart.
LOVE, Aunt Jeannine