EP 76 - Lessons from Attending a Photography Conference

Hi friends! I’m so happy to have you for another episode of Summer School. I just got back from a wild (and super inspiring) week and a half at WPPI, and I’ve got so many thoughts to share. Let’s dive into it!

Community Over Competition

If there’s one thing that stood out to me this past week, it’s this: real-life connection are so important. Meeting people face-to-face, sharing stories, and realizing we’re all figuring it out as we go? It reminded me that community always wins over comparison, and building real friendships in this industry is what it’s all about.

Inspiration Overload is Real

Conferences bring a flood of ideas—and while that’s exciting, it can also make you second guess yourself. I definitely had moments where I felt overwhelmed by everything I was learning and seeing. But here’s the reminder I kept telling myself (and maybe you need it too): stay in your lane, take what inspires you, and let the rest go. You don’t have to be everything to everyone.

Conferences Are What You Make of Them

This was my second year attending, and I showed up a little more confident and a lot more open. I talked to more people, asked more questions, and felt way less pressure to have it all figured out. So if you’re thinking of going to a conference—do it. And if you already go every year—shake things up. Be bold. Say hi. It really can be what you make of it.

Buy the Weird Camera

Okay, totally random but also... kind of not. I brought my fisheye camera with me, and it was the best conversation starter. People loved it, I loved it, and it reminded me how much joy can come from just playing and being curious. So whether it’s a funky lens or a film camera you haven’t touched in a while—bring it next time.

Wrapping Up

All of this just confirmed something I’ve knowI love bringing people together. That’s what Summer School is all about—community, growth, and real conversations. If you haven’t joined us yet, this is your sign. We’ve got so many exciting things coming up (events, workshops, meetups!), and I’d love for you to be a part of it.

Thanks for being here. If we missed each other at WPPI, shoot me a message—I’d love to connect! Until next time, keep creating, stay true to yourself, and I’ll catch you in the next episode.

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EP 77 - Photography Then vs. Now: A conversation with vanessa joy

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EP 74 - All Things AI with Taylor Nixon from Narrative