Staff photographers have always had a built-in community in their workplaces. Freelance photographers had some community through their professional labs and camera stores in the days of film.

In the days of film, even when you processed your own film as a staff photographer or were a freelance photographer dropping your film off at a professional lab, you could interact with other photographers.

Just as indoor plumbing did to the watering hole and air conditioning to front porches, digital photography eliminated the informal gathering of photographers.

Genesis 2:18 The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. …”

Most still photographers work alone as compared to motion photographers who work in teams on film projects.

When you work with freelancers, you learn about depression. Once I have built a good relationship and can be open and honest with freelancers, many of whom suffer from depression.

A lack of solid relationships is a critical risk factor for major depression and addiction. At a minimum, going into an office every day requires you to shower, get dressed, and at least nod to a couple of people. Unfortunately, freelancers are in danger of having less sustained human contact.

Freelancers go through feast and famine periods. As a result, they have less access to the health, retirement, and insurance benefits that may help traditionally employed folks sleep a little better at night.

We had a meeting of Christians in Photojournalism at my house yesterday, and three photographers who lost their jobs this past year at the Atlanta Journal and Constitution were there. We all enjoyed seeing each other’s work and listening to how everyone learns to adjust to this ever-changing industry.

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

One of the things that Jason, Phil, and Johnny talked about after losing their positions at the AJC was the loss of a built-in community. So now they must be intentional and reach out to friends.

There’s an App for that

One reason social media is so successful is that we all crave community. For example, CIP uses Facebook to announce our meetings, and I know some photo clubs that use an app called Meetup. Meetups are neighbors getting together to learn something, do something, and share something.

I think the more you have in common, the better the community can be for you. Combining faith and work is an excellent way for freelancers to build a strong community.

Building the informal into the formal

One of the best things about the days we gathered around the local lab and camera stores was the informal serendipitous moments. For example, you may see a photographer working next to you on the light table while editing. I remember this often worked spur conversations, and I learned a lot during those moments.

When Christians in the Photojournalism group meet, the 5—minutes we give to everyone who comes to share their work with the group is the highlight.

Sometimes people are looking for help on a project, and many times they share a recent project.

Formalize the informal

I encourage you to find a group where you can be in dialogue with the other photographers. It would help if you had a place that accepts you as a person and let you share your work, and you get to see their work. In addition, you need to be able to ask questions and share your insights.

Check out our group as a possible group to join at Christians in Photojournalism.