Building Community: A Path to Sustainable Photography Business Growth - Fall 2024

Join us for an engaging two-day workshop designed to empower photography professionals with the skills and strategies needed to effectively engage their communities and build a robust network of support, led by seasoned photographer River and designer Juniper. This workshop will provide participants with practical insights and actionable techniques to foster meaningful connections within their local service areas.

On the first day, participants will delve into the essentials of community engagement. Through an interactive in-person lecture, we will learn practical how-tos, including effective networking techniques, leveraging social media for engagement, and proactive approaches to establishing relationships within communities. The day will culminate with a homework assignment, challenging participants to engage with five businesses or non-profits outside of their niche that serve their target customers. This task aims to broaden their networks and create new opportunities without limiting themselves to a specific niche.

The second day will focus on recapping the homework assignments and providing personalized feedback. Participants will share their experiences, challenges, and successes from their engagements, followed by a group feedback session led by the instructors. Additionally, the workshop will cover methods for tracking the effectiveness of community engagement efforts and using this data to inform future plans and strategies for business growth. By the end of the workshop, attendees will have a clear action plan and the confidence to build and maintain a strong support network for their photography business.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS
River Evergreen (they/she) is a literal creative genius and the most empathetically intune person you will ever meet. An energetically affirming leader of the Queer community, they actively help to push the boundaries of any industry she's entered. Starting her photography career at the age of 17 doing corporate headshots. Since then they have collaborated on large-scale cross-country portrait photography, intimate and discreet multi-cultural event planning and national-level interior design. With a focus on inclusivity and deep understanding, she'll get to know you better than you know yourself.

Juniper Evergreen (she/her) is an accomplished multi-disciplinary witch. She has collaborated with high-level multinational businesses, designed wineries and spearheaded international-level hiring initiatives across 20+ countries, taught rock climbing and can build anything you want out of wood. Her diverse skill set brings a unique blend of adaptability and creative thinking to the table. As a dedicated advocate in the queer community, she promised to lead with the heart, focusing on building relationships and fostering community empowerment.

Images © Juniper and River Evergreen