Networking is a word you hear often when people talk about business, different types of business, all the time. Especially if you are a photographer or a creative, you are constantly told that networking is something you should be doing.
In this article, I want to share my own experience with networking, what worked, and what didn’t. There is no one universal approach that works for everyone. So much depends on where you live, what type of photography you do, and your current business situation.
By business situation, I also mean how urgently you need new connections to result in actual paid work. Networking usually takes a long time to bring results. Networking is a business game that might bring results in the long run but rarely fast.
My Experience With Networking in Atlanta area, GA
During the four years I lived in the Atlanta area (USA), I attended many networking events. I also organized several networking events myself under the brand name Entrepreneurial Ladies (it was based in Alpharetta, GA).
Financially, those events were a complete fiasco. I ended up losing money organizing them.
But at least I gained experience — a lot of it. Experience, you can’t get from reading business books or listening to podcasts. You only get it by showing up, trying, failing, and seeing how things work in real life.
At the end of that year, I ended up with a big bag filled with business cards that I never used. At the time, collecting business cards felt productive, like something important was happening. Looking back, most of those connections were very superficial and never developed into anything meaningful.
If I were to point out one important thing for those who have never done networking and are considering joining different groups, it would be this:
Networking might work only if you show up regularly.
Showing up once occasionally is not enough. People need time to recognize you, remember what you do, and start trusting you. That consistency is often the hardest part of networking, especially for photographers and creatives who already juggle many responsibilities.
It’s coffee time...
There is also this idea that after meeting someone at a networking event, you have to continue building the relationship by meeting for coffee.
Yes, sometimes that makes sense. But it’s important to be mindful of how many coffee meetings you can realistically fit into your schedule, and how much energy you actually have for them.
If you feel like meeting for coffee, do it but do it without any expectations.
Networking, at its core, is about business. It’s about selling services to one another based on common interests and goals. If there is no real overlap in what you do, or no natural reason to stay connected, it can be very difficult to relate and build a long-lasting relationship.
Not every pleasant conversation needs to turn into a follow-up coffee. And not every coffee meeting will turn into business. That’s normal.
Being selective with your time doesn’t make you unfriendly, it makes you realistic. And realism is an important skill when running a creative business.
What Is Your Goal With Networking?
This is very important to understand before you start searching for local networking events.
Ask yourself:
- Do you want to meet photography peers and just chat?
- Do you want to find work opportunities and clients?
- Are you looking for long-term collaborations?
- Do you want referrals now, or are you building something for the long term?
- Are you comfortable actively talking about your services, or do you prefer quieter, more personal connections?
- How much time per month can you realistically dedicate to networking?
- Are you networking because it makes sense for your business right now or because you feel like you “should”?
- Do you actually enjoy these environments, or do they drain your energy?
Your goal will determine which type of networking makes sense for you.
Different Types of Networking Groups for Photographers
There are many types of networking groups available for photographers and creatives:
- Private groups – you can usually find them on Facebook, Meetup, or Eventbrite
- Chambers of Commerce – almost every city in the US has one
- Large organizations, such as:
- BNI
- SCORE
- Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO)
- Groups specifically for women, like:
- National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
- eWomenNetwork (500k+ members)
- WBENC
- Chief (for executives)
- Lean In Circles
In one Chamber of Commerce where I was a member for a year, there was already a registered photographer. She had been part of the chamber for some time and clearly had a head start. She knew other members, and that resulted in clients for her.
I also know of networking groups (for example, one called Flourish) that allow only one member per occupation to avoid competition. Personally, this feels like a more friendly way to maintain a networking group.
You really have to find the one that works for you.
“Friendly Communities” – The Reality
Many networking groups promote themselves by saying they are super friendly and their goal is to create a community of like-minded business people.
I think it’s a great idea.
But in practice, it can be difficult, especially when there are several businesses targeting the same type of client. On the surface, everyone is supportive and polite, but underneath that, there is still competition. That’s simply the reality of business.
For photographers and creatives, this can sometimes feel confusing. You are encouraged to be open, helpful, and collaborative, while at the same time protecting your own interests. Balancing those two things is not always easy.
This doesn’t mean these communities are fake or dishonest. It just means that “friendly” doesn’t automatically equal “aligned,” and not every group that feels welcoming will actually be a good fit for your photography business.
Networking Mistakes I Made (So You Don’t Have To)
Paying for Memberships Too Quickly
In my case, I joined one Chamber of Commerce after visiting just one meeting and paid $350 for a one-year membership. That money never brought me a single client, so I consider it lost.
Looking back, I would much rather spend that money on direct advertising, for example on Pinterest or Instagram.
Advice:
Don’t invest money in annual memberships until you visit their meetings at least 3–5 times and confirm that the environment is what you’re looking for. Simply put: do you like the people there, and do you understand how their meetings operate?
Expecting Fast Results
Going to a networking event hoping you will get a client for a photoshoot next week or next month is not realistic. It’s natural to want quick results, especially when you’re running a small business or freelancing. But networking is rarely about immediate payoffs. Connections take time to develop, and meaningful relationships don’t happen overnight.
Hope is not a good strategy for business, especially in a creative field like photography. Our work is already creative enough; what we need in business is strategy, clear thinking, and realistic expectations.
Advice:
Focus on building relationships rather than chasing immediate clients, be patient as connections take time, show up consistently even if results aren’t instant, and treat each networking event as a chance to learn.
“Oh, I Need a Photoshoot”
After you introduce yourself and say you are a photographer, get ready to hear phrases like:
“Oh, I need a photoshoot.”
Most of the time, people say this just to be polite. They might genuinely like your work, or they might just be making conversation, either way, it usually doesn’t mean a client is ready to book you immediately.
Advice:
It’s important to keep your expectations moderate and remember that networking is more about planting seeds than harvesting clients right away. Every polite conversation can potentially lead to opportunities in the future, but it takes time and consistent effort.
Groups That Require Weekly Attendance
Some networking groups tell you right away that they only promote businesses that show up to their weekly events regularly. If you show up only once in a while, they are not interested in spreading the word about your business.
Advice:
Plan ahead. Be honest with yourself answering this questions: “Will you really have time to attend weekly?”
Groups That Require You to Bring Leads
Some groups ask you to bring leads to their weekly meetings. This means not only showing up every week but also doing “homework” during the week by gathering leads. For a solo photographer or creative, this can quickly become overwhelming, taking time away from actual client work or creating content.
Some of the meetings I attended honestly reminded me of MLM structures, where the focus seemed more on pushing everyone to bring in business rather than building genuine connections. Others felt like groups of people looking to borrow your ideas, resources, or strategies without offering anything meaningful in return.
These experiences taught me that not all networking groups are created equal. Just because a group calls itself “friendly” or “supportive” doesn’t mean it will actually help your business. It’s essential to observe how members interact, what value they actually provide, and whether there’s a real alignment between your goals and the group’s focus.
Ultimately, networking should feel reciprocal, both parties gaining some benefit, and not like a constant drain on your time, money, or creative energy.
Advice:
Learn as much as you can about networking groups before paying any fees. Understand what is expected of you, and be honest with yourself about whether you have the time and energy to commit.
Paid Events With No Guarantees
Most networking events have a fee, sometimes $10 to cover coffee, sometimes $100 or more. And remember: nobody can guarantee any return on this investment. Just because an event is well-organized or has impressive speakers doesn’t mean it will translate into clients, collaborations, or new business.
For photographers and creatives, time and money are both precious. Attending a paid event that doesn’t bring tangible value can quickly become frustrating, especially if you already have a tight schedule filled with shoots, editing, and client communication.
Advice: If you are ready to spend money on networking events, do your research first. Look at past attendees, check if the event actually delivers on its promises, and see if people have had measurable success from it. Approach each event like a social business party, enjoy the connections, learn from the environment, but don’t expect a guaranteed return. Being realistic about outcomes and treating it as part of your broader strategy will help you protect both your time and your sanity.
Personal Story
In one networking group I visited twice, they told me I had to pay $500 per year. In return, they said that from time to time they organize business headshot photosessions for members.
When I asked when the last one was, they said: three years ago.
They also had meetings every Wednesday morning for two hours.
I can see how for employees of companies this type of event might feel like a break from being in the office and they are getting paid by their company anyway. But for a solo entrepreneur like a photographer, where you depend on what you make, every hour and every dollar counts.
If you spend time every week at a business social event like networking, you need to be sure it makes sense for your business. After all, it’s not a charity event.
What Worked for Me
When I lived (9 years) and worked in Cancún, the type of networking that worked for me was much more personal.
At that time, I was focused on weddings, couple, and family photography. I searched Google for wedding planners and reached out personally, offering to interview them for my blog.
This strategy worked several times.
After meeting them personally, interviewing them, and publishing articles on my blog, I established more personal connections. Those relationships resulted in many wedding photoshoot leads based on commission. My Cancun website is here elena-fedorova.com
One good contact is better than 10–20 that promise something that will most likely never happen.
My approach is quality over quantity.
More Thoughts on Networking for Photographers
See networking as a business social party. It’s a chance to meet people and learn from others, not a guaranteed ticket to clients.
Maybe it will result in business opportunities — maybe not. The truth is, the chances are often 50/50. Some conversations lead to meaningful connections, while others simply end at a polite handshake and a business card.
The important thing is to approach networking with intention and realism. Choose events that fit your goals, be consistent, and focus on building genuine relationships rather than chasing immediate results. Treat each interaction as an investment in your long-term growth, even if you don’t see a return right away.
Remember: your time and energy are valuable. Networking works best when it complements your business strategy rather than replacing it, and when you participate because it makes sense for you, not just because someone said you “should.”
Practical Tips for Networking
- If you run a solo photography business, create an Excel file to track your spending on networking events. Later, you can clearly see what worked and what didn’t.
- Decide in advance how much time per month you are willing to dedicate to networking.
- When researching a networking group, try to find information about how professionally diverse the group is. Are there only real estate agents and insurance brokers, or a wider mix of professions?
Other questions to ask yourself before joining:
- Does this group align with my business goals?
- How many members are actively participating versus just attending?
- What is the expected time commitment outside of the main meetings (homework, follow-ups, etc.)?
- Will I realistically be able to maintain regular attendance without it negatively impacting my client work or creative projects?
- Does the group offer opportunities to learn, share knowledge, or collaborate, or is it mostly transactional?
Ultimately, networking works best when it is intentional and manageable. Choose groups thoughtfully, balance your time and energy, and remember that quality connections will always outweigh quantity. Treat networking as a tool to support your business, not as a shortcut to immediate results.
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