SE1 Ep6: Other photographers aren’t your competition with Philippa Sian Photography

Today, I’m joined by the wonderful Philippa Shan, a talented wedding and lifestyle photographer, and a dear friend of mine. Philippa and I have known each other for nearly a decade, and our conversation today focuses on something we’re both passionate about: fostering community over competition in the photography industry.

When I first entered the wedding photography world, I quickly learned that many photographers were hesitant to collaborate or even communicate with each other. My early attempts to connect with others were often met with silence, and it left me feeling like I had to navigate this journey alone. Philippa, however, had a completely different experience. She was fortunate to be mentored by generous photographers who welcomed her into the industry and provided invaluable guidance.

In this episode, Philippa and I discuss how our paths crossed and how we’ve supported each other throughout our careers. Despite working in the same genre and even having similar styles, we’ve never seen each other as competition. Instead, we’ve built a strong business friendship that has allowed us to grow and thrive together.

We share stories of how we’ve referred clients to each other, collaborated on projects, and even critiqued each other’s work. This kind of supportive relationship is crucial, especially in an industry that can often feel isolating. We’ve both found that by lifting each other up, we’ve been able to achieve far more than we could have alone.

One of the key messages we want to convey is that there’s enough work out there for everyone. The photography industry, particularly wedding photography, has seen significant growth, and there’s no need to view other photographers as rivals. In fact, building a network of supportive peers can be one of the most valuable assets to your business.

We also talk about the importance of finding your “people”—those in the industry who you can trust, confide in, and learn from. Having a community around you not only helps you improve your craft but also provides emotional support during the inevitable ups and downs of running a business.

If you’re new to the industry or have been going it alone, we encourage you to reach out, connect with others, and start building those relationships. It can make all the difference in your journey.

For those looking for a supportive community, I’d love to invite you to join the Brand Photographers Lounge Facebook group. It’s a safe space where you can ask questions, share your wins, and connect with like-minded photographers. We also host monthly Zoom calls where you can chat with others face-to-face and get real-time support.

 

You can follow Philippa on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philippasianphotography/

Timestamps:

[00:00:12] Photographer promotes community over competition.

[00:02:53] Passion for photography led to career.

[00:06:05] Friendship formed through wedding photography.

[00:09:01] Networking led to unexpected collaboration and support.

[00:12:22] Business friendship exceeds competition in photography.

[00:15:33] Collaborative approach benefits wedding photographers.

[00:19:08] Friendship and collaboration in business.

[00:21:54] Community support is essential for growth.

[00:25:53] Supportive industry relationships are crucial.

[00:29:15] Strategic decisions, networking, and community building.

Thank you so much for listening to this episode. If you found it helpful, please share it with another photographer who might benefit from it.