What does your support system look like? . I didn’t have the best support network growing up, and this is something that I really struggled with for most my life. I had a hard time opening up and being honest with others, and looking back, I worry that I kept people at a distance out of fear of rejection. I know, you’re probably wondering - what in the WORLD does this have to do with taking photos? . I can attribute the transition period where I started feeling more confident in my work and everyday life to where I began cultivating real relationships with those around me. I’ve always craved community, and it sounds crazy to admit this now, but I spent too many years thinking I was alone in wanting this and that I simply had to shoulder on by myself because I was now an “independent” business. I was so, so wrong. . Right before my big cross-country move, I came across a movement online called @risingtidesociety. I instantly discovered THOUSANDS of creative voices, and was amazed to see that there were regular chapter meetings happening all over my home state, as well as in a new city I was keeping a close eye on: San Francisco. Through #RisingTideSociety, I realized that although I had left a corporate office setting to pursue my dreams, it didn’t mean I couldn’t seek new coworkers in the freelance realm. . So I left the echo chamber of my own stubborn mindset and sought others that both pushed and encouraged me to be my best. I found an incredible group of creatives in the Bay Area that became my cheerleaders for my successes and sympathetic ears for the inevitable lows. They taught me the impact of generosity in this field, as well as the immense payoffs of always pushing for #communityovercompetition. . This image is incredibly meaningful to me, as signifies a time where I recognized the impact of working TOGETHER, and not just individually as separate lines of work. This image was taken during a whirlwind adventure on the California coast, hosted by @tylerrye_. I signed up for his workshop, expecting to learn a few tidbits here and there, never dreaming that I’d meet people who would have such a profound impact on me. (POST CONTINUED IN COMMENTS)