Viewfinder: Networking with Other Videographers

Some of our readers are fortunate because they get the opportunity to interact with others who enjoy making video. There is a great deal of value in collaboration and in critiquing. Our skills develop as we hear and process feedback about our techniques.

Many of our readers wish they could spend more time with their fellow video producers, but the opportunity does not present itself as often as they'd like. Each time we conduct one of our events (Videomaker Expo, Workshop or Conference), I talk with attendees that are having a wonderful time because other people that love to make video are all around them. We all find it energizing when we get to talk shop with others who struggle with the same dilemmas. Although we are really pleased when people attend our events, I encourage all of you to regularly get together with other video producers. For some, this is not so easy.

Some people are reluctant to step out of their comfort zones and make new relationships. They plan on getting more involved with other video producers, but they never get around to it. I strongly encourage you to create and foster these relationships. The slight inconvenience or uneasiness that you may experience (unless you are an extrovert) will be a very small price to pay once you start hanging around with other people who share the same…