Here is a recipe for SUCCESS: Spend some time in the community. Take some of the courses. Reach out for personal assistance. This community is there for you and will transform how you feel about a camera and using it confidently!
We are a group of photographers committed to optimism and positivity. We are devoted to being truthful while always being kind.
My name is Jerred Zegelis and I've been a photographer and educator for more than 18 years. My entire focus has been creating positive communities in the classroom.
Here is the truth: community is the way to learn and grow. When you have a group of people who are devoted to this goal, there's nothing that can stop each and every member from achieving more, together.
I'm going to use everything I've learned these past few decades to build a group here similar to the ones that have helped thousands of students learn photography and much more.
I've shots hundreds of weddings and portrait sessions, put on multiple art shows, sold thousands in art prints, and even converted my photographs into custom vector art for corporate clients.
Why "Cameras and Coffee Cups?" I want to replicate the feeling of warmth and community that photographers gain when gathering in a coffee shop. And what do photographers bring with them when gathered around a warm drink? Cameras, of course.
I get it. Every YouTuber has the answer. There are literally millions of pages of content on the internet that all claim to help you learn photography.
A lot of it is good information. Most of it is just noise designed to feed an algorithm.
So how do you cut out the noise?
You ask others who care. Together we will focus on what works wherever you are as a photographer. COMMUNITY MATTERS!
In this group we will focus on a simple truth: EVERYONE IS A PHOTOGRAPHER. Others don't agree with that statement, and that's fine. There's plenty of places for them. Here, however, if you are someone who loves taking photographs, with a professional DSLR or a cell phone or a pinhole camera, we treat you the same. We're all in this thing together.
If you want to take amazing photos of people (wedding and portrait photographers, raise your hand!), I can help you too. (You'll learn how to take cool photos like these!)
As a teacher, my most important job is opening doors for my students and helping them find the confidence to walk through the doorway, all while creating an environment that facilitates personal growth and motivation.
That's what we are doing here, together.
Discussions that matter. Authentic conversations are what matter. Unlike many social platforms that are focused on likes and follows, we're all equal here, talking about photography and learning.
Great communities value privacy. This space is no different. What you share here, what you say here, stays here. Anyone can share freely without fear of judgement or others finding out.
The algorithm DOES NOT RULE! You get to create your own feed, and what you see is NOT controlled by the algorithm designed exclusively to be addictive enough to keep you coming back (to view more ads). This group is OURS, and we control it!
We have a future roadmap that includes:
- Multiple classrooms covering different areas of photography, including portraits, weddings, action shots and more.
- A download section where you can print out professional templates, designs, branding and more.
- Video Chats with the community where we can get together and ask questions/brainstorm ideas with the community.
- Critique Sessions to improve our skills together. Don't worry though - these are focused on positivity and improving together!
If you believe there is a need for a positive, uplifting, focused space for photographers, then I'm asking for your help in growing this space. I'll be soliciting feedback and ways to make the group so valuable people will be raving about it to others. YOU can help make this happen by joining now and helping shape the future of the group.