Thanks Justin for the invitation to be a guest writer. Your focus on helping others to believe in themselves and achieve their dreams is inspiring. Keep up the great work!

Here is my story.

Currently, I lead and manage the photography community, Get Out and Shoot Toronto. We are over 10,000 members with people from all walks of life, each with their own story. I hold weekly events where like minded people get together, learn from each other, and of course, have fun. (I am running “Virtual Meetups” during this time that we are all in.)

I am proud of being apart of this group, it has changed my life in so many ways.

I can’t imagine doing anything but photography. The funny thing here is that photography was really never my thing growing up. I didn’t pick up a camera until my late twenties.

When I started working an office job after university, I took a couple of weeks off in the summer, going to various places in Europe for a holiday. One of the things I packed was a tiny silver Canon point and shoot camera. My sub conscious thought I should probably take some photos on these trips, without any real intention of doing so.

I did take photos, not really knowing what I was doing but I liked clicking the shutter. I took this camera everywhere, documenting what I saw around me. When I returned home, I put the camera away, not touching it again until the next vacation came up. I didn’t know anyone who was into photography that could help and motivate me. I was on an island and that was my problem.

I was still curious about photography however.

I started searching for a group. This was probably around 2012 or 2013. I found a group called Toronto Photo Walks. I had never proactively looked for a group before and the idea made me nervous. I wasn’t an outgoing person and the prospect of meeting strangers terrified me. But I went. And guess what, I met likeminded people who shared my interests. My photography knowledge was minimal at this point. I needed an environment where I could be taught. These people I met could do just that.

I had joined this group for a few walks but stopped going after a few months. I can’t remember the exact reason but it may been because I wasn’t fully committed to photography. I essentially stopped photography all together until February 2017. My curiosity lingered however.

One day, I was scrolling through the Meetup.com website and found this photography group that had just started. There was a meetup scheduled for February 11th, 2017, 12:30pm — Photos and Drinks at the Distillery District. Looking back, I can say that this day changed my life.

For some reason, I was hooked to this group. It spoke to me. I felt like I belonged. It’s something I can’t explain but it’s a feeling that I couldn’t ignore.

This group that started with a dozen people is now one of the largest photography groups in the world. We are closing in on 200 meetups with almost 11,000 members. Despite the group being so big, I remind myself of that time that I was on an island with nobody to turn to for guidance. This is what I try and make our meetups to be — a place where people feel welcomed. I want people to have that same feeling I did when I joined.

I believe in the power of a group dynamic. A “Strength in Numbers” philosophy. Photography can be intimidating with all the gear out there, social media, and everything in between. How does one start? How does one learn and grow? The right circle of people is a great way to begin.

I don’t pretend that my story is unique. I am sure there are countless others who have walked a similar path. The common thread among us is that we took action. If you take one thing from this post, don’t be afraid of what your curiosity is trying tell you. Squash your self doubt and trust your curiosity will lead you to places that you never dreamed of.