One of the best ways to learn photography is to be part of a community. Whether it’s a class, a photo walk, a Substack audience, or an online group, sharing work (and the thinking behind it) accelerates learning—and keeps everyone motivated.

I’ve been developing and leading my synagogue’s photo group for the past few years, and it’s been one of the most rewarding teaching experiences I’ve had. The group includes people at very different stages—different cameras, different confidence levels, different visual instincts—but everyone shows up curious and open.

A few weeks ago, I gave the group a simple challenge: photograph your Hanukkah candles each night. What came back was remarkable—and each night it was wonderful to see how people were influenced by images from the night before. Check out some of the results below.

This experience reinforced something I believe deeply: when you put work out there, when you look carefully at what others make, when you talk about why an image works—or doesn’t—in a supportive, low-ego environment, you improve and you help others improve.

That’s why I’ve been slowly building both online and San Francisco–based photo communities. Small groups. Real conversations. A focus on seeing, not gear. Encouragement without fluff. Feedback without intimidation.

If you’re interested in being part of a supportive photo community—whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been shooting for years—drop me a note. I’ll send you links to the WhatsApp and Facebook groups so you can see if it feels like a fit.

Photography doesn’t have to be solitary. In fact, it’s better when it isn’t.

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Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, New Year’s, Bodhi Day, or Makar Sankranti—or something else entirely—I want to wish you a wonderful year ahead, with hopes for peace and togetherness.

Warmly,
josh