I got my first iPhone at the end of 2011 and eagerly downloaded the Instagram app. I didn’t know much about it but I dove in headfirst and had a blast learning the ins and outs of editing and posting photos on my phone. And I found connections with many photographers I’d known on Flickr or had met in person, though none of them were nearby.

About nine months later it dawned on me that I might find Instagrammers close to home by searching a few key hashtags. I was happy to find a small but growing group of local folks on IG. And as luck would have it, I discovered a Kansas City ‘grammer who was organizing meetups. So I decided to attend my first Instameet. There were only five of us that day and it felt a little awkward. Meeting people I didn’t really know in a part of town I was unfamiliar with was definitely outside my comfort zone. But surprisingly, I left that day feeling energized and ready for more.

Fast forward a few years and our group has grown larger than I’d have thought possible. And my photography has grown and changed, too. Here are some lessons I’ve learned along the way:

Everyone feels a little awkward joining a new group. So many people I’ve met describe themselves as introverts, not seeking the spotlight and just hoping to blend in. I’ve learned to overcome some of my own shyness and to initiate conversations so that others feel more welcome.

Being around creative people fuels my own creativity. Get a group of photographers together and the game changes. Suddenly you’re surrounded by people willing to try new things, to pose for you, to help you execute a creative vision. And you learn so much from seeing how another person takes a creative idea and executes it. People often add interest to a shot. This is probably obvious to many of you (especially portrait photographers) but it was a bit of a revelation for me. Once I had willing participants to include in my photos, I began to see new possibilities for portraying a scene. Now when I shoot alone, I’m often thinking about how including a person in the shot might improve it. It isn’t always about getting the perfect shot. In fact, shooting with a group often means more talk and less shooting. Weird, right? Well, I’ve discovered that making the personal connections often trumps taking a personal “best” shot.  I’ve left these meetups before and found I have only a few decent shots on my camera roll. But the day was still a success because of the people I got to spend time with. Getting out of my comfort zone is a good thing. Taking that leap of faith, showing up to my first Instameet, was one of the best things I’ve done. I’ve discovered new places in my city, made some wonderful friends, and have improved my own photography skills.

So tell me…have you ever been part of an Instagram meetup? Or a group of photographers that shoots together? What lessons might you share with me?

P.S. If you want to see more adventures from the Kansas City Instagram community, check out #instameetkc and #igkansascity. And follow @igkansascity, too!

~Leslie