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In this episode of the Take Your Shot podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Allie Lee, a successful wedding photographer based in the Twin Cities. Allie has built her business on the foundation of community and networking, two essential elements for any photographer looking to grow and thrive in the industry. Allie shared her journey, from photographing concerts at 16 to going full-time as a wedding photographer, and how her commitment to connecting with others has been a game-changer for her career.
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From Concert Photography to Weddings: Allie’s Journey
Allie’s journey into photography began in the most unexpected way. At 16, her aunt and uncle asked her to photograph events at their concert venue, sparking her love for photography. She found herself shooting legendary acts like the Goo Goo Dolls and Willie Nelson, all while learning how to navigate challenging lighting situations. From there, she transitioned into weddings, working as a second shooter for $10 an hour. But that experience fueled her passion, and by the time she graduated college, she had 25 weddings booked and made the leap to full-time photography.
While building a photography business takes time, Allie credits much of her early success to her strong connections in the industry. After moving multiple times—from Iowa to Minnesota to Wisconsin—she learned the power of networking and how important it is to establish relationships no matter where you’re based.
The Power of Community and Referrals
One of the most impactful ways Allie grew her business was by joining a photographer referral group. In this small group, she and other photographers shared inquiries, supporting each other’s businesses. This experience opened the door to more opportunities and helped Allie establish herself in new markets. By finding like-minded photographers who shared similar values and styles, she was able to build a supportive network that kept her business growing, even in unfamiliar locations.
Allie also emphasized how fostering community isn’t just beneficial for getting bookings—it’s about truly connecting with others in the industry. She talked about the importance of supporting other photographers, even when they may seem like competition. In Allie’s view, there are only so many weddings one photographer can shoot in a year, so building relationships with others in the field opens the door to more referrals and mutual support.
Creating an Aligned Creative Community
After moving back to Minnesota, Allie decided to start her own Facebook group for photographers called the Aligned Creative. Originally, the group was a space for sharing resources and freebies, but it quickly grew into a referral-based community where photographers could ask questions, share tips, and refer each other for weddings and shoots. The group now has over 1,200 members and has become a go-to resource for photographers in the Midwest.
Allie also hosts monthly meetups called “After Hours” for photographers in the Twin Cities. These in-person events provide an opportunity for photographers to connect, share experiences, and find second shooters or collaborators. Allie believes that while online communities are great, there’s nothing like meeting people face-to-face to build real, lasting relationships.
The Importance of Showing Up
Networking can be intimidating, especially if you’re shy or socially anxious. But Allie’s advice is simple: show up. The hardest part is often just getting to the event, but once you’re there, you’ll find that everyone is there for the same reason—to connect. She also recommends taking a few minutes before each networking event to meditate or practice breathing exercises to center yourself. This allows you to enter the space with a calm, focused mindset, ready to engage and be present.
Building Community with Intention
One of Allie’s key takeaways from our conversation is that community-building should always be done with intention. It’s not about self-promotion or getting something in return—it’s about genuinely serving others and building relationships that benefit everyone involved. By creating spaces where photographers can connect, support one another, and collaborate, Allie has been able to grow her business in a way that feels authentic and meaningful.
She encourages other photographers to start small. If you don’t have a local community, create one. Start a Facebook group, plan a styled shoot, or host a meetup. You never know where those connections will lead or how they’ll help your business grow.
Final Thoughts
Allie’s story is a testament to the power of community and networking in building a successful photography business. By being intentional, showing up, and supporting others, you can create lasting relationships that not only help your business thrive but also make your work more fulfilling.
If you’re looking to build community and grow your photography business, consider taking Allie’s advice and start showing up for others. You never know what opportunities might come your way.
Connect with Allie Lee:
Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, connect with me on Instagram and let’s keep the conversation going.
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