We hear it all the time in the creative world — “community over competition.” It’s printed on t-shirts, posted on Instagram captions, and talked about in every photography group. And while I love the message behind it, I’ve learned over the years that it’s not always as simple as it sounds.

The truth is, creative friendships can be beautifully complicated. They can fill your cup one moment and quietly drain it the next. They can be inspiring, healing, and deeply fulfilling — but they can also challenge you in ways you never expected.

This post isn’t about calling anyone out or reliving old stories. It’s about being honest — about what it really looks like to have friendships in an industry built on passion, art, and comparison.

The Beauty of Creative Friendships

One of the best parts of being a photographer is getting to connect with other people who get it — the long nights editing, the endless camera battery charging, the emotional investment we pour into each session. Some of my favorite memories in this industry are tied to creative friends who encouraged me, lifted me up, and reminded me that I wasn’t alone in this journey.

When creative friendships are healthy, they’re magic. You share ideas without fear, celebrate each other’s wins without jealousy, and lean on one another during slow seasons. You push each other to grow, not to compete. Those friendships remind you that there really is enough room for everyone.

The Harder Side of It

But I’d be lying if I said it was always easy.

Sometimes, when two creatives are walking similar paths, the line between community and competition starts to blur. It’s not always intentional, sometimes it’s just human nature. You compare, you question, you wonder if you’re doing enough. And when growth happens at different speeds, things can start to shift in ways that are hard to talk about.

I’ve experienced that firsthand. Friendships that once felt effortless began to feel heavy. Conversations that used to flow turned quiet. I’ve been on both sides — the one hurting and the one being hurt.

It’s one of the hardest lessons I’ve learned: not every creative friendship is meant to last forever, and that doesn’t mean it wasn’t real or meaningful while it existed. Sometimes people come into your life for a season, to teach you something — about empathy, forgiveness, or boundaries.

What “Community Over Competition” Really Means

Over time, I’ve come to realize that “community over competition” isn’t just a quote to repost. It’s a practice. And it doesn’t mean ignoring your own growth to make others comfortable — it means celebrating both.

True community means clapping for others even when it’s not your turn. It means being inspired instead of insecure. It means trusting that someone else’s success doesn’t take away from your own — and that your path is yours for a reason.

And when competition starts to creep in? Community means being honest enough to talk about it or, sometimes, mature enough to step back with grace.

Where I Stand Now

I still believe in community. I still believe in supporting other photographers and cheering them on — even when it’s hard. But now, I also believe in protecting your peace.

Community over competition doesn’t mean ignoring red flags or holding onto friendships that don’t serve you anymore. It means creating space for kindness, honesty, and growth — both for others and for yourself.

At the end of the day, the creative world is full of incredible people who want to do good work and make a difference. When we lead with grace, boundaries, and authenticity, that’s where real community lives.

If you’re another creative reading this… maybe you’ve walked through a friendship that changed, too. I hope you know this: it’s okay to outgrow people. It’s okay to protect your energy. And it’s okay to keep believing in community, even when it hurts.

Because the right people — the ones who celebrate you without condition — will always find their way back into your story.

And when they do, that’s when community over competition becomes more than a quote. It becomes a way of living.

---