Maine & NH Wedding Photographer // Why Teaching My Peers Is So Important To Me

Teaching has become one of my absolute favorite parts of being a wedding photographer. I’ve just wrapped up presenting my workshop, "Up Your Wedding Lighting Game: A Crash Course on OCF," for the fifth time, and honestly, I’m already excited for the next one. There’s something so fulfilling about sharing what I’ve learned over the years with other photographers, and it’s not just about the technical stuff (although let’s face it, geeking out over light is always fun). Teaching lights me up for so many reasons, and it’s hard to pick just one.

Let’s address the elephant in the room: "Val, why would you teach your competition?" Believe me, I’ve heard that question a lot. Here’s the thing: I don’t view other photographers as competition. Ever heard of "Community over Competition"? That’s my vibe. When we support each other, we all get better, and the industry gets stronger. Plus, there’s more than enough work to go around, especially when you’re serving your unique niche. And hey, life’s too short to be hoarding knowledge like some kind of photography unicorn.

One of my favorite parts about teaching is meeting new people who are just as obsessed with this crazy art form as I am. Whether they’re seasoned pros or just figuring out what the heck ISO is, I love connecting with photographers at all levels.

And honestly, it’s kind of hilarious to share my own journey with them. Showing where I started and how far I’ve come is equal parts humbling and motivating. My early work? Let’s just say it’s proof that growth is real. But I think it’s important to share that stuff because it reminds everyone (myself included) that no one’s born an expert. We’ve all made cringey mistakes, and that’s okay. Growth is the name of the game.

The absolute best part? Watching my students grow. Seeing them take what I’ve taught, apply it, and then knock it out of the park is hands-down the most rewarding feeling. I’ve seen photographers go from being scared of off-camera flash to confidently nailing portraits in tricky lighting situations. That’s the magic right there.

Another thing I love? Seeing other people’s art. Photography is so personal; it’s wild how two people can approach the same subject or scene and create something completely different. It’s like looking at the world through their eyes for a moment. Teaching isn’t just about me sharing my perspective—it’s about learning from theirs too. The creativity, the ideas, the unique approaches... it’s endlessly inspiring.

At the end of the day, teaching isn’t about competition. It’s about connection, growth, and helping lift each other up. It’s about being part of a community that’s passionate, creative, and driven. Whether it’s their first wedding or their hundredth, I’m just stoked to help other photographers level up their game and create the kind of art that makes their hearts (and their clients’ hearts) skip a beat.

So, here’s to more workshops, more connections, and more amazing art. Let’s keep growing, learning, and lighting up the world—literally.