Because networking events shouldn't be limited to 9-5 professionals.
Featured Photographers: Shaughn Cooper - @shaugncooper; Tamon George - @tamon; Jazzlynn Tolson - @jpulchritude; Jarrett Hendrix - @jarrett.hendrixx; Phil Martin- @phil.martin
“Photography gives you the opportunity to use your sensibility and everything you are to say something about and be part of the world around you. In this way, you might discover who you are, and with a little luck, you might discover something much larger than yourself.” – Peter Lindbergh
Curated by Executive Director, Armani McMillan, Project IMPACT: Behind the Lens was IMPACTdmv's first step at making an impact in the DMV's artistic community. The event was sponsored by BusBoys and Poets in Hyattsville, MD, on September 12, 2018, and designed for inspiring creatives pursuing the art of photography. Our goal was to ensure every guest left knowing the infinite number of business and creative possibilities that begin once they choose to pick up a camera and place four edges around a fragment of time. By listening to a panel of diverse and experienced professional photographers, and networking with various local talent, guests obtained inspiring advice and learned how to foster critical connections in the industry.
The panel of elite photographers included: Shaughn Cooper, Tamon George, Jazzlynn Tolson, Jarrett Hendrix, and Phil Martin. IMPACTdmv provided questions for panelists and encouraged guests to use the #IMPACTdmv hashtag to submit their own questions via Twitter. Panelists provided insightful responses and shared their experiences as photographers. Listeners not only learned valuable techniques and skills, they also gained insight to handling the challenging business-related aspects of the industry. Tamon described his experience operating digital content agency, Creative Theory, while Shaughn shared his journey from a college student with a hobby to a prominent festival, brand, and event photographer. The overwhelming amount of social media engagement let us know that guests were truly immersed in the panel and excited to hear their lingering questions be answered.
Project IMPACT was an eclectic experienced filled with laughs, opportunities, and incredible food and drinks. We would like to thank our amazing panelists, attendees, and our sponsors Substantial Art and Music and BusBoys and Poets. Be sure to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook at @IMPACTdmv to stay updated on all our upcoming events.
Do you have a great Project IMPACT idea? Are you interested in collaborating or hosting an IMPACTdmv event in the future? If so, please contact Armani McMillan at info@impactdmv.org.