The SMUGS Blog

Let’s face it, you can read about how to be a great photographer, but you won’t actually be one until you get out there and put those ideas to work! No one likes to go out alone to take pictures at a new area, so why not join a SMUG, where a ton of people, just like you, get together?

What is a SMUG?

A SMUG is a place where passionate photographers meet once a month to express their ideas and learn from one another. You can feel secure in showing off your pictures, because we work hard to instill a safe and productive environment. You can also come as freely as you want. However, if you want to become the best photographer you can be, we advise you to try to make it to all your local SMUG meetings.

What Happens at a SMUG?

SMUGs cater to an array of photographers, ranging from those who consider photography a part-time gig, to people who make it their profession. What you will find at your local SMUG that will enhance your skills include: how to market your business, photowalks to refine your shooting capabilities, and social events to share your love of photography. You can also learn proper lighting, posing, workflow, editing, and much more!

Currently, there are just about 80 SMUGs, with a few in Canada, Europe, and one in Dubai. A new SMUG pops up all the time! Want to find your nearest SMUG? Go HERE to view a map of all the SMUGs!

Make Sure to Check in!

In order to stay informed on the latest and greatest here at SmugMug, you should check back in about twice a week to read the new posts on the SMUGs. Rocky, the Scribes, and I will post what you missed at various SMUGs across the country. This way you can see what you missed if you did not attend your local meeting, or what you can look forward to if you have not been to one yet.

For the SMUG leaders, each post will allow you to see what other leaders have planned at their meetings. You can see what idea might work at your next meeting, so it would be a wise choice to check back in as well!

If you have any questions concerning SMUGs, you can contact me, the SMUG Accomplice, at jackie@smugmug.com. Also, Rocky, the “SMUGs Head Honcho” at SmugMug, can be contacted at smugs@smugmug.com.