Founded by Karen Stott, and based on Proverbs 31, Pursuit 31 is a national community of women photographers that strive and encourage one another to walk in greatness through our businesses and our homes, for the glory of God. But really, it is more than a community. It is an amazing sisterhood of over 3,000 women who give to one another without limits.

Daily, the members pray, offer advice, and carry themselves in a way that is different from the greater population of photographers. Without hesitation, the women of Pursuit 31, share contracts, editing tips, thoughts on how to handle a difficult client, but also stories of struggle and achievement on topics that affect us all: how to balance work life with home life, how to manage their time to be both a “stay-at-home” mother and a business owner; how to home-school their children, but still get work done; how to respect and love their husbands; and, how to keep God as the center of their lives.

The small groups were created to be a place for the members to build real-life relationships with like-minded women. I have been blessed immensely with the opportunity to lead the Alabama group, made up of more than 40 women in the greater Birmingham area. We meet at least once a month, with meetings focusing on everything from fellowship to posing. Last month, we had an epic Downton Abbey-inspired styled shoot.

I love photography and my friendships with other photographers. I don’t expect everyone to understand our willingness to share so much with those who some would consider as the competition — but, as the popular quote says, “lighting another’s candle will not cause yours to dim.” There are plenty of clients out there for all of us, but there aren’t nearly enough people out there who will have your back when you need it. I feel lucky to have found a community of women who will.

If you’re a Christian female photographer looking to connect, I encourage you to take a look at Pursuit 31.