Building Forest City Collective

A New Vision for Cleveland's Photography Community

It feels like just yesterday, but it was about a year ago when I stumbled upon something truly special in Memphis: their vibrant photography scene and a group called Grind City Meet. I saw photographers — all kinds of folks, from seasoned pros to absolute beginners — gathering in the streets. They were sharing ideas, cheering each other on, and making art that genuinely captured the soul of their city. I walked away incredibly inspired, but also with a nagging thought: Cleveland didn't have anything quite like it.

The Seed of an Idea

Here in Cleveland, our photography scene felt, well, fragmented. It seemed like many of us were working in our own little bubbles, a bit guarded about our craft, and maybe even a little hesitant to share our work or team up with others. There's undeniable talent here, that's for sure, but there was a definite lack of that collective spirit, that sense of shared purpose. I just knew we could do better.

That's when the idea for Forest City Collective really started to take root. My mission was pretty simple: connect people, spark creativity, and make art. Or, as our motto states, "Connect. Inspire. Create." But before we could do any of that, I knew I had to bring people together — to gently break down those walls, build trust, and create a space where everyone felt genuinely welcome to share, learn, and grow.

Forest City Collective isn't just another group; I really see it as a movement. We're here to unite Cleveland's photographers, celebrate our city's unique character, and make art that truly matters — together.

Elevating Cleveland Through Our Lenses

Our core mission is all about uniting and elevating Cleveland's photography community. I'm building a collaborative space where creatives at every level can connect, learn, and proudly showcase their work. Through our online interactions and our in-person meetups, I want us to inspire and empower each other to capture the very essence of Cleveland and contribute to a truly vibrant artistic ecosystem.

Here's what we're aiming for:

I want to create a supportive and inclusive environment for photographers of all levels, always putting our collective growth before individual gains.

I want us to promote the work of local photographers and help them gain more visibility, encouraging each other to push our creative boundaries and perspectives.

I'm working to foster a culture of curiosity, learning, collaboration, and awesome cross-community partnerships.

And ultimately, I want us to contribute to Cleveland's cultural vibrancy by capturing its essence and supporting local initiatives through our photography.

A Community That Lifts Each Other Up

For me, photography is so much more than just snapping pictures; it's about telling stories, sharing perspectives, and building genuine connections. Here in Cleveland, we're on a mission to create a photography community that's truly open, genuine, and a true reflection of the city's vibrant spirit. But to get there, I know we need to be really intentional about what we stand for — and what we leave behind.

No More Gatekeeping: Creativity Grows When Everyone Feels Welcome

Gatekeeping — whether we mean to do it or not — can really stifle creativity and make people feel left out. In Cleveland, we've sometimes seen how new photographers or those with different styles are sidelined. But I truly believe that creativity thrives when everyone feels safe to contribute, experiment, and learn. At Forest City Collective, I'm committed to breaking down those barriers and inviting all voices to the table. Your perspective truly matters, no matter your experience level or background.

A Few Don’t Represent the Whole: Cleveland’s Richness Comes From Its Many Unique Perspectives

Too often, it feels like just a handful of voices or styles dominate the conversation, making it seem like there's only one way to be a “Cleveland photographer.” But our city is so beautifully diverse, with neighborhoods, people, and stories that absolutely deserve to be seen and heard. Forest City Collective celebrates the full spectrum of Cleveland — its people, its places, and its moments. I want every member to feel empowered to share their unique vision.

“Community” Means Genuine Support and Connection

The word “community” gets tossed around a lot, but for us, it means something much deeper. It's about truly lifting each other up — sharing knowledge, offering encouragement, and creating opportunities for growth. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, you'll find a network of people who genuinely want to see you succeed. Together, we're building more than just a group — we're building a family.

Content With Meaning and Heart: Telling Stories That Matter

It's so easy to get caught up in chasing likes and trends, but Forest City Collective is about more than just pretty pictures. We value images with meaning — photos that tell a story, evoke emotion, or shine a light on something special. Whether it's a quiet street corner, a bustling market, or a candid moment between friends, I believe every image can have heart.

Cleveland Is Pretty—But Let’s Celebrate the Grit, Too

Cleveland is undeniably beautiful, but its true character comes from its grit and resilience. We want to honor both the polished and the raw — the iconic landmarks and the overlooked corners, the sunshine and the rain. By embracing the full range of what makes Cleveland unique, we create a more authentic and compelling visual story of our city.

Playing It Safe for the Gram? Let’s Push Our Creative Limits

It's tempting to stick with what works, especially when social media seems to reward certain styles. But real growth happens when we take risks and try new things. Forest City Collective encourages you to experiment, collaborate, and step outside your comfort zone. Whether it's a new technique, a different subject, or a bold edit, we're here to support your creative journey.

Here’s to an open, genuine, and truly representative Cleveland photography scene!

At Forest City Collective, I'm building something special — a community that’s open to all, genuine in its support, and truly representative of Cleveland’s spirit. Together, let’s create a photography scene that lifts each other up, celebrates every voice, and tells the stories that matter most.

Join us on Instagram & Discord, and let’s make Cleveland’s photography community the best it can be — for everyone.