photo: provided by Christopher Stiles Instagram

Hosts: Melissa Lynn Oddo (deMelis Atelier & Stitched Collective) Matthew Banever (Bards Clothing)

Summary:

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Stiles from Photography Stiles and Lens and Light to explore what it really means to build community in the creative world. We talk about the power of vulnerability in leadership, the value of sharing knowledge instead of guarding it, and how blending different photography genres can spark unexpected growth. Chris shares how Lens and Light fosters a culture of emotional intelligence, collaboration, and curiosity—helping photographers grow not just in skill, but in mindset.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Leadership through vulnerability: How admitting you don’t know everything fosters safer, more collaborative environments.
• Niche up, not down: Why Lens and Light intentionally blends photography genres to encourage unexpected skill-sharing.
• Community over competition: Shedding ego to build a culture where everyone grows through knowledge-sharing.

Takeaways:

• Confelicity: noun – Pleasure in another’s happiness.
• The most successful communities are built on openness, not gatekeeping.
• Cross-discipline conversations spark innovation and skill advancement.
• Everyone has something valuable to teach—and to learn—regardless of their niche or experience level.

Links:

• Christopher Stiles Photography – Married photographers specializing in weddings and engagements, aiming for authentic images.
• Lens & Light Photography Summit – New England Photography Summit | Knowledge & Networking for Photographers
• Rising Tide Society – Rising Tide brings small business owners together to collaborate and share their diverse perspectives and expertise. 
• Shannon Bialy – I provide an elevated wedding photography experience to classic couples all over Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.
• With Love & Oats® Fine Art Dog Photography – Professional, customized fine art pet photography outdoors and in studio for those who love their pets like family. Based in Connecticut and available for travel. Founder of the With Love & Dogs Project.
• Joe McNally Photography – Joe McNally is an American photographer who has contributed to National Geographic. He is based out of New York City and resides in Ridgefield, Connecticut.
• Ron Lemelin Photography – Photographer specializing in weddings, maternity, and high-school seniors.
• Pure Love Bakery – Started in 2016 by two sisters Karen Gauvain and Lynn Seery, Pure Love Bakery is the go-to place for the best gluten-free breads and baked goods around!