Case Study 1 — From Informal Gatherings to a Structured Community
Origins — A Local Need for Marketing Support
What began in 2024 as a trial initiative has grown into a loyal community of professional photographers in Poole, Bournemouth and the wider Dorset area. The sessions were started by Zoe Hiljemark, a Poole‑based PR and marketing consultant, to help photographers step out from behind their desks and get practical marketing help and peer support. These meetups quickly became regular occasions for local pros to connect, share ideas, and encourage each other — particularly in an industry where many work solo. (Yahoo News UK)
Result:
Photographers reported that attending these sessions boosted their confidence and consistency in promoting their work, and helped them feel less isolated in running their businesses. (Yahoo News UK)
Case Study 2 — Relaunch as “The Photo Marketing Community™ (Dorset)”
2026 Expansion & Structure
From January 2026, the series of meetups will be relaunched under a new name and format — The Photo Marketing Community™ (Dorset) — reflecting a long‑term commitment to supporting the local creative industry through structured, recurring learning events. (Yahoo News UK)
Key elements of the 2026 programme:
- 10 in‑person events planned across the year
- Each session runs 2 hours (usually 9 – 11 am)
- Most meetups are on the last Wednesday of the month (with exceptions in August and December)
- Events focus on marketing strategy, business growth, networking and peer support for photographers of all genres and experience levels. (Eventbrite)
This marks a shift from more informal gatherings to a community framework that encourages sustained learning and accountability throughout the year. (Eventbrite)
Case Study 3 — Community Impact & Participation
Who It Helps
The event series is tailored for professional photographers who earn income from their images and want to grow their business through better marketing. Members come from a range of specialisms, such as:
- Wedding and portrait photography
- Commercial and brand photography
- Event photography
- Fine art, documentary and lifestyle photography (zoehiljemark.com)
How Members Benefit
Attendees share that these meetups provide:
- Practical marketing insights from an experienced PR/marketing consultant
- Peer networking and collaboration opportunities
- Inspirational discussions on what’s working now in photography marketing
- Boosted motivation and accountability for implementing marketing strategies
- A welcoming environment where business challenges and wins can be shared without pressure. (zoehiljemark.com)
Some member comments featured on Zoe Hiljemark’s site include sentiments such as:
“It’s great to meet other local photographers who you can bounce ideas off.” — Local attendee
“These events are great — I always pick up useful tips!” — Another participant (zoehiljemark.com)
Planned 2026 Meetup Schedule
Typical 2026 meetup dates include (subject to change):
- January 28
- February 25
- March 25
- April 29
- May 20
- June 24
- July 15
- September 30
- October 21
- November 25
(August and December have special or no events.) (Eventbrite)
This schedule shows a consistent, monthly rhythm that encourages photographers to build skills and connections over time rather than attending isolated events. (Eventbrite)
Comments & Community Sentiment
Host’s Perspective
Host Zoe Hiljemark, who has over 10 years’ experience supporting photographers with PR and marketing, emphasises that the goal of these meetups is:
- To create a community, not just a networking event
- To help photographers be visible, confident, consistent and growth‑oriented
- To give practical, implementable marketing advice tailored to photographers’ unique needs (zoehiljemark.com) Participant Feedback
Local photographers highlight the supportive and collaborative nature of the meetups — valuing:
- The opportunity to share real‑world marketing challenges and solutions
- Non‑competitive interaction with peers
- Insights that directly impact their business promotion and visibility (zoehiljemark.com)
These comments show that the meetups are not just social gatherings but meaningful business development opportunities for those earning a living through photography. (zoehiljemark.com)
Why the Expansion Matters
Professional Development in a Creative Industry
Photography remains a competitive field — not only in taking great images but in getting those images seen and booked by clients. These meetups provide targeted support that goes beyond technical skills, focusing on how to market, brand and grow a photography business effectively. (zoehiljemark.com)
Filling a Local Gap
Before this initiative, many photographers in the region lacked local, photography‑specific marketing support. By growing into a structured community throughout 2026, these meetups fill that gap and give professionals a space to learn practical business marketing from an expert and from each other. (Yahoo News UK)
Networking & Collaboration Opportunities
Regular meetups also foster collaboration, referral partnerships and peer encouragement — all of which help photographers sustain and grow their businesses in a collaborative way. (zoehiljemark.com)
Summary — Key Points
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Initiative | Photography marketing meetups in Poole, Dorset |
| Origins | Informal gatherings since 2024 led by PR and marketing consultant Zoe Hiljemark (Yahoo News UK) |
| Relaunch for 2026 | Now called The Photo Marketing Community™ (Dorset) with planned monthly meetups (Eventbrite) |
| Target audience | Professional photographers focused on business growth (zoehiljemark.com) |
| Typical meetup structure | 2‑hour in‑person sessions with discussion, networking and expert advice (Eventbrite) |
| Community value | Supportive, non‑competitive peer space with marketing guidance (zoehiljemark.com) |
Here’s a case‑study–style look with real examples and community comments about how Photography Marketing Meetups in Poole (Dorset, UK) are expanding in 2026, showing what the initiative is, how it’s evolving, and how local photographers are responding:
Case Study 1 — From Trial Events to “The Photo Marketing Community™ (Dorset)”
Origins & Initial Impact
What began in 2024 as an informal series of in‑person meetups in Poole has grown into a loyal, supportive community of professional photographers focused on marketing and business development. These events were started by Zoe Hiljemark, a PR and marketing consultant with over a decade of experience supporting photographers, to help local pros share ideas, build confidence and improve how they promote their work. (Yahoo News UK)
Local photographers from Poole, Bournemouth and the wider Dorset area regularly attend, reporting that the meetups help them feel less isolated, stay motivated and be more consistent with their marketing. (Yahoo News UK)
Outcome:
The demand and positive feedback across Dorset triggered plans for a much bigger 2026 programme rather than a few ad‑hoc gatherings. (Yahoo News UK)
Case Study 2 — 2026 Expansion & Formal Structure
Relaunch as a Structured Community
From January 2026, the events are relaunching as The Photo Marketing Community™ (Dorset), with an annual calendar of meetups and a more intentional structure to support ongoing professional development. (Eventbrite)
Key features of the 2026 programme:
- 10 in‑person meetups spread across the year, mainly monthly. (Eventbrite)
- Regular schedule: typically held on the last Wednesday of the month, with exceptions in August and December. (Eventbrite)
- Each session runs for 2 hours (9 – 11 am) and blends networking with practical marketing input. (Eventbrite)
Example dates include:
- January 28, February 25, March 25
- April 29, May 20, June 24
- July 15, September 30, October 21, November 25
(August and December have no regular events; December has an optional festive lunch instead). (Eventbrite)
This reflects a shift from a trial format to a planned, year‑round development hub for local photography professionals. (Eventbrite)
Case Study 3 — Participant Experience & Comments
Peer Feedback at Previous Meetups
Photographers who have attended these events have shared direct comments on the value they get from them — emphasizing support, connection and practical insights: (zoehiljemark.com)
“If you are local you really need to get yourself to these events… you get to meet other local photographers who you can bounce ideas off.” — Samantha Prewett, Photographer (zoehiljemark.com)
“Zoe is a PR/marketing guru… we get to ask her advice and learn from other pros.” — Fiona Moorey, Photographer (zoehiljemark.com)
“These events are great… I get so much out of it and always pick up useful tips!” — Celine Ingle, Photographer (zoehiljemark.com)
These testimonials illustrate how the group provides practical support, encouragement and confidence boosts — especially valuable for photographers who often work alone. (zoehiljemark.com)
Case Study 4 — Community Goals & Benefits
Core Purpose of the 2026 Meetups
The objectives for the expanded 2026 programme include:
Supporting professional growth: Monthly meetups give photographers consistent access to marketing insights tailored to their industry. (Eventbrite)
Building local networks: The meetups provide space to connect with peers, share challenges and discuss marketing tactics that really work today. (Eventbrite)
Providing hands‑on expertise: Hosted by a seasoned PR and marketing consultant, the meetups emphasize strategies for visibility, consistency and motivation in business. (Eventbrite)
Peer encouragement: By meeting regularly, participants support each other’s marketing plans, fostering collaboration over competition. (zoehiljemark.com)
These meetups go beyond photography technique — they are business‑focused, helping photographers translate their creative skills into sustainable, visible businesses. (Yahoo News UK)
Expansion Commentary & Strategic Importance
Why Poole & Dorset Photographers Welcome This
- Many professional photographers in Dorset work solo and lack local, business‑oriented networking. The community fills that gap by giving them practical support and belonging. (Yahoo News UK)
- The formal 2026 calendar lets professionals plan ahead and commit to growth, rather than just attending sporadic events. (Eventbrite)
Expert Host Perspective
Zoe Hiljemark, the organizer, has said that the purpose of these meetups is to help photographers feel more motivated and confident in how they market their work — crucial skills for creative professionals in a competitive market. (Yahoo News UK)
Summary – What the 2026 Meetups Represent
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Initiative name | The Photo Marketing Community™ (Dorset) |
| Location | Poole, Dorset, UK |
| Purpose | Support & grow photography marketing skills |
| Origins | Started informally in 2024 |
| 2026 Format | Structured, regular monthly sessions |
| Participants | Professional photographers (various genres) |
| Benefits | Marketing guidance, networking, motivation |
Overall Commentary
Participants:
Local photographers value that these meetups are supportive, friendly and practical — focusing on real marketing goals rather than technical photo skills. (zoehiljemark.com)
Host/Organizer:
The structured 2026 schedule shows a commitment to long‑term community building, with opportunities for accountability, networking and sustained business growth. (Eventbrite)
Strategic Outlook:
By formalizing and expanding these meetups into a community that runs through most of the year, Poole is creating a replicable model for other creative sectors — one where peer support and expert insight help independent professionals thrive.
Key Takeaways
- Expanded programme for 2026 with a formal monthly schedule and community structure. (Eventbrite)
- Photographers report stronger confidence and consistency in their marketing efforts after attending. (Yahoo News UK)
- A supportive, non‑competitive networking space that blends business advice with peer collaboration. (zoehiljemark.com)
- Long‑term commitment to local creative business development in Dorset. (Eventbrite)