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Personal Reflection/Anecdote

The DKG Cell Phone Photography Visionary Network
(Photography Network)
The pilot group for the Photography Network consisted of six DKG members from two countries
(Canada and the United States) and representing six chapters within five state organizations (Alberta,
Tennessee, North Carolina, California, and Virginia). Four of the participants were professionally active,
and two were retired. Experience levels with digital photography ranged from inexperienced to comfortable
to very experienced. Five participants used iPhones and one an iPad for their photography.
The photography group decided on four meeting dates, based on availability of members. Zoom was
the platform of choice. The group decided to meet for an hour—with a “hard stop” at 1 hour 15 minutes if
we needed extra time to finish a discussion. We initially
tried to share photos through Google Slides but ultimately
found that a private Facebook group for our Photography
Network worked best. We selected a private Facebook
group because we did not want non-participants sharing
photos and commenting.
During the online Zoom sessions, participants shared
their photos with the group, provided feedback on each
other’s photos, and shared material for expanding our
knowledge of cell phone photography. Between these
live, online sessions, we maintained communication
through email, with reminders sent out by Becky, who
also provided the Zoom links.
In June 2024, we both provided feedback to DKG
International Second Vice President (2022–2024)
Connie Rensink regarding our thoughts on the Visionary
Network pilot, with special emphasis on our experience
and suggestions for future offerings. In July, four of the
six participants met in person at the 2024 International
Convention in National Harbor, Maryland. Inspired by
the professional friendships, resulting camaraderie, and
gratitude for this opportunity, we decided to write an The private Facebook group of the pilot
article about our experience so that other DKG members Photography Visionary Network is still active.
could learn about the initiative and so we might help
generate interest in the networks.
For the purpose of this article, we each first independently responded to seven mutually agreed upon
questions (see below); then read the other facilitator’s responses; and finally, collaborated on a discussion
and conclusion.

1. Why do you think you were selected to be a co-facilitator? Why did you decide
to serve as a co-facilitator? Did you have any concerns about serving as a co-
facilitator? Do you suggest continuing to use co-facilitators?
Janis: I think I was chosen because I am extroverted, have presented at many conferences, and have
taught every grade level from kindergarten to doctoral candidates. I actively post on social media,
even on the North Carolina State Organization DKG page, and have been a chapter president. Also,
I am a “self-dubbed” urban street photographer and photojournalist. For 16 years, I have posted a
feel-good photo a day, with accompanying information about Greensboro, North Carolina. I decided

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