The SheClicks community for female photographers has launched SheClicks Connect, a new online space designed to give members a more organised way to share work and keep conversations going beyond the limitations of social media.
Founded by regular AP contributor (and former technical editor) Angela Nicholson in 2018, SheClicks has grown from a small Facebook group into a community of more than 15,000 women.
Time to connect
The new platform has been developed following feedback from members, including a community survey, focus group discussions and testing. One of the strongest themes to emerge was frustration with social media algorithms and the difficulty of relocating useful conversations once they disappear down the feed.
Integrated directly into the Members’ Area of the SheClicks website, SheClicks Connect gives members a more organised and searchable space for photography conversations.
The platform features discussion areas covering everything from general photography chat and the monthly photography challenge to editing and constructive critique, competitions, regional groups and genre-specific interests.
There are also dedicated areas for users of different camera and lens systems, making it easier for members to share advice and experiences with photographers using similar equipment. New challenges have also been introduced to help spark inspiration, provide fresh ideas and encourage members to spend more time behind the camera.
Members don’t need a separate account or app as Connect uses the same login details as the main SheClicks website and Challenge upload system, allowing members to move between the different areas with a single sign-in. Members can also personalise their profiles with profile pictures, biographies and links to their websites and social media accounts.
All discussions are private and visible only to registered SheClicks members. Alongside the launch of Connect, SheClicks has introduced two additional features aimed at helping members build real-world connections.
During the launch phase, all areas of SheClicks Connect are free to access. ‘Longer term, the general discussion area and selected sections will remain free, while more structured areas will move to a low-cost membership model priced at £3 per month or £20 per year,’ said Angela. ‘Subscribers will also receive an advert-free experience across the SheClicks website.’
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