E12: The Best Photography Community: How Sabrina Gebhardt Built a Creative Sisterhood

If you’ve ever cried into your keyboard while editing 1,000 photos and wondering, “Does anyone else get how lonely this job is?”—hi, you’re in the right place. Because today we’re talking about the best photography community that’s changing lives, businesses, and mindsets, and it’s all thanks to the absolute powerhouse that is Sabrina Gebhardt.

Sabrina isn’t just a business coach—she’s the connector, the gatherer, the real-talk queen who built a photography community that actually feels like community. Vulnerability? Required. Ugly cries? Encouraged. Deep biz breakthroughs and finding your business besties? Basically guaranteed.

This all started back in 2020 with a free mastermind she threw together mid-pandemic. Now it’s evolved into a thriving ecosystem of support with masterminds, retreats, The Round Table, and alumni events that feel like summer camp for grown women with Lightroom catalogs.

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Why Sabrina’s Community is Actually Different

We’ve all joined the group with the ghost town vibes—where everyone’s lurking and no one’s talking. This is NOT that.

What makes this the best photography community?

• It’s intimate AF. From week one of her mastermind, Sabrina sets the tone: vulnerability, honesty, and showing up messy are the rules of the game.
• She curates like a boss. Sabrina doesn’t just let anyone in—she’s intentional AF. The OG mastermind had an application and was free, and STILL she vetted each woman to make sure the vibes were right. That’s how you protect a culture.
• Her coaching is intuition meets strategy. Guest speakers change every round, based on what photographers actually need in that moment—money mindset, feminine energy, SEO, Pinterest, you name it.

This community isn’t a box you check—it’s a lifeline. And for women photographers who are running solo shows, juggling kids, dreams, and burnout, that connection is EVERYTHING.

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Root to Rise, The Round Table, and Why 40% Come Back For More

Sabrina’s flagship mastermind “Root to Rise” runs for five months and includes calls, coaching, a retreat, and personal development books (yes, she makes sure we’re well-rounded humans). But get this—40% of participants repeat the program. Not because they didn’t get what they needed, but because they did—and they want more.

Then there’s The Round Table—her low-ticket, high-impact membership for photographers and creatives who want ongoing support without the burnout. It’s evolved into a magical vortex of voice memos, guest trainings, and peer coaching—and honestly, some lifelong friendships.Want to build a business without losing your mind? Start here. And show up. Camera on, heart open. Your people are waiting.

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Finding Your People Isn’t Optional—It’s Vital

This episode was a love letter to every photographer who’s ever felt alone in this biz. Sabrina’s biggest advice? You have to put yourself out there. Post the selfie. Go to the dang conference. Join the Zoom call—and unmute.Want in on the magic? Head to smonsonphotography.com to see how community has transformed Sarah’s biz. And check out Reset Conference—our favorite space to meet your next biz bestie IRL