You are a community-minded person who is effectively refusing to offer these classes and jobs to your local for community for fear of competition. I find it extremely frustrating as a working mother of 3 school aged children who doesn't have the time nor the money to study full time for a year or travel out of town in order to learn skills that may or may never be profitable money-wise. It seems like nobody wants to just pass on the craft anymore, they are too concerned about putting themselves out of business or somebody stealing their ideas. It's disheartening.

Dear anonymous, sorry that you feel this way and thank you for recognizing that I am community minded. Loving thy neighbour is a huge part of who I am professionally and personally. I don't feel I have to justify my professional decision, however I would love for you to understand it better. I currently have three local people working with me, two whom I am mentoring in photography. I have three other photographers that I mentor, one in Powell River, one in Vancouver and one in Victoria. They are able to call me to talk about their clients, photography challenges, business issues and more - we have no conflicts of interest and I can therefore give to them 150% and go out of my way to support their endeavours. On another note, I feel now more than ever, photographers are actively working to pass on their craft and to share their knowledge. Locally the photography community supports and encourages each other in many different ways - it is healthy and positive competition. If you wish to have a deeper understanding of my policy, I am happy to chat with you about it - so give us a ring.

So I'm wondering then, would the same situation happen with any other type of business? If someone was to open a new hair salon/coffee shop/shoe store, would they expect to learn from the existing businesses how to run their business?

If I were closer and weren't in bed with another awesome photographer, I'd be the first to apply for this position! As a photography studio on the mainland, we have benefited greatly with our relationship with you and your team. You have generously shared a wealth of information and encouragement with us. We would not be where we are today if it wasn't for your willingness to share your craft and passion with us! We love you and deeply appreciate our friendship with you.

I'm not sure of any professional who would want to train their competition (especially not in a small town!!!), and I don't imagine that those who have in the past have lasted very long! Karen is the most generous "giver' I have ever met in my life. Her whole life and business is about "giving", and she does it without a thought in her mind. To suggest otherwise is extremely shortsighted.

It's unfortunate that "anonymous" doesn't have the time, money, or availability to devote to researching a career in photography. If you aren't sure if those elements are going to be profitable in the long run, then the profession probably isn't the right fit - it's definitely not the "easy money" side career that many Moms think that it will be... (speaking from experience!). I would suggest researching some of the great forums available and starting there.

As for those who are interested in this position, it is an amazing, fun experience! You get to experience the best day of people's lives every weekend - there's something super special about that!

A non-compete is standard procedure when working for any one who does something special, creative, and lucrative. I have both signed them in the past, and had employees sign them when working with me. An artist must trust those she's working with, and that develops over time. You take a chance any time you "let some one in" and give up your trade secrets, not to mention your client list! I say, good on ya Karen!

Thanks folks, it is a policy I thought about deeply and I appreciate the understanding

I did not mean to insult or offend, my comments come from frustration. I just want to learn from people who are good at what they do and I am tired of asking for help from photographers and being ignored. I don't have the luxury of taking university courses or going out of town. I do read forums, magaziines, blogs, books etc. I have no plans to become professional but what happens if that changed? I'm sorry, again, my intention was not to offend.