One of the things that I didn’t expect with this whole ‘being a human’ thing was getting to meet and hang out with all the other ‘humans’, and being introduced to people who are experts in their social media fields in order to learn from them. (Okay, so I really didn’t think any of this through at all did I??)
The highlight of the experience for me so far has been meeting the other humans who are part of the Human Brochure. It is because of their company and contributions that I have been able to enjoy the Discovery Events so much. We are an eclectic bunch, and bring different strengths and levels of engagement to the event. Which means that it is fun getting to know other people, but also means that I am now viewing everyday life around me in a very different way. There are some extremely talented and dedicated photographers in the group. As a result I look at the spectacular sunset out my back window each day and know that it will be captured, and captured beautifully, by at least 3 or 4 of my fellow humans. Following them on Instagram is a delight! People with a passion sharing their passion in beautiful images is a wonderful way to spend some time each day!
I am sure to leave someone out if I try to recommend photographers to follow from the group, so instead will recommend that you look at the feed on the website to see the daily amazing images these people post!
There are amazing food bloggers, elite athletes, mummy bloggers, people who can manage to be using social media for instant responses while still holding down their day jobs, Uni students, fashionistas, and the list goes on. Some have a massive social media following, while others are smaller and more ‘niche’. What we all have in common is that we use social media, and we love living in Canberra!
The organisers of the Human Brochure arranged two different sessions for we 101 to spend time with experts in the field of social media. The first session was held with two travel writers, Kerry Heaney and Christine Pfieffer. 
It was interesting hearing their advice on using social media from the travel perspective. Some of it doesn’t translate well to those using social media for business etc, and some of their experiences were quite different from mine, but it was certainly a privilege to hear their perspectives. Kerry is a food and travel writer, while Christina specialises in travel video blogs. Her list of photographic equipment certainly had a few members of the audience getting animated!
The second was an Instawalk with Australia’s top Instagrammer, Lauren Bath. I didn’t really know what to expect of an Instawalk, but soon realised that whether I learnt anything about using Instagram more effectively or not, it was a great way to meet more of the ‘humans’. We had a rainy grey morning, but with the Sculpture Gardens of the National Gallery close at hand, the conditions made for some awesome pictures! And we did get to pick Lauren’s brain about the most effective ways to use Instagram to promote Canberra (our aim in the brochure) and generally.
The interesting aspect of all of this, however, is that many of the ‘humans’ are in fact experts already, so learning from them has been of benefit to all of us. The photographers have been sharing their tips, lenses and shoots with each other – professional and non-professional, and many a discussion has been had over twitter vs Instagram, how to manage a number of platforms, and various other aspects of social media. Which means that the learning isn’t confined to the two workshops – it is ongoing and collaborative, and really quite inspiring! I know that I am going to walk away from this experience with a whole lot more than just a deeper knowledge of the town that I live in. New friendships and new skills are the absolute icing on the cake!
