The photographer’s guide to overcoming imposter syndrome

business

It's super normal to feel imposter syndrome, regardless of your photography experience level!

The best way to face imposter syndrome head on is talking about our experience – because it’s often the overwhelming belief that we “lack experience” that leads our inner narrative to tell us we’re not good enough.

What is experience?

The definition of experience is, “a state of having been affected by or gaining knowledge through direct observation or participation,” meaning you need to do things in order to learn them. Do not let your lack of a portfolio discourage you from pursuing your goals – it is absolutely normal to build a portfolio as you're doing things for the first time!

Sometimes it means taking an hour to play with your camera to experience how to change the lens, change your aperture, or how to correctly expose on your meter. If you're a wedding photographer, it might take a couple of shoots before you feel totally confident directing big groups for family photos.

At the end of the day, you’ll learn from doing. What you need to know is just because it's your first time, doesn't mean you shouldn't be charging or you shouldn't be doing the job. If you have enough experience, then you can charge for the work!

You already have experience

If you’re an adult who’s held different jobs, who's got family, friends and hobbies, you’ve already gained experience from the many things you've done throughout your life.

For experience to count, it doesn't have to be the exact same thing as your next project or goal. To work for a high-end jewelry client, photographing your friend’s rings, or working in a similar setting with small objects is enough. Remember, experience is simply the act of having done something and gaining enough knowledge through it to perform the task again.

You unique experiences matter

I want you to think about all of your non-photography related skills and experiences. Make a list of everything and leave nothing out! If you have experience in marketing and sales, social media, HR, education, or working as a server, write it down. Even babysitting or dog walking jobs you had when you were 16 years old – anything you've ever done is a skill! Are you a good cook, were you a great student, or are you the one that always organizes plans with your friend group? These are all excellent skills to have.

These things all matter, because from my experience shooting events and working with families, business-to-consumer work is 80% people management and 20% photography. So whether you have photography-related or people-related skills, you already have a lot of relevant experience that you can lean into to feel more confident.

More likely than not, a photography career requires working with people, and at the end of the day, how you make others feel is what people will remember.

You are good enough

As you can see, imposter syndrome is a nasty thing that convinces you you’re not a good enough photographer, when it’s completely untrue.

You do not need years of photography experience to be confident enough to start shooting your friends and family, collaborate with brands or book paid clients. It’s your unique lived experiences, plus the practice you put into your craft that will give you confidence.

So the next time you’ve got an exciting project in the works and imposter syndrome knocks on your door, don’t answer. Instead, just start where you are right now!