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How to Kick Impostor Syndrome to the Curb (Or at Least Keep It in Check)

October 24, 2024

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Let’s get real for a minute—impostor syndrome is something almost every photographer deals with, no matter how long you’ve been in the game. Yep, even after eight years in business, with 99.99999% happy clients (literally, I’ve only had one disappointed client), I still feel that nagging voice of self-doubt creeping in. It’s normal, especially if you’re anything like me and your anxiety loves to chime in. But here’s the thing: it’s not about eliminating impostor syndrome completely. It’s about learning how to live with it, manage it, and not let it stop you from doing what you love.

So, if you’re feeling that “I’m not good enough” voice getting louder, here are some tips to help you manage it and stay confident behind the camera.

1. Acknowledge It, Don’t Fight It

First off, let’s acknowledge that impostor syndrome happens to the best of us. It’s that sneaky voice that says, “You’re not good enough” or “They’re going to realize you don’t know what you’re doing.” Guess what? Every creative person out there, no matter how seasoned, has felt this way at some point. So when it pops up, don’t try to push it away or ignore it—acknowledge it. Remind yourself that it’s normal, and you’re not alone in feeling this way.

2. Control What You Can Control

One thing that helps me manage my impostor syndrome is focusing on the things I can control. The more you prep and feel in control of a session, the more confident you’ll be. Here’s how I do it:

  • Scout the Location: If it’s a new spot, I always scout the location ahead of time. That way, I know where the light is best, what angles work, and I have a game plan ready. It takes so much pressure off during the actual session.
  • Have a Game Plan: Before every session, I run through a mental checklist. What poses am I aiming for? What vibe do I want to create? Having a plan helps me stay on track, even if the session doesn’t go 100% as expected (because, let’s face it, sessions with kids rarely do!).

3. Invest in Education (Confidence Booster Alert!)

Feeling unsure behind the camera often comes down to not fully trusting your skills yet, and that’s where education can make all the difference. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel when snapping photos. If camera settings, lighting, or posing still give you anxiety, dive into some good courses and level up your knowledge. I created my Photo Formula course exactly for this reason—to help photographers master the skills they need, without the overwhelm. The more confident you are in your abilities, the quieter that impostor voice gets.

4. Trust Your Body of Work

Whenever that self-doubt creeps in, I remind myself of the fact that I’ve made it this far. I’ve built a successful business, had almost every single client walk away happy, and created images that I’m proud of. Sometimes, you just need to take a step back and look at your own work. You’re way better than you think—trust that.

5. Embrace the Fact That You’ll Always Be Learning

No one has “made it.” We’re all works in progress, no matter how long we’ve been at this. Instead of letting the fact that you don’t know everything stress you out, embrace it. Being a photographer (or any creative, really) is about constantly learning, evolving, and improving. That’s part of the fun, right? There’s always something new to explore, and the fact that you care so much about getting better means you’re on the right path.

6. Find Your Support System

When I’m feeling stuck in a rut or letting anxiety take over, having a support system of other photographers (or friends) makes all the difference. Sometimes just talking through a rough session or sharing your latest work with someone you trust helps ease that doubt. Surround yourself with people who get it and who can give you the encouragement you need.

7. Remember Why You Started

At the end of the day, impostor syndrome is just fear dressed up in fancy clothes. But you didn’t start this journey to live in fear. You started because you love capturing moments, creating art, and telling stories. When you’re deep in doubt, remind yourself why you picked up the camera in the first place. That passion is what drives you, and it’s way stronger than any doubt could ever be.

So, next time impostor syndrome hits, remember—you’re not alone, and it doesn’t have to control you. Focus on what you can control, keep learning, and trust your journey. You’ve got this. And if you need an extra boost of confidence, my Photo Formula course is here to help.

Cheering for you friend!

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