Imposter Syndrome In Photography
What is Imposter Syndrome In Photography and HOW to conquer it.
WHAT IS IMPOSTER SYNDROME IN PHOTOGRAPHY?
If you struggle with Imposter Syndrome, know that you are not alone. It is something that A LOT of entrepreneurs struggle with - especially photographers. Imposter Syndrome occurs when individuals feel undeserving, inadequate or like a "fake". It's that feeling of "I really have no idea what I'm doing".
For example, many photographers are completely self taught and did not go to school for or get a degree in photography. They may feel like they are "winging it" and are 'just lucky" when it comes to taking great pictures.
The fact is, there are thousands of very successful photographers who did not attend college at all, who have never taken a technical photography class of any kind, and that is all perfectly okay.
HOW DOES IT BEGIN?
The truth be known, anyone can be an entrepreneur. All it takes is being good at something, wanting to turn it into a business, and understanding "How" to effectively RUN a business. Many times, entrepreneurs are self taught and learn their craft through experience.
I speak to thousands of photographers each year who stumbled upon being a photographer quite by accident. They started taking pictures and posting them on social media. People began telling them that they were very good at creating images - many even advised them that they should "start a business". And this is how it all begins.
MULTIPLE WAYS TO SKIN A CAT
As the saying goes -- There are multiple ways to skin a cat.
This also applies to photography. There are many ways in which you can take a picture - You can shoot in manual or you can shoot in a number of other settings - aperture priority, shutter priority, auto iso and even plain auto. You can shoot in jpeg or you can shoot in raw. You can edit in photoshop, lightroom, adobe camera raw or you can use one of hundreds of different editing applications or software - there are even editing apps for your phone. And the fact is, no two people do it the same.
Variety in shooting, in editing programs and editing styles is what allows you to be YOU.
THE BIGGEST DOWNFALL OF IMPOSTER SYNDROME
Imposter syndrome can actually be quite stifling. Sadly, it is one thing that keeps people from moving forward and moving ahead in business.
It sometimes prevents people from posting their images in FB groups. It sometimes prevents people from submitting images to magazines. It often prevents people from charging more for their work. There are all kinds downfalls to imposter syndrome. In fact, it can mean the difference between becoming successful and remaining stagnant.
HOW TO CONQUER IMPOSTER SYNDROME If you suffer from imposter syndrome, here's what you should know:
You are definitely not alone and the feeling of imposter syndrome is quite common among photographers - Even The BEST photographers.
You should try and conquer these feelings - sometimes the best way to do that is to begin with understanding WHY you feel this way and understanding that no matter how you achieve your end results, it's YOU that is achieving them and there is no right or wrong way to do it.
Probably the biggest thing I see people struggle with when it comes to business, is something you really cannot fake -- it's the "running a business" part of being a photographer. While many can take amazing pictures and can create incredible images, there are also MANY photographers who do not success because they do not understand "how to successfully run a business". Understanding the business part of photography is a challenge for lots of people. Don't be afraid to get help if you need it.
The BEST Way to conquer imposter syndrome is to take a leap of faith. Post those images in our FB group. Don't be afraid to submit your images to our magazines. Hashtag us when you post to instagram. Don't hide - In fact do your best to BE SEEN!
FINALLY, GET THE HELP THAT YOU NEED TO RUN A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS
learn "how" to run a business.
get the help you need - build your confidence - raise your prices
learn more about the "most common fears" that photographers have and find out how you can beat them to the curb.
See What Photographers Are Saying
If you have experienced Imposter Syndrome, do not let it dictate your life and your success in business. You are creating gorgeous images. You deserve to be successful. You've got this! Let me know how I can help you. Check out the business classes on our website and read some of the testimonials from photographers who have changed their businesses and their feelings about their work. YOU can do it too!
Message me on facebook if you have questions or think you might need some help
Beverly Williams
Owner and Publisher
Senior Year Magazine - Teen Years Magazine and Infinity Photography Magazine www.senioryearmagazine.com
