How Do I Overcome Imposter Syndrome?
DEAR DEVLIN…
In this week’s Dear Devlin, Lisa explores a question most creatives ask themselves at least once in their career – How Do I Overcome Imposter Syndrome?
I’ve been really struggling with imposter syndrome recently. Mostly in a technical aspect as I’m self-taught. I’ve never been to college or uni and when I first started out I thought I couldn’t be a ‘real photographer’ until I had studied properly. I learned bits here and there from my peers or from workshops and I started getting work and it just snowballed. I charged low until I was confident I was producing good work and I’ve built up my price point and I’m not struggling with bookings which is great!
However recently I’ve made some mistakes or bad calls at Weddings (for example I should have used a flash and didn’t or my settings have been off for family photos or I don’t think my images are sharp enough and not in a cool way) and ultimately I’ve delivered work that I haven’t been happy with. I haven’t had any complaints but personally, I’m aware of it and I’d be embarrassed for any of my peers to see it. Where do I go from here? I know there a plethora of information online however, I struggle to learn like that.
It feels like admitting I don’t know or asking for help from people I know in the industry would be embarrassing. It’s not a lack of experience, it’s technical knowledge and I’m just unsure how to go about learning because workshops are all about content these days. For the most part, I do think my work is good but I want to be better.
Most photographers find themselves grappling with Imposter Syndrome at some point in their careers
Dear Feeling Like A Fraud,
Firstly, let me assure you that you’re not alone in grappling with imposter syndrome. It’s a common challenge that many photographers, both self-taught and formally educated, face at some point in their careers.
Your openness about your feelings is commendable, and it’s a testament to your commitment to growth. When we are in times of Fake It Till You Make It, it takes guts to admit that you have knowledge gaps.
NAVIGATING IMPOSTER SYNDROME:
1. Acknowledge Your Achievements:
We humans are prone to negative self-talk and focusing on the bad over the good. So before we dive into solutions for you,
I suggest you take a moment to recognise your achievements so far. You’ve built a successful photography business from the ground up, gradually increasing your prices and securing bookings. This is a significant accomplishment and a testament to your skills.
There’s nobody else generating that income for you and I’m sure that you have many satisfied customers. I suggest getting a Glory File. What the heck is a glory file I hear you ask – simply a place where you accumulate all the nice things people say about you. It might be a folder on your desktop full of positive feedback emails and reviews or it could be a pin board covered in thank you cards. It’s a place you can go to when the imposter syndrome kicks in and you need some reassurance that you are bloody good at this.
2. Seeking Help is Strength
It takes courage to admit when you need help. Imposter syndrome often stems from an unrealistic expectation of perfection. Understand that everyone, regardless of their background, encounters challenges and seeks guidance. Hell, I’ve built an entire business on helping photographers so you are very far from the only one.
REMEBER: LEARNING IS ONGOING
Photography is a continuous learning journey.
. Even seasoned professionals encounter situations where they reassess and refine their techniques. Embrace the fact that growth involves acknowledging areas for improvement. I assume that you are not charging a very high rate and in this industry the rate should be reflecting your experience. When you go to the hairdresser you can opt for a level that suits your budget from junior to senior stylists. I think it’s similar with us and part of paying the mid and lower rates is that the service provider still has some experience to gain. The only way to truly learn this craft is out in the field and I can see that you have a good understanding of where your knowledge gaps are.
PRACTICAL STEPS TO ENHANCE TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE
1. Online Help:
While you mention struggling with online learning, there is a world of hands-on technical training on YouTube. Have you looked at British photographer Neil Redfoern on there? he has lots of practical learning. We have lots of bite-size classes in The Barn with shooting tips, reading light, and using flash. We also have a series called Mechanics looking at camera functions in there.
2. Books:
I also did not formally study photography. One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was at the point where I would have applied for a degree in photography. A photographer who was mentoring me at that point said not to bother with uni as it was so theory-based. He said quote “Get your ass to London and start making contacts and doing work experience”. He wasn’t wrong and alongside getting experience at shoots, I worked my way through books on how to master photography. There are some great ones around that come with exercises that will give you that practical knowledge that you need. I highly recommend getting some books by Michael Freeman. I think you will get on well with his straightforward, practical way of teaching. The Photographer’s Eye was like a bible to me.
The Best Practical Tips for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
FROM A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
3. Mentoring and Workshops:
Consider reaching out to experienced photographers in your network for mentorship. Many professionals are willing to share their knowledge and provide guidance. It’s not a sign of weakness but a proactive step towards improvement. Seek out workshops that incorporate practical sessions and allow for one-on-one interactions. This way, you can address specific technical challenges under the guidance of an experienced instructor. Although a lot of the wedding industry is focused on portfolio content now, there are still some like Thrive where you can learn from your hosts.
4. Peer Review:
Don’t be afraid to share your work with trusted peers for constructive feedback. Honest critiques can be invaluable for pinpointing areas of improvement and gaining different perspectives. Or I offer website/portfolio reviews that can give you perspective plus an honest appraisal of your work and how best to present it.
MOVING FORWARD
1. Focused Practice:
Dedicate specific sessions to practice and refine the technical aspects where you feel less confident. This could involve experimenting with different lighting setups, practicing with your camera settings, or honing post-processing techniques.
2. Embrace Mistakes as Learning Opportunities:
Understand that mistakes are an integral part of the learning process. Instead of dwelling on them, view them as valuable lessons that contribute to your growth as a photographer. Your biggest growth is in your mistakes.
3. Second Shoot:
Even two decades in, I like to second-shoot weddings when I can. This means that I can have access to a real wedding but there’s not the pressure to come up with all of the money shots. It can be a great opportunity to experiment, to try new techniques and figure out what can be improved and how.
Even those senior stylist hairdressers go on training days and refresher classes, like us, there are always new techniques to learn and skills that can be brushed up on (pun intended).
Mastery is in the journey, not the destination…
I spent much of my career thinking someone was going to tap me on the shoulder and say ‘You are making this all up as you go along’ but at some point, I leaned to accept that feeling as part of who I am. I have been on stage at conferences and asked a room full of photographers to raise their hands if they feel like imposters and incredibly most of the room will put their hands up which makes me think who actually believes they should be here?
Remember, every photographer, regardless of their background, continuously evolves and refines their skills. You’ve already demonstrated a high level of resilience and dedication plus an ongoing desire to improve. You are going to be fine.
CAN I HELP WITH YOUR
PROBLEM?
Drop me a note with any industry issue that you might have and I will do my best to offer up some advice.
After a couple of decades as a wedding photographer, the chances are high that I will have some experience that might be relevant or have some insight into what your best course of action could be
The process is 100% anonymous, so feel free to share whatever is on your mind currently and know that this is a safe place.
