Dealing with imposter syndrome - it’s been a big year
This past year has been lots of big emotions and changes. Imposter syndrome is something that is always circulating around me. It’s been a year of grief, life changes, new memories, and opportunities. As I have delved into being a freelance photographer this past year it’s been an insane journey of doubt and excitement.
For me there has been so much newness. Learning how to navigate working for myself while Newley being single after a long term relationship has been exceptionally challenging but optimistic. I had to relearn who I was not just emotionally but creatively. As well as grieving a very close family member I have been determined to make photography a bigger part of my life.
Throughout this journey I have learned that imposter syndrome never goes away but it’s something I will have to learn to cope with. I’m pretty sure it’s a universal feeling for most artists and creatives right?!? We all struggle with it I’m sure. This is just a dump of my brain thoughts and my experience with it over the past year. I always knew I wanted to do photography since high school and never really pictured myself doing anything else. I’ve worked countless jobs that society deems reliable, but they make me bored, unsatisfied and left feeling a bit empty. Photography has always been that part of me that makes me feel connected.
Growing up I watched my family members camera in hand at all times. Documenting the big and small moments. I was always fascinated by the idea of stopping time and capturing light, color and spaces in such a way. I went on to study photography in college which brought me to analog photography. This made sense to me. Over the years I’ve grown a fondness for the process of taking images then developing my own negatives. It’s connected me to myself in ways I can’t explain. I then started to connect with other folks who felt the same way. Bringing me many amazing friends and opportunities into my life.
Since last September I have put photography in the forefront. Taking jobs ranging from real estate to hotel shoots to weddings and so on. I’m starting to figure out what I enjoy and don’t enjoy shooting. As I continue this journey, I'm learning to embrace the uncertainty and trust my creative instincts. The imposter syndrome may linger, but so does the passion that keeps me moving forward.
Mainly imposter syndrome for me can look like:
My brain constantly cycling through ways I can improve
Creating endless to-do lists that never get finished
Doubting my work and the progress I've made
Hitting creative walls
All these things are essentially all in the same. To combat these feelings? I’m still trying to figure it to be completely honest with you. I try to remind myself that i am proud of myself for the work I have created. I try to remember that every milestone big or small is just a part of it. Even if a rejection comes along I remind myself that it wasn’t meant for me. I truly believe that the universe works in mysterious ways. That the opportunities, jobs, and people will find their way.
It’s tough and I don’t think will get any easier. I think maybe I will get used to this feeling and learn to let it ebb and flow when it needs to. I’ve heard it’s part of the process?
Anyways if you have read this far I really appreciate it. Thanks for letting me ramble a bit. To many more photographs, memories and learning in 2026!
