Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is something nearly everyone in the creative arts experiences. Its when you feel as if you’re not good enough and someone’s going to find out you don’t have the skills or creativity. This is always a lie you can’t help but tell yourself. In this blog I’m going to tell you about my most resent time I felt I had imposter syndrome and what I use to combat the feelings.

In my last photoshoot, I felt like the whole time I didn’t have any good ideas, locations, backgrounds or poses I liked. Every photo felt like it wasn’t good enough and I couldn’t make a single good image. Definitely isn’t a healthy mindset for sure but I keep on shooting and trying new things. Every idea felt like it wasn’t good and every location didn’t feel interesting. I spent a few hours trying and trying but felt as if it was a waste of time. By the time I started editing the images I started to love them. Weird right?

So, what changed in between the photoshoot and the editing? I changed my mindset back to normal and had more of an objective view on the photos rather than my irrational mindset I had at the shoot. The shoot only came out well because even though I was questioning all my photos I was still taking photos constantly and trying new things even though I thought it wouldn’t work. By putting my ego and feelings aside I got some of my most creative shots. That’s the key, to push through and do it anyway. You could say it’s one of my life rules to keep on going and always keep pushing. Hesitating and doing nothing is way worse than getting some bad shots. By doing nothing you don’t learn or grow. I do know a lot of the time it’s easier said than done but it’s always worth it in the end.

You should also encourage others that are feeling Imposter syndrome because sometimes they just need someone to tell them that they are going in the right direction. This kind of stuff is always easier when you have people supporting you and you can support others. It’s so much easier to change your mindset when someone can help direct you.

In the end imposter syndrome sucks, there’s no doubt about that. That doesn’t mean you should stop it means you should push harder than before. This doesn’t just apply to photography, it includes painting, drawing, sculpture even stuff that isn’t creative like sports or careers. No one starts at the top you must work for it, ignoring the negative feelings and the doubters that say you can’t. So, keep pushing for what you want and don’t stop for anyone.