Interview with Bold Journey
I recently met with Bold Journey Magazine to talk about experiencing imposter syndrome as a professional photographer. We touched on everything from personal challenges to advice I would give to others just starting in their careers. Read more below!
Kyler, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is the persistent feeling of self-doubt and inadequacy despite evident accomplishments. As a photographer, overcoming this self-sabotaging belief is challenging, but the growth and transformation I experienced made me more robust than ever before.
When I first picked up a camera, I was still very new to social media and had not discovered the thousands of other people “exactly like me.” Expressing the early days of my creative journey without comparing myself to others was great because I posted regularly without thinking about what others might be doing. But as I started to learn the ropes of social media, I began to wonder if this was something I could actually keep up with. The allure of social media, with its growing audience and potential for recognition, proved to be both a blessing and a curse for my photography journey. Initially, it served as a platform to showcase my creativity and connect with like-minded creators. But as I delved deeper into the world of photography on social media, the shadows of imposter syndrome started to cast doubt on my abilities.
As I discovered more photographers with stunning portfolios and massive followings, I couldn’t help but compare myself to them. Every scroll seemed to magnify the gap between their apparent success and my progress. The sense of inadequacy grew like a relentless storm cloud, threatening to dampen my passion and creative spirit. I found myself hesitating before posting a photo, questioning whether it was good enough to be shared. The pressure to maintain a consistent stream of captivating content took a toll on the joy I once found in photography.
Amid this internal struggle, I took a step back to reflect on why I started this journey in the first place. I reminded myself that photography is a form of self-expression and a way to capture the beauty of the world around me. With this realization, I decided to challenge the imposter syndrome that had taken hold of me. I reframed my perspective, embracing that growth is a personal journey, not a race to outshine others.
Overcoming imposter syndrome in photography, or any creative field, requires a shift in perspective. Instead of seeing your peers as competitors, view them as fellow travelers on the same creative path. Engaging with other creators can foster a supportive community where you can learn from each other, share experiences, and celebrate each other’s successes.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a Northern Michigan commercial and lifestyle photographer who believes every moment deserves to be captured. Whether it’s commercial, lifestyle, or portrait photography, I want to bring visions to life through the art of photography. Regarding my work, I want potential clients to know that I am not just another creative professional but a dedicated partner invested in their success. I believe in building long-term relationships based on trust, open communication, and mutual respect. I value the power of storytelling, and through my work, I aim to create compelling narratives that leave a lasting impression on audiences. My ability to combine creativity with a deep understanding of my client’s objectives distinguishes my work.
Beyond photography, I am fortunate to be a part of the marketing team at Boyne Mountain Resort, where I leverage my skills and creativity to contribute to the resort’s success in the competitive Michigan tourism industry. In my role, I am responsible for creating captivating social media content, managing website projects, and ensuring the resort remains a key player in the market.
Combining my experience in photography and marketing, I have developed a unique perspective that enables me to go beyond just capturing beautiful images. I understand the significance of aligning visual storytelling with strategic marketing goals to elevate brands and engage audiences effectively. This holistic approach sets my work apart and helps my clients achieve their desired outcomes.
I am genuinely passionate about what I do, and this enthusiasm is reflected in every project I take on. Whether collaborating with businesses for commercial campaigns or capturing life’s precious moments for families and individuals, I bring the same level of dedication, creativity, and professionalism to every endeavor.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey as a young creative, three qualities or skills stand out as the most impactful in shaping my success and growth. These key elements have not only enhanced my professional capabilities but have also contributed to my personal development. For anyone early in their journey, I believe these three aspects are instrumental in building a solid foundation for a rewarding and fulfilling career:
Creativity and Adaptability:
Creativity is the lifeblood of both photography and digital marketing. It empowers me to envision unique concepts, compositions, and campaigns that capture the essence of a brand or story. Creativity goes beyond photographs and content; it involves pushing boundaries, experimenting with new ideas, and continuously seeking inspiration from different sources. However, creativity is most impactful when paired with adaptability. The industry landscape is constantly changing, and trends evolve in an instant. To thrive in photography and digital marketing, you must be open to change and embrace new technologies and platforms. Embracing adaptability allows me to remain relevant and find solutions to challenges that arise in my projects.
Advice: Nurture your creativity by exploring various sources of inspiration, engaging in brainstorming sessions, and creating content about things you enjoy. Remain curious and never stop learning your craft. Embrace the change with a growth mindset, and see challenges as opportunities to refine your skills.
Technical Proficiency:
Both photography and digital marketing require a solid understanding of technical aspects. In photography, knowing how to operate your camera, utilize different lenses, and master editing styles can elevate the quality of your work. In digital marketing, proficiency in various tools, analytics platforms, and understanding the nuances of different social media algorithms are crucial for effective campaigns. This technical proficiency enhances your ability to produce good work and instills confidence in your clients or employers.
Advice: Invest time in learning the technicalities of your craft through courses, workshops, and online resources. Practice regularly to reinforce your skills. Stay updated with the latest tools and trends in the industry for digital marketing, and don’t shy away from exploring new software and platforms.
Effective Communication and Collaboration:
Photography and digital marketing are inherently collaborative fields. Building strong relationships with clients, models, and team members is crucial for success. Effective communication ensures that all parties are aligned with the project’s objectives. Moreover, a digital marketer must communicate a brand’s message clearly and engagingly. This extends to social media engagement, customer support, and content creation. Understanding your target audience and tailoring your communication to resonate with them is a powerful tool in any marketer’s arsenal.
Advice: Hone your communication skills through active listening and clear expression. Practice delivering feedback constructively and maintaining open communication with your team and clients. Embrace collaboration, as it often leads to fresh perspectives and innovative solutions.
Cultivating these qualities and skills can open doors to countless opportunities and enable you to create meaningful work. To those starting their journey in these fields, I encourage you to foster your creativity, embrace change, continuously refine your technical skills, and prioritize effective communication and collaboration. With a dedication to growth and a passion for your craft, the possibilities are endless.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
As a photographer and digital marketer, one of the primary challenges I face is finding models for photoshoots. While the creative aspect of my work brings me immense joy, sourcing suitable models to bring my visions to life has been a consistent obstacle. I am leveraging digital resources and building meaningful connections within the northern Michigan community to overcome this challenge.
First, I am utilizing social media platforms and online networks to widen my reach. Engaging with local photography and modeling groups on social media is also beneficial in connecting with aspiring models who want to collaborate. I also established a professional and visually appealing website that showcases my work and provides a dedicated section for model casting calls.
Beyond the digital landscape, I recognize the importance of fostering relationships with existing models and fellow photographers. Referrals from models who have previously worked with me can be invaluable in finding new talent. Networking with photographers who may have a surplus of models or have successfully tackled similar challenges can also provide valuable insights and potential partnerships.
While finding models for photoshoots is an ongoing challenge, I am actively pursuing a well-rounded strategy to overcome this obstacle. By leveraging the power of digital marketing, networking with fellow creatives, and refining my approach, I am confident that I will continually build a reliable pool of models who are enthusiastic about bringing my creative visions to life.
