Insecurities, Imposter Syndrome, and Doing It My Way

As a photographer, I often find myself battling insecurities and imposter syndrome. It’s not just about the technical side of shooting—it’s the voice in my head that asks, “Who do you think you are? What makes you think you can call yourself a photographer?”

There are moments when I feel completely confident, when everything clicks, and I know I’m exactly where I need to be. But then those whispers creep back in, reminding me that I don’t always fit the mold.

A couple of years ago, I made a decision that shaped the way I approach photography: I stopped trying to imitate what I saw in magazines or on social media. Instead, I leaned into my own style—not because I wanted to stand out, but because it was the only way that felt honest to me.

And that’s when the imposter voice shows up most loudly. Because the moment you step outside the box and stop following the “rules,” doubt makes itself known. People have told me I should add more color, compose differently, or edit my work a certain way. But forcing myself into someone else’s version of art never felt right. What feels right is creating images the way I see and feel them.

I think a lot of us feel this in different parts of our lives, not just photography. Maybe it’s in our jobs, or in parenting, or even in relationships. That nagging thought that we don’t measure up—or that someone else could do it better—creeps in. But I’ve realized those feelings don’t mean we’re not good enough. More often, they mean we care deeply about what we’re doing.

When I look back, some of my best growth has come during the seasons when I felt the most insecure. Those were the moments I had to push through the doubt and keep creating anyway. And every time I did, I came out the other side stronger, with work that felt more true to me.

I’ve learned that imposter syndrome isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes it’s proof you’re on the right path—that you’re not copying, not conforming, but actually following your heart. And that takes courage.

If you’re feeling that same way, take it as a sign. Keep going. Keep creating what feels aligned with you. That’s where the real magic lives.