Imposter syndrome. Self-doubt. Uncertainty. It’s all super familiar territory to *everyone* in our field (yes, even the pros). So if you’re feeling it, know you’re not alone. Hit play on this episode for a comforting reality check and helpful strategies to cut through the nerves so you can focus on confident creativity.
How to put imposter syndrome in the back seat
Insecurities and worries about your abilities as a creative easily pop up…
especially as you are moving from being an enthusiastic photographer of anything that moves in front of your camera to really trying to be a more structured storyteller…
They are frequent and annoying.
“Am I really a good enough photographer to make an impact in conservation photography?”
“Where do I need to get to be taken seriously as a conservation photographer… and will I ever get there?”
“Can I really ever call myself a conservation photographer or will I be forever faking it?”
Pretty much everyone has had these thoughts at one point or another (or worse, at many frequent points…).
It’s very tough state of mind because you set up your own roadblock.
And life already has enough roadblocks!
So in this article, we dive into why these thoughts pop up and what to do about them – including strategies that are SUPER helpful for when you’re in the moment, amidst the swirl of doubt, and you need a lifeline to pull you out.
The Struggle of Self-Doubt
As photographers, especially those of us focusing on conservation, it’s easy to let insecurities creep in.
Whether it’s questioning our technical skills, creative abilities, or even our right to call ourselves conservation photographers, these doubts can be paralyzing.
One of my coaching clients recently shared that they feel they need a certain number of publications under their belt before they can truly be considered valid. It’s almost as if they’re pretending to be impactful until they reach that magical number.
I’ve seen this come up time and again in survey responses, emails, and conversations. People wonder, “Am I really good enough to make a difference?” It’s a tough state of mind to be in, and it’s something that every creative person struggles with at some point.
Imposter Syndrome: It’s Real and It’s Relatable
Imposter syndrome is something most of us face, no matter how experienced we are.
I remember feeling it acutely during a recent speaking engagement. There I was, presenting to 150 people, and the entire time I had a voice in my head questioning everything I said. “Is this right? Do I sound like an idiot? Will my peers agree with me?”
It was a constant battle to remind myself that I knew my stuff and deserved to be there.
Even with years of experience and numerous accolades, that doubt never fully goes away. But acknowledging it and learning to work through it is crucial.
You can feel insecure and brave at the same time.
It’s all about flipping the script and turning those doubts into productive thoughts.
Flipping the Script
When those doubts creep in, ask yourself more productive questions. Instead of getting stuck in a cycle of “Am I good enough?” try shifting your mindset.
For instance, before a big photo shoot, you might feel overwhelmed and unprepared.
In those moments, ask yourself, “What can I do to set myself up for success?”
Maybe it’s practicing with your camera, researching your subject, or talking to a trusted mentor.
These small steps can build your confidence and help you move forward, even when you’re scared.
The Worst That Can Happen
A great strategy to overcome self-doubt is to ask yourself, “What’s the worst that can happen?”
Often, our fears are inflated and unrealistic.
Breaking down the potential outcomes can help you see that they’re not as catastrophic as they seem.
For example, if your camera breaks during a shoot, you can rent one. If you don’t get the shots you need, you can talk to the editor and ask for more time.
There’s always a solution.
Who Loses Out If You Don’t Try?
As conservation photographers, we have a responsibility not just to ourselves but to the species and habitats we document.
When you feel like you’re not good enough, ask yourself, “Who loses out if I don’t go for this?”
Your work has the potential to raise awareness, drive conservation efforts, and inspire others. If you hold yourself back, it’s not just you who misses out—it’s the entire cause you’re passionate about.
I once heard a story about a photographer who always raised his hand for opportunities to talk about his project. When asked why he was so brave, he said, “If I don’t do this, the species I’m photographing loses out. I speak for that species.”
This mindset shift can be incredibly powerful.
It’s not about you; it’s about the impact you can make.
Building Confidence One Step at a Time
Sometimes, the best way to overcome self-doubt is to take small, manageable steps.
If a big project feels overwhelming, break it down into smaller tasks.
Each step you complete builds your confidence and moves you closer to your goal.
For instance, if you want to pitch a story but feel insecure, start by drafting an outline or doing a bit of preliminary research.
These smaller actions can help you gain momentum and reduce the fear of failure.
Remember, it’s okay to feel insecure.
It’s okay to doubt yourself.
But don’t let those feelings stop you from pursuing your passion and making a difference.
Conservation photography is not just about capturing beautiful images; it’s about telling important stories and driving change.
You are capable of incredible things, and the world needs your voice and your vision.
So, take that first step.
Ask for help if you need it.
Break down your goals into manageable tasks. And most importantly, remember that your work has value, and your efforts make a difference.
You’ve got this!
