Have you ever felt like a fraud waiting to be exposed? That’s exactly how I felt when I traded financial plans for photo shoots, embarking on a whole new career in photography after 20 years as a Chartered Financial Planner.
Yet here I am, continuing to capture images in the Surrey Hills and learning to trust the process and my abilities every day.
Making the career change from an award-winning financial planner to a professional photographer required a reinvention of my identity. My biggest battle has been the persistent fear of not being “good enough” in a new profession where I was a novice despite decades as a hobbyist photographer.
Here is how I have been coping with imposter syndrome.
1 – Acknowledge the feeling, then set it aside
First and foremost, it’s worth recognising that imposter syndrome is a common experience. Everyone I speak to has experienced it, to some extent, during their career.
The more driven and successful you are, the more imposter syndrome likes to raise its ugly head.
Whenever I’ve had that nagging doubt that I didn’t belong among a group of seasoned photographers, I’ve reminded myself that every expert was once a novice.
Acknowledging the feeling of imposter syndrome as a natural part of growth rather than a true reflection of my professional shortcomings has helped me move forward.
2 – Invest in learning
In my old world of retail financial services, continuous professional development was part of my routine. My professional body required me to carry out at least 50 hours of CPD each year.
Investing time in workshops and online courses and practising relentlessly has helped improve my skills and strengthened my confidence.
Each time I master a new technique or style, it’s a nail in the coffin of any imposter syndrome.
3 – Seek feedback, not validation
When I started as a professional photographer, I constantly sought reassurance that my work was “good enough”. Over time, I shifted my focus from seeking validation to seeking constructive (and qualified) feedback.
Approaching my work like this helps turn potentially disheartening comments into valuable insights, driving my professional growth and helping me see real progress in my work.
Who are you asking for feedback?
4 – Celebrate small wins
Every shoot that secures an emphatic response from my clients, every print that brings a smile to their faces, and every repeat client is a win.
These wins remind me that the value of my work is genuine and appreciated.
I can build a real sense of accomplishment and belonging in my new career by celebrating these milestones.
5 – Connect with peers
Spending time with other photographers, both novices and veterans, is another invaluable way to overcome imposter syndrome.
By sharing experiences and challenges, I feel less alone in this career.
Networking with other togs helps remind me that we all share similar fears and obstacles, regardless of our experience and expertise.
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Making a move from finance to photography has taught me more about resilience and self-belief than I ever imagined.
If you’re considering a career pivot, or struggling with imposter syndrome in any field, remember that growth often comes dressed in discomfort.
Trust your ability to learn and adapt, and let your work speak for itself.
