Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a Photographer: 5 Tips to Build Confidence and Grow Your Business
- Malia Ditto
- Sep 22
- 6 min read
Do you ever feel completely inadequate as a photographer? Maybe there’s a little voice whispering in your ear, “you haven’t been doing this long enough, there are already so many photographers out there, your work isn’t good enough….”
If that sounds familiar, you’re NOT alone. Imposter syndrome is one of the biggest things that can hold you back from growth as a photographer.
I’ve struggled with it throughout my entire career.
Even to this day, I find myself sometimes comparing my work to others and questioning whether I measure up.
When I first started photography, I rarely felt competent. I didn’t feel qualified to take photos- let alone get paid for them. I would see sooo many amazing photographers on social media producing work far better than mine and get insanely discouraged about my own abilities.
I remember a couple times being ready to throw in the towel. Especially in the beginning, I would leave sessions thinking, “I could have done so much better,” or “that didn’t go the way I hoped.” Babies cried, I messed up my settings, the sun went down faster than I thought it would… so many things felt out of my control. The perfectionist in me wanted to give up immediately after things didn’t turn out the way I’d expected.
More photos from the early days...
But I truly believe the reason I am where I am today is because I didn’t give up. I kept going. In fact, I pushed harder against the inadequacies and used those feelings to propel me to learn more and do more. I found ways to innovate. Dug deep to figure out what wasn’t working. Changed some things. Learned new techniques. Found inspiration, and pushed through the negativity.
Some of my recent, favorite work:
As I’ve connected with and mentored lots of photographers, I’ve realized that this is a universal struggle. Comparison is nearly impossible to avoid in today’s social media-driven photography world. But I’ve also learned that there are real, practical ways to overcome it.
Here are some of the strategies that helped me grow in confidence and build a photography business I love:
Use Social media with Intention:
Social media is a double-edged sword. It can be inspiring, but it can also be discouraging when you start comparing yourself to photographers who have been shooting for years. I sometimes find myself getting sucked into a hole of scrolling through incredible photographers’ work, only to unglue myself from my phone feeling sad and overwhelmed because my work will never be like theirs. The key is to be active, not passive when using platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook. Instead of mindlessly scrolling, engage intentionally:
Interact with others: Comment, message, and like posts that genuinely inspire you. This turns social media into a tool for connection rather than comparison.
Look for inspiration, not competition : When you see photos you love, instead of instant comparison, pause and ask yourself why you love that image. Is it their use of light? The natural way they capture moments? Take notes and try incorporating those elements into your own work. You can even reach out to photographers to ask questions—you’ll be surprised how many are willing to share.
Create more than you consume: Social media can be an amazing tool when used as a place to learn and connect instead of a place to measure your worth.
Some of my favorite photographers that I look up to:
Say you’re a Photographer
This one may feel small, but it’s powerful: own your title. When someone asks what you do, don’t downplay it with, “I take photos” or “I do photography.” For years, I avoided calling myself a photographer because I didn’t feel “good enough.” But over time I realized that confidence in your work starts with how you talk about it. Now, when people ask, I say: “I’m a senior portrait photographer.” Sometimes I even add, “If you ever need photos, let me know!” The more you speak confidently about what you do, the more opportunities you’ll create. Even if you feel like you’re faking it at first, trust me—it works.
Accept yourself and be unique.
One of the greatest antidotes to imposter syndrome is authenticity. Every photographer has a unique perspective. Light, color, connection, and joy truly speak to me. For others, it might be motion blur, moody tones, or unconventional angles. Lean into what inspires you and let it shape your style. When I go into a session, my goal is to truly get to know my clients and let their personalities shine through each image. That’s what makes my work feel authentic and aligned with who I am. You were inspired to pick up a camera for a reason. Find that reason, embrace it, and let it guide you.
Remember your “Why”
When you feel down, when you don’t want to keep going, when you’re scared to put yourself out there because you don’t feel good enough… remember why you started. Do you love to capture authentic moments? Want to share the way you see the world? Document the lives of people you care about? Provide for your family? Create impact? Draw back to those reasons continuously, and you will find a renewed sense of meaning and purpose to your work. It may give you the courage to take a scary leap in your business.
I personally started taking photos because
I love people and helping them feel confident
I find joy in beauty
It's a way to express my creativity.
To keep these “whys” at the center of everything I do, I try to keep my business as human-centric as possible. I see each session as a way to love and serve those around me. What does it look like for you to keep your "why" at the center of your business?
Set Goals for your Photography/Business
Finally, one of the most practical ways to quiet that negative voice in your head is to set clear, realistic goals. When you give yourself something concrete to work toward, you shift out of endless overthinking and into action. Instead of staying stuck in your head trying to ‘figure it all out,’ you create real-life experiences that prove your growth to yourself. This may look like setting a goal to photograph five sessions this quarter, or finally launching your website (even if it’s not perfect yet). Each small step helps you gather evidence that you are capable, skilled, and growing. Eventually you'll reach a point where you can experience flow during your sessions... complete immersion in a task where challenge and skill align.
Photography will always bring new challenges- different lighting conditions, new clients, new locations- that stretch you. The question is, are you willing to practice 1,000 times, even when fear tells you you’re not good enough? If you set goals with the intention to serve—asking, “What do I want to bring into the world through my photos?”—you’ll see that fear shrink a little more each time. Imposter syndrome fades when you consistently show up, create, and prove to yourself that you are a photographer.
Lastly, I want you to remember this: You will never stop feeling imposter syndrome if you’re growing. Real progress happens when you stretch yourself beyond your comfort zone. I know this firsthand. When I first started photography, I questioned everything—my skills, my worth, whether anyone would ever actually pay me. But each time I set a goal and followed through, whether it was booking just one client, learning a new editing technique, or showing up consistently online, I built a little more confidence brick by brick.
Looking back now, I see that what once felt like shaky baby steps became the foundation for a business that not only supports me but also brings real value and joy to my clients’ lives. Imposter syndrome is like driving with the parking brake on- you’re still moving forward, just with unnecessary resistance. Once you release that brake by taking steps to overcome it, you’ll find yourself flying into new opportunities and growth, like a car finally speeding freely down the highway;)
Keep setting those goals, keep practicing, and one day you’ll look back and realize you’ve built something far bigger and more beautiful than you ever imagined!
If you're interested in my presets, want to improve your editing, or just need a fresh start with your photography, here are some links you might want to check out!
Location Guide Template for Photographe
Love you all MUCHOOOO! Please reach out if you ever have questions about anything!
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