As a photographer, I want to lean more into what I love as a person—action sports, specifically snowboarding and mountain biking. I also want to do branding or any sort of imagery for companies involved in those areas because I have such a great passion for them. I believe that the more I involve myself with people who are at my level or better, the more I’ll continue to stay on my toes and learn. I always want to be around someone who’s better because that’s how you grow, provided they’re willing to help or want to advocate for me. They don’t necessarily need to be a mentor, but just someone who can push me or make me feel welcome in the industry.
I’m trying to learn how to market myself in a world where you need to continually push the boundaries of your comfort and knowledge. Sometimes, I personally feel like I’m just not that good. I am anxious, and I deal with depression a lot. I’ve been working on that, but sometimes I don’t have the confidence, which stems from my childhood. It’s been really hard for me to dig deeper into wanting to get certain shots because I don’t feel like I belong or have the confidence to get into certain spots or talk to certain people. I struggle with imposter syndrome daily and feel like everyone else knows all these things—whether it’s because of their experience or maybe they went to school for it. I didn’t go to school for any of this; I’ve just been learning on my own, observing, and figuring things out. I don’t always have the correct terminology or formal knowledge, and that fuels my imposter syndrome even more.
This is definitely the industry I want to be in because it reflects who I am. I love being outside, pushing myself, and the beauty of these sports lies in their individuality—you’re essentially up against yourself and your own capabilities, continually pushing your own limits. My next steps are to continually add to my portfolio and shape it toward companies in the outdoor industry. I need to continue to work, meet people, and put myself out there, even though I constantly battle with imposter syndrome, anxiety, depression, and not feeling like I’m part of the industry. These are the mental games I deal with daily, but I’m committed to rising above them, knowing that I am worthy, I am good enough, and my photos are just as good, if not better, than some of the work I see out there.
I’ve heard negative feedback about my work; one instance was meant to hurt me personally, while others were more direct feedback that bordered between constructive criticism and just criticism. I recognize that this is the nature of the business—it’s hard to hear, but sometimes those things are meant to be heard. They push you to think about your photography, video work, or whatever you’re doing in the media world, and ideally, they give you a boost to improve. Hopefully, this feedback comes from someone you care about and respect so that you won’t take it too hard and let it deflate you.
The media world is a mixed bag, a giant pool that breaks down into subgroups depending on the type of industry you’re shooting in. You might be doing photos or video of athletes for their sponsors or just the brand itself. Even within sports photography, you’ll meet people who have been around forever and worked their tails off to get where they are. Some of these people will welcome you, show you the ropes, and be supportive, while others might be territorial, feeling like you don’t deserve to be there. Some may haze you or refuse to give you the time of day, either because of what they went through or because that’s just who they are. This can be difficult and frustrating, and if you let it get to you, it can lead to isolation and fuel your imposter syndrome even further.
It’s important not to let these things cripple who you are or what you want to do with your camera. It’s tough—it’s really fucking hard—but at the end of the day, I try to remind myself that I’m doing all right. Others may be going through their own struggles, but I’m on my own path. There’s also the reality of territoriality in the industry, and while I hope that fades, it’s something you might have to go through. The truth is, this world will continue to be saturated with media, so there are a ton of jobs out there. The challenge is figuring out how to get into those jobs, where to go, and who to talk to. You’ll encounter territorial people, but you might also meet that one person who opens doors for you. It’s not about taking advantage of that in a negative way—it’s about being ready when skill meets opportunity and not letting the challenges take the wind out of your sails.
Key Takeaways to Overcome the Humps in the Media World:
1. Build Resilience: Develop thick skin to handle criticism, whether it’s constructive or not. Use it as a tool to grow rather than something that holds you back.
2. Network Authentically: Focus on building genuine connections with people who can open doors for you. Remember, it’s about skill meeting opportunity.
3. Keep Learning: Even without formal education, continue to observe, experiment, and self-teach. Never let the lack of traditional schooling make you feel inferior.
4. Self-Affirmation: Regularly remind yourself that you’re on your own path. Use words of affirmation and self-care practices to maintain your mental health and confidence.
5. Stay Ready: Always be prepared to seize opportunities when they arise. Keep your skills sharp and your portfolio up-to-date.
6. Navigate the Industry’s Dynamics: Understand that the media world has its territorial people, but also its supporters. Focus on the positive relationships and learn from the tough ones.
7. Embrace the Journey: Accept that the media industry is competitive and challenging, but don’t let it deter you from your passion. Continue to push forward, knowing that your work has value.
