Or at least that’s what you keep telling yourself, right? I have news for you – you’re not alone – not by a long shot. Many photographers – those just starting out and even veteran photogs – read themselves the riot act on a regular basis. Before you throw your business off a bridge, we’re going talk about WHY you can’t see your inner superstar and then do our best to fix the glitch. This three-part blog series will help you see that you truly aren’t alone in your mindset. Because, you know what? Your photography business really doesn’t suck, despite what you tell yourself. So, come on, rock stars, let’s sort out the fatal errors that make us believe the lie that, our works sucks.

Fatal Error #1: Comparison

With social streams constantly in front of your face, it’s easy to base the value of your photography business on LIKES, SHARES, and lack thereof. You might take a break mid-edit to check Facebook and see Susie Shootsalot’s last photography session going viral, while yours has two measly likes and one of those was from your mom. Big sigh. It’s okay, superstars. We can evade the evils of comparison and, in the next post, I’ll tell you how.

Fatal Error #2: Imposter Syndrome

Creative folks are typically inspired by what’s around them – including and especially other creatives. I’m sure you could rattle off a list of your favorite photogs, right? You have their pages favorited; you stalk them on Instagram; you tune into their Periscopes; you get all their notifications; and, you’re all up in their photography sneak peaks like it’s your job. What’s Susie Shootsalot going to do next? And, good gracious, how does one person possess SO MUCH creative genius? Save some for the rest of us, Susie!!

When we’re enthralled with someone else’s M.O. it’s super tempting to try to copy it. Maybe you’ve even tried it, but it’s just not quite the same and sure doesn’t get the LIKES and SHARES that Susie’s photography does, right? This is just another path to that loud obnoxious voice in our head telling us we suck. Don’t worry, superstar, we’ll fix this, too.

Fatal Error #3: Insecurities

Ok, straight up, does any of this sound familiar?

• “If I only had a better camera and more expensive lenses.”
• “If I only went to art school.”
• “If I only had more followers on Facebook.”
• “If I only had one photo that went viral.”
• “If I only understood my camera better.”
• “If I wasn’t just seen as a mom with a camera.”
• “If only I had her personality…”
• “If I just had more photography experience.”
• “If I just had better branding.”

There may even be some not-so-nice photographers around who further compound all of these insecurities by making intimidating remarks to newbies like you (ssssh, don’t tell anyone, but their photography once “sucked” too!). Let me tell you something, friends, your photography is awesome because of the unique and creative way YOU see things. It doesn’t boil down to your camera, lenses, or even perfect understanding of photography.

It’s all about your vision!

It’s SO HARD to overcome insecurities, though, when you’re putting yourself out there – sometimes with no feedback or affirmation in return. You are absolutely not alone and we can fix this, too. It will be okay, you’re just being way too hard on yourself.

want to hear the good news ABOUT YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS?

Now we’ve identified the issues and, in the second part of this three-part series, we’re going to learn how to make a mental shift to get away from that inner-voice telling us that we suck. We can do this and we will do it together. Have anything to share about self-doubt in your photography business? Check-in in the comments section below and let us know.

XOXO,
Cyrissa

PS – There’s more to this story, but I only share my inner-most thoughts with my beloved photographers on my email list… and I’d love for you to join us!  Click here to join us and I’ll also send you a free mini-workshop with the answers to the five questions you MUST ask before starting your business!