How to Get Over Self Doubt and Imposter Syndrome

As a photographer, and human being, there are always going to be times of self doubt and feeling like an imposter. I find it helpful to deal with self doubt by looking back at where I used to be compared to where I am now. It also helps me to keep moving instead of dwelling on the self doubt. Creating new work is what propels me forward.
Imposter syndrome and self doubt are felt be everyone at all levels.
Follow along on Instagram @paulrutherford_
Check out my images at www.paulrutherfordphotography.com
As always, leave any questions in the comments!

[@Paul_Rutherford]

What gets you excited to create?

[@sn4rl277]

I think seeing other peoples work and how they do it. These video's are super helpful. I am no Pro, just a Hobbyist. But I someday want to do this as a side hustle. Thanks!!!

[@Paul_Rutherford]

@@sn4rl277 Thanks for watching!

[@MatiasMatusAcebo]

Does this video helps? Yes, it does! Last weekend I had one of my most important assignments. I was all excited about it and game day arrives. Stadium sucks, lights sucks, heavy end-of-days rain, no field internet. You name it... all bad. I wasn't happy with my photos until I got a letter from the dad of one of the players thanking me for enduring the shitty conditions to deliver 'awesome' photos. A simple 'thank you' and a sincere 'good work' sometimes is more than enough to feel good about yourself. That is also important! Not everyone notices.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Sooooo great to hear some praise from clients! Great to remember those times when you get the good feedback because a lot of clients don't tend to reach out to say the work is great, even if they think so they may not express it.

[@howardesse1686]

Yes, agree 100%. In order not to become stale, try another perspective. I loved what you said about not looking at your competition’s work as competition, but as inspiration for working towards. These are internal battles I have felt my entire career. Thinking out of the box can be a challenge at times, so just go do it! Great points.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

I've gotten frozen before of trying to "think outside the box" and "create something new". But sometimes the best thing to do is try to emulate what you like. Then out of that you might create something new and different.

[@photodeacon]

Man, instagram is such a slippery slope. You only see the finished product of a lot of hard work, mistakes and most likely, a lot of self-doubt from the photographer you're following. But tough to realize that when you're scrolling through incredible images back-to-back. Taking breaks (and sometimes deleting the app for a bit) helps me to re-focus and get out of my head.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Very true. You are really only seeing maybe the top 1% of images people take! Can't compare someone else's top 1% with your own "regular" day to day images. I tend to jump off insta for a week or more every now and then. Have to remember to create more than consume!

[@bquinn722]

Great message. Glad you are back posting videos again!

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Thanks! It's fun to be back into it!

[@tylerHphoto]

The editing line, that hit me right in the feels! some days I just don't feel like I can shoot. I feel like a lot of sports are repetitive and if you shoot the same team over and over Is when I the self doubt kicks in.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Yes! Those are the times where you can't give in to the repetitiveness and break the routine. Even if it doesn't get you a picture you like, it'll feel better to know you are trying.

[@sn4rl277]

I am so glad you did this video. I can totally hear your heart in this video. I think every person feels this way from time to time, and it is totally normal. We live in a world where we see a lot of "Finished" products. We do not see the blood, sweat, and tears it takes to get to that "Finished" product. And we can get that feeling like we are not good enough. I can tell you without pause, you are good enough. I am not talking to just you Paul, but everyone that sees this video. You were made with a purpose for a higher calling. Don't doubt what you do day to day. If you give 100% to what your doing everyday, then that is what your called to do at this time for this exact moment. Don't doubt it, please do not give into the thought that you are not good enough. Because you are good enough and you will get better with practice and find your niche.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Thanks for watching and the kind words! Everyone does need to hear they are good enough and can make it work if they keep working! Hope all is well!

[@owendouglas836]

I just had this happen to me two nights ago as I was sorting through images for updating my website. Everything just looked bad and I went to bed thinking “crap I can’t shoot”. Then last night as I continued sorting I started to see images that I had published and it made me think “yeah I can shoot!” Photography can be a mean mistress. Just keep plugging away and keep improving.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

All you can do is improve yourself!

[@RW8263]

Your work sets the sports photography standard for people like myself. Great meeting you at the Revs a few weeks ago!

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Thanks for the kind words and great meeting you as well! Hope we get to shoot some ultimate together!

[@Gemsou]

I have that imposter sydrome.. now, i take sports photography for events since 1.5 years but have no formations, learned everything by myself and sometimes (often), i think "am i deserve this ? get paid and maybe steal the job from pro photographers.. how much ask money without any formations or graduates" lot of thoughts, not easy to get over that..

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Sometimes you have to keep moving forward and know that if you make a mistake somewhere it won't be as big of a deal as you think.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Anyone else out there feel like they aren't good enough sometimes?

[@alexwalworthphotography8243]

I’ve struggled with a lot of it. I’m 23 and I’ve done so many amazing things and always am furthering my career but the one thought I have, and I often find it when I don’t work and I’m alone in my room, is, is this gonna be a full time thing? Am I gonna be able to make a living doing this? It sucks but I don’t know how to avoid that thought. Any tips?

[@Paul_Rutherford]

I've had those thoughts many times! I think you have to recognize that you are having those thoughts and then try to channel it into finding more work. Say yes I can make this a full time thing and start reaching out to schools, businesses, instagram people, to see if they need any photos. Or if you want to practice a technique then ask if they want to do a free shoot. Then you are at least out of the house and getting better. I shoot more than just sports to make this a full time thing since sports don't pay all the bills.