Imposter Syndrome as a Photographer

[@neilstevensphotography]

I hope that you've found this video useful, and, or interesting... Don't forget to hit the 👍 and SUBSCRIBE buttons - It really is appreciated

[@SteveMorris1964]

Hi Neil, comparison is the theif of joy, it doesn't matter what another photographer has taken, each shot is different and will be viewed as good for various reasons and these 'pro' photographers you intimate at, spend a week at one location to get that 'shot'. Their youtube channel then makes it seem like they got it in one afternoon, maybe sometimes they do, but gennerally, they have exactly the same problems we do. The most important thing is, you enjoying YOUR photography and if anyone else enjoys it, that's a bonus.

[@neilstevensphotography]

Thanks for your comment Steve, you're so very right... Even I have to admit that there have been a handful of images that I've captured on separate days to when I've filmed at a location

[@davecarrera]

What stopped me worrying about this, is a photographer of many years experience than I, reminded me that we are all on our own paths and journey in this medium. Some are at the very beginning, where we were all once, trying to understand the basics, to a bit of experience and getting it slowly, to understanding it all but getting frustrated the images in your head are not reproduced in the files, to understanding we are all on our own journey and to take your own time and pace, to finally taking those images in your head. You only move forward by being you on your journey and not trying to copy the others. One day, soon, they will be copying you. I wish you well and lets all get out and take our best pictures now the sun is here in the UK.

[@neilstevensphotography]

Very well said, and is very true... Thank you for taking the time to post this 👍

[@alanbravofotografo]

Amazing work my friend,nice video

[@neilstevensphotography]

Thank you, really kind of you to say

[@nillhari]

you gained a follower. Stay strong, keep going

[@neilstevensphotography]

Thank you... Cant stress how appreciated that is!!

[@MrAliveFive]

Stay true to your vision Neil, and keep the creative juices flowing. I wouldn’t worry about what others are doing. When you’re out there (which is ultimately what matters) it is just you, the camera and the landscape. Focus on what you are trying to create. I would say that the ’imposter syndrome’ is the youtubers dilemma. If it becomes too overwhelming, just go out to make photographs every once in a while without recording the trip for youtube. Try to free your mind and just enjoy being in the moment.

[@neilstevensphotography]

Thank you... Really appreciate it

[@cameracameras]

I understand what you're saying. The reality I believe is that you're out shooting and producing photography. That makes you as good as anyone.

[@neilstevensphotography]

Thanks Paul, is very true 👍👍

[@JanaSchalansky]

From the start, your pictures reminded me of 17th/18th century landscape paintings. The moody, soft, slightly foggy quality, smooth waters and, indeed, many of your compositions. Those painters also disliked flat blue skies, and sought out the occasional lone, perhaps even abandoned, boat. Perhaps photography these days is a replacement art form, as only a few will spend the time to commit such a scene to canvas. Styles and techniques have also moved on. In a way, you could also consider whether you are taking your place in a group of what might be considered “classical” photographers in the future. Or you could plunge yourself even deeper into that imposter syndrome, now that I’ve compared you to Turner, Constable and Cole 😉

[@neilstevensphotography]

Thank you is really kind of you to say - I have to admit, I do like to edit my Images so they look more like a painting rather than a mega sharp depiction of the moment I was there. So that style you mention wont see me change that much 🤣

[@NeilArthurs]

First let me say you have an epic first name! 😂 I totally get what you are saying for sure! particularly when trying to make videos here on KZbin. Nice to know I am not alone in thinking this way! I try to over come by just pushing myself to get out no matter what! Cheers

[@neilstevensphotography]

Haha... Thanks, although I'm guessing you might be slightly biased in that regard 😂 - Yeah I agree in the sense of making KZbin videos, especially when your showcasing your work, but as per another comment... We all have our own styles so have to remember that too

[@shawnheppenstall3258]

Hi Neil. Great video, definitely get to the Peak District. I been a couple off time, took photos off Derwent Dams, also Thor’s cave is a very nice place to photograph. Love the location of the house and the cliffs, Great images. Take care mate, shawn

[@neilstevensphotography]

Yeah I went up to the Peaks about 7-8 years ago and loved it up there, always wanted to head back especially with the Wild Heather - Was disappointed with the weather for that last spot at the Cliffs, but cant have everything!!

[@keithguppy]

Love the images in this one Neil. Just remember, other photographers think the same thing. They probably see you rock up and think of god, hope he doesn’t ask me about my composition lol. I feel the same way, I’m slowly getting more confident, I know what I’m doing and saying but it feels like I’m playing at being a photographer.

[@neilstevensphotography]

Yeah thats very true mate... Love that last bit as well, do feel at times like I'm playing at being a Photographer - Thing is, its such a subjective topic, we should never feel that way... Easier said than done though

[@keithguppy]

The thing with vlogs is you only see what they want you to see, what makes the vlog and what they just deleted you will never see that part. The same with photos on the internet, how many photographers take 20 -100 photos and only show that 1 epic photo.

[@neilstevensphotography]

Haha good point as well... I've actually saved all my footage from the videos I've produced in 2024, as right at the end of the year I want to put it together into a review style video... Bloopers and all

[@keithguppy]

@@neilstevensphotography I’ve got something similar going up this week as it’s my 2 year anniversary on YT lol

[@jaynepainter9743]

Lovely images 🙏

[@neilstevensphotography]

Thank you so much 👍👍

[@DominikMarczuk]

Maybe stop watching the other photographers' videos for a while? If you compare yourself to Nigel Danson, Mads Peter Iversen, James Popsys, Ian Worth or Henry Turner, you'll never drop the impostor syndrome. You might admire them but you are not them. You are Neil Stevens. Don't compare yourself to people you aren't and never will be. Compare yourself to your past self - from one, two, three years ago. Have you made progress as a photographer? Are you happier with your current work? Have you been to new interesting places? Have you gained new experience?

[@neilstevensphotography]

Oh dont get me wrong... I dont really compare my work with other Photographers - Its just something in my head, that makes me feel at times as though I'm making it all up as I go along, difficult one to really explain

[@DominikMarczuk]

@@neilstevensphotography Maybe it's not the impostor syndrome then?