Few would argue that photography is not a highly competitive industry. From professionals who undercut one another on price, to amateurs flooding social media with photos from their mobile phones, and even clients who decry the value photographers deliver altogether – photography is certainly not an easy way to make a living.
Because of the nature with which the photography industry operates, it’s not uncommon for some photographers to question their choice of profession at a given point in their career. After all, photographers are only human, and it’s certainly normal for people to consider their career choice several times throughout their life. This self-doubt however, while often associated as being a negative trait, is not as disconcerting as it would seem.
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For starters, self-doubt is a good means of validating one’s passion and motivation to pursue something. This trait is one that encourages a photographer to reflect and consider the reasons why they are a photographer, which in turn can help them understand whether they are pursuing the right career. As an example, new photographers will quickly learn that being a photographer does not allow one to write a blank cheque with regards to how much they charge their clients.
Unless one has established themselves, or offers a unique point of differentiation, this is guided by market forces – emerging photographers who are in it for the money will need to assess whether they can sustain their livelihoods until such time they can ‘make it’. Conversely, if one’s self-doubt can help them appreciate their passion for the art of photography, and transform that into a modest yet sustainable business, they can set realistic and achievable goals.
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Self-doubt also allows a photographer to stamp out complacency and improve the quality of their work. If one begins to question and critique their own work with a critical eye, and take a wider appreciation in the work of their colleagues, they can identify areas where they may be able to improve – a necessity in the combative industry that is photography.
Furthermore, a degree of insecurity ensures that you are challenging your own mindset – seeking to understand why you do something, or what it means to you. And not just as a photographer but as a business owner, this is an invaluable quality to ensure that you are able to realise efficiencies.
A lack of confidence in one’s own work, can also encourage photographers to seek out feedback from others. While it is positive if one can put the lens over their own work in an impartial manner, this is sometimes easier said than done. However, if uncertainty prompts a photographer to qualify their work with a respected peer, rather than friends or family who are likely to only offer positives, they may be able to take away numerous learnings.
Although self-doubt can sometimes be an uncomfortable emotion to deal with, harnessing it can help you become the photographer you need to be, rather than the one you think you need to be.
