When can you call yourself a “photographer?”

1 week ago 5

The short answer to this question is, you’re a photographer when you’re taking photos. But if you really want to be absolutely sure about it, today’s insights on the impostor syndrome from Sean Tucker may help you navigate this important and pervasive question.

Tucker first tied this question to impostor syndrome — the fear or worry that you don’t measure up to your peers or fellow professionals, even if your work shows otherwise. This nagging feeling of self-doubt makes you question your own abilities or progress, or if you even belong at all.

So, in his video, Tucker wanted to unpack what he thinks the impostor syndrome really is, the different forms it comes to us, and what helped him get over it over the years. Also, he feels that this syndrome comes in different “flavors,” each driven by a particular fear. This fear also isn’t limited to photographers; any creative can fall into the trap of feeling inadequate.

Has this question ever lingered in your mind? What helped you overcome the impostor syndrome? Share your tips and musings in the comments so you can help a fellow photographer out!

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Posted on October 14, 2024

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Joy is a film photographer, writer, and visual storyteller based in Manila, Philippines. She is drawn to conceptual portraits and surreal imagery, which she also strives to flesh out in her own work. Her photos have been featured on Flickr and several independent film photography blogs and magazines.

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