Discouragement as a Photographer

Discouragement as a Photographer (and the way out)

I’ve been watching a recent social media trend catching hold, and it’s half refreshing and half heartbreaking. Maybe you’ve seen it too? It starts with a post that says ‘social media is a lie’ and then the poster shares the real things they’re feeling or experiencing behind the scenes… the ones that we tend to bury because they don’t reflect the pretty, polished social media expectations. 

This isn’t specific to the photography industry, but it’s been all over our our corner of the internet in posts and conversations, and it’s our industry that I work with and care so deeply about improving.

Friends, I want to absolutely, unequivocally commend people for honesty, authenticity, and transparency. The world needs more of it, and social media truly is fake: a polished veneer to hide all of the real-world difficulties that literally all of us face, sooner or later.

But there’s the other side of it: people are struggling, and I hate watching them hurt. And I especially hate watching female photographers, particularly moms who are trying to support their families with part time work while also being the primary parent, struggle like this. They’re not reaching their goals, they’re feeling enormous self-doubt, and their self-worth is tied up into their social media, their art, their business, and their performance even though they don’t want it to be.

I’ll say it again: I HATE this. And it breaks my heart because I felt the exact same way for SO LONG – and I will never forget the pain of those years in business and the way it impacted all of the other parts of my life. I didn’t know how to fix it at the time, even though I knew that it was unhealthy to be in the position of overwhelm, comparison, and constantly feeling like a failure.

What breaks my heart even more is that it doesn’t need to be this way. I didn’t used to believe that – I thought there was something wrong with me or my business or my goals or my market. I saw other people succeed at what they were doing, but I truly thought I was the exception and could never do what they had done.

But that’s false, friends. So false. I want to be so clear: there are REAL solutions for building a business that actually works for you, for your clients, for your family, and for your mental health.

That is exactly why I am so passionate about education, and about creating resources and courses and programs that are genuinely transformative: it’s because I struggled so damn much, and I don’t want that for others. I want to see women owning businesses and thriving. I want to see mothers who can love their job, add income to their family, and have the mental peace to pour into their fleeting years with their children.

There is zero point in working a job that harms your mental health, distracts from your family, robs you of peace and joy, and only pays what you could earn at a different job that didn’t rest entirely on your shoulders or tangle up in your self worth. ZERO. If a job that you chose for ‘more time with your babies’ or ‘more joy’  or ‘more freedom’ gives you the opposite of these, it’s time to make big changes.

Good news: change is tough, but 100% possible. I know because I changed my own business (and life!), and because I’ve coached so many women through their own massive changes. I’ve seen it again and again and again. It’s possible for me, and for them, and for you.

And guess what? It’s okay to walk away, too. If you’ve been struggling and you’re burned out and you’re not sure that the photography dream is still a dream of yours after all, you can change plans and go a different direction. There is not even an ounce of failure in adjusting your goals, EVER. Please, please remember this always.

So here’s what I want to leave you with today:

– Never be ashamed of struggling. All of us do, and my own struggles (and the way I overcame them!) are why I am passionate about helping others succeed too. Struggle teaches us compassion and resilience, and it empowers us to authentically help others.

– Also, don’t live in the struggle any longer than you need to. If something doesn’t feel right or if it’s not working, it’s time for a change, NOW.

– You can absolutely succeed in this industry, with the right tools and support. You don’t need to get them from me of course, but I do have an entire suite of incredible offers for photographers of all stages. From guides to courses to mentorships and coaching, there is help ahead no matter your budget. And if you know it’s time for big change, I cannot recommend Unbasic Creatives strongly enough – the learning, support, community, and individual help with literally change your business and your life.

– It’s also okay not to work in this industry. There is no failure in changing plans, working a job that’s less interesting on the surface, etc. Do what brings you peace! That is the most important thing of all.

You’re not the exception. Your talent isn’t what’s holding you back. You’re not destined for mediocrity and barely getting by.

You just need the right tools, information, and support.

I know that this industry can be tough. I know it can be lonely, and that it can be a constant battle against discouragement, burnout, and self doubt. 

But you deserve so much more. If you’re feeling all of this right now, it’s time for a change – whether that means you choose to invest in the tools you really need, or change course altogether.

Life is short, and we need to honor ourselves and our families by doing whatever we can to create peace and joy where we’re able.

Want to continue this conversation? Please feel free to reach out to me if you’re struggling and don’t know what needs to come next. I’ve been there, and I understand completely.

It may feel lonely at times, but I promise you’re not alone!

Discouragement as a Photographer (and the way out)