We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rose Shotz a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Rose, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Overcoming imposter syndrome as a photographer has been a journey of growth and self-discovery. A few key steps that helped me were,
1. Embracing Continuous Learning: I accepted that photography is an ever-evolving field. Instead of comparing myself to others, I focused on improving my skills and knowledge. This mindset shift allowed me to appreciate my progress and unique style. A great Photographer by the name of Raymond Lanier always told me if I met anyone who claims to know all there is to photography, run the other way! It is a always something new to learn and there is more than one way to shoot.
2. Building a Supportive Network: Connecting with other photographers and creatives helped me realize that many people experience imposter syndrome. Sharing experiences and receiving feedback from peers provided valuable insights and boosted my confidence. Also as I built my network, I realized the downside to networking, that a lot of people do not expand on is the caution of being careful who you are surrounding yourself around. You can not trust everyone that’s in your field, some may lead you wrong, some may envy you when your learning at a faster rate or even getting more praise/clients than they are.
3. Celebrating My Small Wins: Recognizing and celebrating even the smallest achievements made a big difference. Each successful shoot, positive client feedback, or new technique learned was a reminder of my growth and capability. I love looking back on my old work and not comparing but observing the growth from then to now. Sometimes I will even re-edit old pictures that I shot and use the new techniques that I have learn.
4. Focusing on Passion: Yes the money is good in photography, but focusing on just the money in photography will drain your joy. Reconnecting with why I love photography helped me overcome self-doubt. When I focused on the joy and creativity that photography brings me, it became easier to silence the negativity.
5. Accepting Imperfection: Going back to what I was told by Mr. Raymond Lanier, I started understanding that perfection is unattainable and that every photographer has their unique strengths and weaknesses which allowed me to embrace my imperfections. This acceptance fostered a healthier and more positive outlook on my work.
Through these steps, I’ve learned to trust my abilities, continously grow and enjoy the journey of being a photographer.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am deeply passionate about photography, viewing it as an art form that transcends mere image capture. My style of photography is inspired by murals, aiming to create images that are not only visually striking but also worthy of being printed, hung on walls, or featured in magazines. Each photograph is crafted with the intention of telling a story, evoking emotions, and creating a lasting impression.
One of the most exciting aspects of my work is the opportunity to collaborate with my muses and clients to bring their visions to life. I strive to create images that resonate with them on a personal level, transforming their ideas into art that they can proudly display.
In addition to my photography work, I produce my own magazine called “The Garden.” This publication is a platform where I showcase my personal projects and the incredible individuals I have had the privilege to photograph. “The Garden” is a labor of love, reflecting my dedication to the art of photography and my commitment to celebrating creativity in all its forms.
Through my work, I hope to inspire others to see the beauty in the world around them and to appreciate the art of photography as a powerful medium for storytelling and expression. Whether it’s through my mural-like images or the pages of “The Garden,” my goal is to create art that resonates and endures.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey as a photographer are creativity, passion, and a drive for learning lighting.
1. Creativity: This is the heart of photography for me. Being able to see the world differently and translate that vision into my work has been essential. Creativity allows you to push boundaries, experiment with new ideas, and develop a unique style that sets you apart. Creativity and Talent are two different things to me and if you are lucky to have both, the world is yours.
2. Passion: Passion fuels my dedication to photography. It keeps me motivated through the challenges and inspires me to continually improve. Passion drives you to put in the hours, go the extra mile, and truly invest in your craft.
3. Drive for Learning Lighting: Mastering lighting has been crucial in my journey. Understanding how to manipulate light can transform an ordinary photo into a stunning piece of art. It’s a skill that requires continuous learning and practice, but it’s incredibly rewarding.
For those early in their journey, my advice is:
– Be Careful Who You Let Help You: The people you surround yourself with can significantly influence your path. Choose mentors and collaborators who genuinely support and inspire you. Be cautious of those who may not have your best interests at heart.
– Never Get Complacent: Always strive for improvement and innovation. The moment you become complacent, you stop growing. Keep challenging yourself, seek out new learning opportunities, and remain open to constructive feedback.
By focusing on creativity, passion, and mastering essential skills like lighting, while also being mindful of your support system and avoiding complacency, you can navigate your journey with resilience and success.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Three individuals have been instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and build the essential skills and qualities needed for success: Raymond Lanier (@createdifferently on Instagram), Luq Skywalka (@luqskywalka on Instagram), and Dwight James aka Mav3r1ck (@th3.msw on Instagram).
Raymond Lanier constantly keeps me on my toes, always encouraging me to push my creative boundaries and view things from different perspectives. His unique approach to art has profoundly influenced my own style.
Luq Skywalka has been a source of inspiration and support, sharing his experiences and wisdom. His guidance has helped me refine my surroundings and develop a deeper understanding of the photography world.
Dwight James, known as Mav3r1ck, has bestowed invaluable wisdom and insight on me. His mentorship has been crucial in helping me navigate the complexities of photography and grow both personally and professionally.
I am incredibly grateful to have met all three of these remarkable individuals. They have provided me with more than enough tools to soar in my photography journey, and their influence has been pivotal in my development.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thethorngarden.com
- Instagram: @Rose.shotz
- Facebook: Rose Shotz
- Other: Pinterest: 904Rose
Image Credits
The Model factory- @Themodelfactory_ Personal photographer/Pose Coach Instagram
Varencka- @its.varencka – Models Instagram
Arvrissa Williams- @_Arvrissawhitnayy_ – Models Instagram
Latravian Issiac- @Ohsoyou_issiac – Models Instagram
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
