Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Erin Hart. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Erin, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
The most honest answer is I haven’t completely. There are still days I struggle with it, and it overwhelms me. The first thing I do to battle it, is get. off. the. internet! The biggest culprit for me is comparing myself to the amazing artists I see daily. The comparisons begin and the anxiety seeps in that I will never meet the standard that I want to get to. When I recognize that I am doing that I close whatever media I am in and remind myself that my journey is the not the same as anyone else’s. They may be 10 years ahead of me an even though I always have room to grow does not mean that the growth I have gained so far is meaningless. Then I go back through my work and watch my own growth and remind myself how far I have come and that I taught myself. I put in the work and did the research and put in hours of learning to get where I am. My husband and family are also my biggest support, and they are always happy to remind me that I am doing well and to keep going!
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a portrait photographer in Arizona. I offer sessions to families and individuals to create memories that will last a lifetime. My goal is to not only provide images such as maternity sessions, family portraits, and milestones like graduations or engagements, but also to provide a session that makes the clients feel seen, beautiful, and happy. Offering a variety creates a challenge that I enjoy and helps me learn all aspects of people and their visions.
I am aiming to move into doing more creative sessions that offer a chance to step out of the box and create some amazing art that people could see hanging in their homes. This side of photography really speaks to my soul, and I work to bring that across in the images.
Lastly, I believe that boudoir photography is an amazing way to treat women to an experience that not only showcases how incredible they are but brings them a sense of self love. So many women get lost in the day to day or the overwhelming joys of motherhood and they forget to love themselves along the way. Boudoir is not just pictures of women in lingerie, but a chance to empower and remind them that women are extraordinary creatures. Empowering even just one woman is an incredible sensation and my goal is to offer this to as many as I can!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The most important thing I have learned along the way is to remember your why. Why did you start this path and what is most important to you. It is so easy to see what everyone else is doing and to get lost in the fads and to want to copy what you view as successful. This can muddy your reasons you started in the first place and kill the joy. Stay true to your why. Secondly, know your camera. With technology advancing the way it has it is easy to pick up a nice camera and take lovely pictures. But there is an art to it, and I feel it is important to know the settings and what makes those pictures stand out. It is so overwhelming at first but just get out there and practice every day and it becomes second nature.
Determination is also key. With photography being such a saturated field, it is easy to fall through the cracks and want to give up. Many times, I have heard myself ask how will I ever make it with all these incredible photographers to compete with? By not giving into those thoughts and always being open to learning is so important. I am still a long way away from the goals I have set but I will move at my own pace and not give up.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My husband and my family are my biggest fans and supporters. They remind me that I have a talent and to keep going. They have also invested in me. Photography is an expensive venture and they have believed in me so much they have invested time and money into me. I consider myself so incredibly lucky to have such an amazing support system. Without them cheering me on and giving me those important reminders, I would not be anywhere near where I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: erinshartphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinshartphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HartErinPhotography/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/erins-hart-photography-mesa?osq=erins+hart+Photography
Image Credits
Professional models – Alice Reed, Bridgette Johnson, Amanda De Leon
