We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Phil Bellezza a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Phil, 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.
Personally? I haven’t. No matter how many people say they love my work, no matter how much clients gush over their galleries, no matter how many events I book, I still hear that little voice in the back of my head whispering “You’re a fraud… they’re going to figure out you suck and aren’t worth what you’re charging… your work is stale and uninspired…”
BUT. I think that’s a big part of what keeps me motivated. I’m terrified that it will come true so I’m always trying to learn new skills and improve any that I’ve already attained. I’m my own worst critic and a perfectionist at the same time, and I think that’s what drives me to answer that little voice with “YOU’RE WRONG, I’LL SHOW YOU!”
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a professional photographer who specializes in weddings, events, and portraits, but will pick up a camera for any assignment that will bring in good money, really.
I started in the business at the ripe age of 13, as a lighting assistant for my father (who is also a professional wedding photographer, but freelance.) At the age of 16 we both met Ira Rosen, the man I would later spend 15 years working for, and whose studio I would take over upon his retirement. I like to say that my father taught me the art of photography, and Ira taught me the technical and business aspects of it.
I absolutely love what I do. I get to go to parties for a living, and capture people’s memories of the happiest days of their lives. There’s great food and entertainment, everyone’s dressed nicely and looking to have a good time, and the photography part of it is just…. fun. I’ve been doing this so long that I no longer have to worry about pushing the buttons, and can concentrate almost exclusively on the creative part of the job. And while there are certain aspects to “weddings” that are true regardless, every couple is different, every family is different, and every wedding is different. It sure beats pushing papers in the same office every single day while dealing with bosses and office politics. In that same vein, since I became a business owner I now get to make my own hours and answer only to myself. FREEDOM.
The other side of that coin is that I work every weekend. I miss parties, family events, my kids’ sports, nights out with friends, and I have no “off” days, really. I shoot all weekend, and edit/run the business during the week. My daughter turns to me often on Saturdays and says “Daddy, you’re going to work again?” If I didn’t absolutely love what I do for a living, I couldn’t do it because the cost wouldn’t be worth it.
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?
1) Passion for the job. That stupid old saying is wrong. Its not “Love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Its actually “Love what you do and the effort it takes to be successful won’t phase you.” I have fun taking photographs. Capturing once-in-a-lifetime frozen moments in the most beautiful way possible. If I get to do that and do it well, I don’t care that I’ll spend 12 hours straight editing, or dealing with a bridezilla every once in a while. They come with the territory.
2) Proper mentors. I went to college. I have a very expensive degree in History that I’m doing absolutely nothing with (I was originally planning on becoming a teacher.) I’ve realized since that I never actually needed to go to college at all, because I was for all intents and purposes- an apprentice, and had been since I was 13. I don’t care how hallowed the university or what career it is, there is no substitute for real world experience. I spent decades learning by the side of seasoned, talented, and successful photographers. I learned what to do, I also learned what not to do. I tried to take what they gave me and either perfect it, improve on it, or discard it if I felt it didn’t fit my style or what I thought was right. But in any case, I never could’ve gotten to where I am without the people I learned from. Namely, my dad and Ira.
3) Luck. It sounds like a cop-out, but its true. Looking back, a lot had to break my way seemingly at random in order for me to be where I am today. For most of my career in photography, I always looked it as a side job. A career I was going turn into “only a hobby” as soon as I could get a “real” job during the week. Through a series of seemingly random events that are too complicated to list here, I wound up working full time as a professional photographer.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The same one we all face- staying in business. First and foremost, my responsibility is to my wife and children. I have to keep this business profitable in order to provide for them. It’s not a challenge that will ever be “complete.”
Mine is not an industry where you can climb to the top and coast. In order to keep it going my skills have to be constantly sharpened, and I have to stay relevant in an artistic field in which tastes are constantly changing.
Personally, I’ve tried to NOT follow all the silly trends that come and go. Instead, I try to capture people’s personalities and relationships in a timeless way. No trick shots, no over the top effects, no hours-of-photoshop manipulation. Just authentic emotion in thoughtful composition with proper lighting. As all of my work comes directly from client referrals, I guess its working so far!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.irarosenstudio.com
- Instagram: www.irarosenstudio.com
Image Credits
Phil Bellezza
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
