We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Carrie Daly a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Carrie, 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.
As a short term rental photographer and content creator, overcoming imposter syndrome has been a journey of growth, reflection, and connection. When I first started, I often questioned whether my work was ‘good enough’ or if I truly belonged in the world of content creation. But I soon realized that every successful photographer started somewhere, and progress comes from showing up, learning, and pushing through the doubts.
What has driven me the most is my love for travel and discovering unique spaces. There’s something magical about stepping into a property and seeing the story it has to tell—from cozy cottages to boutique hotels, each space has its own personality. Capturing that uniqueness and translating it into photographs that connect with potential guests is what fuels my creativity.
Focusing on the value I bring to my clients has also helped. My goal is to highlight the beauty and charm of every property, creating images that help hosts stand out and guests envision their stay. Hearing feedback like, ‘You’ve captured my space perfectly,’ or seeing my photos drive bookings has been the best confidence boost.
I’ve also learned to embrace the process of improvement. Every shoot teaches me something new—whether it’s how natural light transforms a room or how a specific angle can evoke a sense of warmth. I remind myself that imposter syndrome doesn’t mean I’m incapable; it’s proof that I care deeply about delivering quality.
Now, instead of doubting myself, I see each project as an opportunity to combine my love of travel, storytelling, and photography while connecting with amazing people who trust me to showcase their spaces. That trust is the ultimate motivator and a reminder that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
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?
My photography journey started with 15 years in portraiture, capturing the essence of individuals and their emotions. As a new empty nester, I’ve embraced this new chapter by channeling my passion for travel and storytelling into hospitality and travel photography. Building my portfolio in this field has been both an exciting and deeply rewarding experience. With an eye for detail and a commitment to creating images that evoke emotion, I aim to showcase the unique character of each space I photograph—whether it’s a cozy holiday rental, a luxury resort, or a hidden gem in a faraway place. This journey allows me to combine my love for exploration with my dedication to crafting visuals that inspire and connect with others. I recently returned from a trip to Ireland where I showcased a beautiful seaside cottage and will be returning in just a couple weeks to photograph more hospitality spaces. Along with photography, I have been honing in on my visual storytelling skills and love the opportunity to express my creativity.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
My photography journey has always been about connection—whether with people or the places I capture. After 15 years of portrait photography, I’ve carried that same genuine approach into hospitality and travel photography. I have learned it’s key to find inspiration from creators I admire, learning from their perspectives while shaping my own style. Being willing to adapt and evolve is also important, as every shoot presents new challenges and opportunities to grow. My advice is to find your own style and not shy away from that. It’s easy to get discouraged but if you stay true to what you love, you will attract the right audience and clients!
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
My focus is on collaborating with local businesses and vacation rental owners to bring their stories to life through photography. I love working with businesses looking to update their social media presence, crafting visuals that capture their unique brand and connect with their audience. For vacation rental owners, I specialize in showcasing the charm and character of their spaces, helping them stand out and attract clients through compelling storytelling. My goal is to create images that not only highlight the beauty of each space but also evoke an emotional connection, inspiring potential guests to imagine themselves there. Have camera, will travel 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dalymoments.com/daly-moments-wandering/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/dalymomentswandering/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
