Meet Denise Adams

We were lucky to catch up with Denise Adams recently and have shared our conversation below.

Denise, 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.

Building confidence and working through imposter syndrome can feel daunting, and I’ll be honest, it’s still something I actively navigate. For a long time, I believed that external praise or validation would quiet my self doubt. However, I found myself comparing my work to others, feeling inadequate, and pushing myself to the point of burnout in an effort to be better. What I’ve learned is that confidence grows much more reliably through setting reasonable personal goals, showing up consistently, and allowing myself the space to learn and improve. Over time, those small, persistent efforts have become the foundation of my confidence.

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’m a small photographer based in Central New York. I began by photographing landscapes and gradually shifted my focus to local wildlife, particularly birds, which continue to captivate me. Photography has become a way for me to slow down and find calm, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the moment. Through my work, I love sharing not only beautiful vistas, but also the creatures that share their homes with us. My hope is that my photography brings viewers closer to nature, offering inspiration and the same sense of awe I feel while in the field.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Building confidence and working through imposter syndrome has taught me that growth is rarely about one defining moment, but rather a series of small, intentional choices. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to remain open to learning. Growth comes from curiosity and a willingness to evolve, and learning isn’t always about adding new technical skills, it’s often about shifting your mindset and allowing yourself to be a beginner again. Connecting with other photographers has been especially meaningful for me, offering perspective, reassurance, and a reminder that self-doubt is a shared experience.

Secondly, I try to be mindful of comparison. This is something I have to consciously revisit, as it’s easy to measure your work against someone else’s highlights. However, each of us brings a unique voice and experience to our creative practice, and shaping your work to fit someone else’s mold can pull you further away from your own. Letting go of comparison has helped me feel less inadequate and more grounded in my own progress.

Lastly, consistency has become an act of self-trust. Showing up for yourself (especially on the days when motivation feels thin) builds momentum over time. I’ve found that setting smaller, realistic goals makes growth feel attainable and rewarding. Each goal met reinforces confidence, and that quiet sense of accomplishment becomes the encouragement that carries you forward.

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?

I’ve come to realize how much having a small circle of supportive friends and family matters. I’m especially grateful for my brother, his thoughtful guidance and consistent encouragement have been a touchstone for me, helping me navigate challenges and celebrate the small victories along the way. Knowing that support is there makes it easier to trust myself and keep moving forward, even when the path may feel uncertain.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.firandfernllc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadamsphoto

Image Credits

Portrait -Daniel Borthwick
All other photos belong to me