We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Abbey Vitou a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Abbey, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Entering the flooded market of photography I had my doubts. Am I good enough? Will people like my work? Will I get many clients? All these questions with no certain answers. There are many talented photographers in my area so I was very intimidated. I was too timid to put myself out there so I only did sessions for friends and family. Then one day I got an inquiry from a complete stranger and it made me excited and nervous at the exact same time. That inquiry made me realize that she wanted to book a session with me because she liked my work. In that moment I knew I was good enough, people liked my work, and I was already gaining clients. By getting out of my own way and being optimistic helped me overcome imposter syndrome!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
No matter the stage of life, I’m always honored to be able to capture those beautiful moments in time as each image tells a story! I’ve been able to photograph newborns, visits with grandparents, and everything in between! It’s super fun to be able to photograph a mommy to be, then get to snuggle that sweet baby at their newborn session, and then set up their cake smash session for the baby’s first birthday!
The families I meet and seeing the love that they share makes my heart so full! I love my job and couldn’t imaging doing anything else!!
As a photographer, I always get asked where to get quality prints of their beautiful pictures. Well, I’m super excited to say that after doing a lot of research and partnering with some amazing artists, I’m now offering a customized printing option for families to get products as well as their digital files. I will work with the families to create the perfect pieces of art to display their favorite memories in their home.
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?
Being a photographer is more than pressing a button. With so many photographers around you must stand out from the crowd! Learn your camera, find your style, and don’t forget to have fun!
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
If you would have asked me this question at the beginning of my photography career I would have said to be more well rounded, do it all. But after trial and error, I now believe to go all in on your strengths! When I first started out, I was asked to photograph a wedding. I never even thought about being a wedding photographer but the idea was intriguing. It was not something I had done before but I thought if I could add wedding photographer to my portfolio then I’d be more marketable. I spent HOURS researching timelines, posing, settings, and bought new props, etc. I watched a few YouTube videos and took PAGES of notes. When wedding day came I felt prepared and excited but soon realized it wasn’t for me and I did not wish to pursue it any further. I had spent weeks preparing and investing money in equipment and props that I will never use again. It made me realize that I need to invest in my strengths and abilities to better my craft as a newborn and family photographer. Invest in your strengths to master your skills! I promise you won’t regret it!!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.abbeyvitouphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbeyvitouphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbeyvitouphotography
Image Credits
Abbey Vitou Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
