We were lucky to catch up with Ally Viera recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ally, 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.
Imposter syndrome didn’t disappear for me the moment I started booking clients, in fact, it got louder. The more people trusted me with their memories, the more I felt the weight of “Who am I to do this?”
What helped wasn’t confidence overnight, but proof through consistency.
I stopped measuring myself against photographers who were five or ten years ahead of me and started measuring myself against my own growth. I looked at my work six months ago, then a year ago, and saw undeniable improvement. That evidence mattered more than likes or comparison ever could.
I also learned that imposter syndrome often shows up when you care deeply. It’s not a sign that you’re unqualified — it’s a sign that you take your work seriously. Once I reframed it that way, I stopped trying to eliminate the feeling and focused on showing up despite it.
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 photographer specializing in cinematic, film-inspired imagery that feels nostalgic, emotional, and honest. My work is rooted in storytelling, not overly posed or polished moments, but the in-between ones that feel real. I’m drawn to movement, texture, grain, and light that feels lived-in rather than perfect.
What excites me most about my work is creating photographs that feel like memories, not just images. I want people to look at their photos years from now and feel something, the season of life they were in, the connection they shared, the emotion of that moment. Whether I’m photographing couples, families, or intimate milestones, my goal is always the same: to capture connection in a way that feels timeless and deeply personal.
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?
Consistency is what actually builds skill. Shooting regularly, even when I doubted myself, is how I improved and found my voice.
Developing taste mattered just as much as technical ability. Learning what I was drawn to, and understanding why certain images resonated helped shape my style.
People skills are everything in photography. Making clients feel comfortable and seen is what leads to genuine images.
Advice: focus on the experience just as much as the photos, connection shows up in the final work.
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 photographer mentor and one of my best friends, Melissa, has been the most impactful person in my journey. She believed in me before I believed in myself and pushed me to start when I was still full of doubt and fear. There were moments when I would have talked myself out of trying, and she never let me. Her encouragement wasn’t loud or performative, it was steady, honest, and deeply grounding.
Having someone see your potential so clearly, especially in the early stages, changes everything. Melissa helped me trust my instincts, take creative risks, and keep going during moments when the path felt uncertain. I truly don’t think I would be where I am today without her support, and I carry that belief forward in the way I encourage others now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://grainydaysphotography90.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grainydaysphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576207805334
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