Meet Amelie Ferdais

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amelie Ferdais a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Amelie, 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.

When I first picked up a camera, it wasn’t with the intention of building a business—I simply loved photography. It started as a passion, something I couldn’t get enough of. But like many creatives stepping into the professional world, I faced imposter syndrome early on. It’s so easy to feel inadequate when you’re just getting started, especially in an industry filled with so many talented people.

Surprisingly, I found myself more confident than I expected in my photography career. I credit that confidence to two things: education and preparation. I threw myself into learning—watching as many Youtube videos as I could, studying the craft, and practicing constantly. By the time I arrived at a session or wedding, I had a plan, a vision, and the skills to back it up. Of course, I still pushed myself outside my comfort zone, but I did it in a way that felt intentional. I took incremental steps rather than giant leaps—so that I never felt completely unprepared.

Where I was faced most with imposter syndrome was putting myself out there on social media. Sharing my work publicly felt vulnerable. What if people judged me? What if they didn’t take me seriously? To work through that, I created separate accounts dedicated to my photography and focused on my excitement and passion rather than my fear. I reminded myself that if I kept going and built a successful business, those early moments of insecurity wouldn’t matter.

Now, looking back, I see so many others going through the same thing, and I feel even more strongly that putting yourself out there is never embarrassing—it’s brave. It’s inspiring to see people follow their dreams, and the truth is, no one is thinking about your fears as much as you are. So if you’re holding back because of imposter syndrome, I encourage you to take the leap. The fear is temporary, but the reward of chasing what you love is so much greater.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My name is Amelie, and I’m a professional wedding and portrait photographer based in West Michigan. What started as a passion for photography has evolved into a business that allows me to serve couples on their wedding day and during important milestones throughout their lives.

Looking ahead, I’m focused on growing my business in a few key ways. First is expanding the brand side of my business, where I help entrepreneurs and small businesses elevate their online presence through strategic, high-quality brand photography. I understand firsthand how important it is to have professional imagery that reflects your brand’s personality and helps you connect with your ideal audience. I am also building out my associate photographer program, which will allow me to serve more wedding clients while maintaining the high-end, personal experience that I’m known for. And as always, I’m refining my client experience to make working with me as seamless, enjoyable, and elevated as possible.

For those interested in working together—whether it’s for wedding photography, branding sessions, or to learn from my journey—I’d love to connect!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities made the biggest impact on my journey as a photographer and entrepreneur: confidence through preparation, adaptability, and relationship-building.

Confidence Through Preparation
One of the best things I did early on was invest in education and practice. I knew that if I wanted to feel confident walking into a wedding or a session, I had to be prepared. I spent hours learning—whether through online videos, mentorships, or simply analyzing my own work—and then put that knowledge into practice. My advice for those starting out? Immerse yourself in learning and take action. Watch behind-the-scenes videos, second shoot for other photographers, and practice in different lighting scenarios so that when it’s time to perform, you’re not guessing—you’re executing with confidence.

Adaptability
Weddings and photography, in general, require you to think on your feet. Lighting changes, timelines shift, and unexpected moments happen. I learned early on that being flexible and staying calm under pressure makes all the difference. If you’re just starting out, get comfortable with problem-solving. Learn backup techniques, test yourself in challenging environments, and have contingency plans. The more you embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, the better you’ll become.

Relationship-Building
Photography is more than just taking great photos—it’s about serving people well. Whether it’s making couples feel at ease on their wedding day, networking with vendors, or creating an incredible client experience, relationships are everything. People remember how you made them feel, and that leads to referrals and long-term success. If you’re in the early stages, focus on being personable, professional, and genuinely helpful. Build connections with vendors, engage with clients beyond just the transaction, and always look for ways to add value.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was instilling an unshakable belief that I could do anything I set my mind to. Honestly, that belief wasn’t always at the surface—it was more of a quiet confidence in the back of my head, even when I felt nervous or unsure.

Of course, I had moments of doubt. I would prepare my butt off for opportunities, overthink things, and wonder if I was truly ready. But deep down, I always had this little voice reminding me that there was a way—that if I worked hard enough, learned what I needed to, and kept pushing forward, I could figure it out.

That mindset shaped how I pursued photography—not as something I had to wait for permission to do, but as something I could build if I was willing to put in the work. Looking back, I realize how powerful that was. It didn’t mean I never felt fear or imposter syndrome, but it gave me the resilience to keep going anyway. I think that’s one of the greatest gifts a parent can give their child—the confidence to believe in their own potential, even when it feels a little scary.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amelieferdaisphoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amelieferdaisphoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amelieferdaisphoto
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amelieferdais/

Image Credits

All the photos are taken by myself and my associates under Amelie Photography LLC.