Meet Ashley Humston

We were lucky to catch up with Ashley Humston recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley, 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.

I overcame imposter syndrome by realizing that I didn’t have to overcome it. So I didn’t. But I do have to check myself before I wreck myself.

I’m not sure imposter syndrome is a phenomenon to overcome as much as it is a fallacy to overpower. It rears its ugly head at the most inopportune of times, and I need to be prepared to fight it when it does. I practice combatting imposter syndrome by reframing my perspective from a fixed/limited mindset to an abundance/growth mindset. I try not to internalize negativity and let my self-doubt get the best of me, but I’m no superhuman. Instead of trying to stop it from happening and feeling shame for it when it does, I try to monitor my thoughts and coach myself to new heights when imposter syndrome drags me down. I’ve accepted that imposter syndrome is just part of stepping outside of comfort zones and seeking growth. It gets easier, and over time the occurrences are fewer and farther between. My worth is not measured by quantitative accolades and I have to remember that what I bring to the table is authenticity, integrity, and kindness.

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?

Currently, I’m focused on what I want to do next. My husband I just moved states a few months ago, and I’m in the privileged position of being able to really consider what’s next for me. Do I want to go back to speech therapy? Do I want to seek another job in the golf industry? Do I want to pursue building a portrait photography business? Do I want to focus on creating something from my art that might turn a profit? Do I want to grow in my budding pickleball career? (That’s a joke, btw, I am rec league all the way!)

This is a very strange place to be… this stage of unemployment in the midst of unfamiliarity. I have ideas floating around in my head of what I’d like my days to look like, and I know what my strengths are. While trying to figure that out, I have the daunting but exciting task of making our new house a home. I’ve been loving the design process, so who knows… maybe interior design will be my next feat!

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?

To make this a little more palatable, I’m going to answer this question with photography specifically in mind. Otherwise you may get more than you bargained for with a lot of word vomit!

So let’s dive right in. The three most important qualities, skills, &/or areas of knowledge that are most impactful in my photography journey? Grit, grind, and gear.

Kidding, but also not kidding. But let’s start with Areas of Knowledge. They say the best camera is the one you have, and that may be true to some extent, but without proper knowledge of how to work it, you won’t achieve the results you want. Trust me, I found this out the hard way (and continue to learn how to use my gear more efficiently!). So whatever you have, learn how to use it to maximize your desired outcome. More generally speaking, learn how to use the tools at hand to your advantage. Take time to learn new things to set yourself up for success.

Secondly, let’s talk Skills. This could kind of go hand in hand with learning how to efficiently use your gear, but more complex. Aside from the technical skills, you need an artistic vision… an eye for composition, creative use of your surroundings, and attention to details. When photographing people, soft skills are a must. Knowing how to pose your subjects and more importantly how to cue their bodies into those poses takes a lot of practice. You have to be adaptive, have good time management, and be personable. Generally speaking, you ARE your skill. Take time to learn how to refine the rough edges so that you can show up in ways that don’t prevent you from failing, but instead prepare you for how to step back into the game when you do.

Lastly, Qualities. Or maybe, quality. For simplicity’s sake. Open-mindedness. Never stop learning. Never limit yourself. Never sell yourself short. And if you do, catch yourself. Pick yourself back up. Lean on your support system and don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help. Always be open-minded to what life is trying to teach you. But also… be easy on yourself. We’re all doing our best!

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

“The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz was a pivotal book for me. I try to read it every year around new years, but haven’t had a chance to read it yet this calendar year. The four agreements are to be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best. Reading this short but powerful book is like a little reset button. I highly recommend it to, well, anyone!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Ashley_went_wildlife

Image Credits

Ashley Humston