We were lucky to catch up with Candance Campbell recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Candance, 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.
Imposter syndrome is very real, especially within a creative industry such as elopement and wedding photography. It is very easy to look around us and see all of these other creatives and the gorgeous work they are sharing and then immediately start to compare yourself. As we grow up, I think we are taught to always compare and evaluate ourselves and that is not necessarily a bad thing as there is always room to grow, however, when you do this as a creative, you begin to doubt your artistic view because you are comparing to someone else who sees the world in a different way than you.
I overcame imposter syndrome by starting to practice one thought – that there is only ONE of me. There is only one person on the entire planet that sees the world the way I do. Therefore, when clients hire me, they are hiring me for the viewpoint of life that I can give them. This was the first step for me in overcoming imposter syndrome because I would remind myself that I am unique, my artwork is unique, and that is why I am the one people would choose to create a story of their day. I encourage everyone to practice this mindset. You still have room to grow and do not be afraid to continue to evaluate yourself and compare, but don’t compare yourself to someone else, compare yourself to yourself. Did your quality improve from the previous year, did you dial in a more consistent editing style over the last year, did you find more passion in the way you are posing and capturing things. Then, get out there and learn from others! Learn from them, but don’t try to *be* them. Take what you have learned and apply that to the style you already have and love, and I promise you will create magic.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am an Adventurous Elopement and Wedding Photographer!
The most exciting thing about what I do is genuinely knowing that I am not just clicking a button and making an image, I am create a lifetime documentation of a story that will be re-told throughout my couples lifetime, passed to their children, grandchildren and so forth. This is the most special part about my job, because my work will inevitably be here long after I am not. I am giving the gift of lifetime memories and that in its-self is so precious.
I specialize in brining out couples real emotions. I don’t just put them into poses and ask them to say “cheese!”, I put them into poses and I guide them into fun, candid, emotional play to get real smiles and laughter. These are the tricks I use to create one of a kind stunning images. Beyond that, with elopements I specialize in helping couples plan everything from permits, locations, timing to capture the perfect light in photos, and more. I absolultey enjoy being apart of their day and giving them photos that no one else is going to have. All of my locations I offer to my clients are places I have scouted out on my own and are unique to my business. Therefore, when clients work with me, they are getting locations that are not always just public knowledge.
When it comes to weddings, I LOVE taking on intimate to large scale weddings. I love to work with couples who have an adventurous spirit and allow me to bring adventure to their venue. It does not matter if that venue is way up in the mountains or in a downtown city, I always find a way to create fun, intimate, and timeless photos they will look back on in awe for a lifetime.
We are currently booking for 2024 and 2025. I would love to work with more couples who have an adventurous spirit and we do offer discounts for locations we would love to shoot at! Starting in 2024 as well we will be expanding our team and we also offer package add-ons such as film photography, albums, prints, black and white focused photography and more!
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?
As I look back on my journey I can say with absolute confidence that the three most important and impactful skills/qualities were people skills, setting your boundaries and sticking to them, and understanding the technical/marketing side of your business.
For anyone who is starting out in their journey, my first piece of advice is not to just say “yes” to anyone or anything. We have all been there. We are just starting out in our business and the first opportunity we get makes us so excited that we say yes without thinking it over, going over expectations, and making sure it works for everyone involved first. Then, we get to the day of the event and it crashes and burns and no ones expectations are met. This can make us feel like a failure and set us back sometimes in our own self confidence. In order to create magic, the true meaningful creative work that we want, I advise you to take your time. When someone comes to you wanting to work with you, set up a zoom call and ask questions! Also evaluate things such as what are they hoping to get in the end result, do you all vibe personality and expectation wise, do they respect your business policies, will they sign a contract, etc. Set yourself up for success by screening your clients and making an informed decision. If it does not feel right, if they refuse a contract or request contract changes that can hurt you, then feel free to polity let them go. Success does not come from taking whatever you can get, success comes from collaboration and you will be collaborating with your clients every-time you work with them.
My second piece of advice is always stick to your boundaries. This mean set business hours and stick to them. Take time out for yourself. Self care is extremely important. You cannot create magic if you do not take care of yourself. This should be apart of the boundaries you set for yourself. Also, set expectations on communication between yourself and your clients. You are human and you should always be treated like one. Do not let someone talk to you in other way other than respectful, and remember to always give the same respect you expect. Teach your clients how they should interact with you and do not accept anything less. When you have clear boundaries and policies, you have better experiences and overall more client satisfaction.
My last piece of advice is to understand the technical and marketing side to your business. Sign up for and take classes on SEO, Marketing, and start learning how you can reach your target audience. Understand how google ads work and do not be afraid to pay a professional to help you with building an easy to read, yet, professional website. The money will always be an investment towards your future. There are also so many good groups on facebook such as Legal Paige, where you can connect with other industry professionals and get advice from experienced business owners on how to handle situations etc. Community is huge so do not be afraid to reach out and connect when learning these other very important skills to have a successful business. It should never be a competition.
Also, read good books! I found two books early on that really helped me with people skills. Those were How to Win Friends and Influence People and Ikigai, both that can found on Amazon!
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 partner has really been my strength in my journey.
Early on, I was scared. I had quit my job and jumped head first into my passion. I had spent years learning how to take photos and I felt I was ready to go full time and I was wrong! I was so scared when I realized it involved way more than just taking the photo and I was unsure if I was up for the challenge or if I even made the right choice in that moment. He immediately stepped in and encouraged me. He supported us while I worked on improving all the areas I had never thought about prior to going full time.
Anytime I had to deal with an issue that I was never faced with before, he always reminded me to not react, but take a step back, sleep on it if I had to, and answer with a clear head, not an emotional head, and to stay kind, work hard, and still be professional. He has provided me endless feedback on the ways I could change things, improve my work flows, stepped in when I needed someone else to go with me and so much more. I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today without his support and knowledge that he brought me from his previous work as he works within the film industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://candancemariephotography.com/
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/cmphotography08
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CandanceMariePhotography
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/candancemariephotography/
Image Credits
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