We were lucky to catch up with Celina McCain recently and have shared our conversation below.
Celina , 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 reminding myself that everyone has a starting point, and growth comes from continuous learning and experience. Instead of comparing myself to others who are further along in their journey, I focus on my own progress—how much I’ve improved, the skills I’ve gained, and the moments I’ve captured that truly resonate with people.
Education and exposure have been key. I’ve taken courses, sought mentorship, and challenged myself to step outside my comfort zone. The more I put myself in real-world situations, the more I realized that confidence isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you build through action.
Another big shift for me was recognizing that perfection isn’t the goal—connection is. My clients don’t book me because I’m the “best” photographer in the world; they book me because they trust me to capture their moments in a way that feels real and meaningful to them. Once I embraced that, I stopped feeling like I had to prove myself and started focusing on simply creating.
Imposter syndrome still creeps in sometimes, but now I see it as a sign that I’m pushing myself to new levels, and that’s exactly where I want to be.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Celina McCain, a portrait and event photographer based in Poplar Bluff, MO. I specialize in capturing life’s most meaningful moments—whether it’s a senior stepping into their future, a couple celebrating their love, or a family creating lasting memories. My studio offers a range of sessions, from maternity and engagement to birthday and professional portraits, ensuring that each client walks away with images that truly reflect their personality and story.
What excites me most about photography is its power to freeze time. A single image can hold emotions, tell stories, and bring people back to a moment they cherish. I aim to make every session a relaxed, enjoyable experience so my clients can be their authentic selves in front of the camera.
Right now, I’m expanding my studio offerings and exploring new ways to bring high-quality, accessible photography to my community. One exciting addition is my studio rental business, where fellow creatives and photographers can book a fully equipped space to bring their visions to life. I’m also running seasonal mini sessions, including my current preschool and kindergarten graduation mini sessions, which allow families to celebrate their little ones’ milestones in a fun and affordable way.
At the heart of my brand is a commitment to making professional photography approachable, enjoyable, and meaningful. Whether you’re looking for a classic portrait session, coverage for a special event, or a creative studio space to shoot in, I’d love to help bring your vision to life.
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 key qualities have been the most impactful in my journey: adaptability, confidence in my vision, and continuous learning.
1. Adaptability – The photography industry, like any creative field, is constantly evolving. Whether it’s adjusting to new trends, working in unexpected conditions, or shifting my business strategy, being adaptable has allowed me to grow rather than feel stuck. My advice? Be open to change and challenges. Experiment with different styles, try new techniques, and don’t be afraid to pivot when needed.
2. Confidence in My Vision – Early on, I struggled with imposter syndrome and the pressure to compare myself to others. But the more I trusted my artistic instincts and focused on what makes my work unique, the more I attracted the right clients and opportunities. If you’re just starting out, remember that your perspective is valuable. Don’t try to mimic others—develop your own style and lean into what feels most authentic to you.
3. Continuous Learning – Photography is both an art and a business, and I quickly realized that mastering my craft was only part of the equation. I invested in learning not just about photography techniques but also about marketing, client experience, and business strategy. My advice? Never stop being a student. Take courses, seek mentorship, shadow professionals, and expose yourself to different types of photography. The more you know, the more confident and capable you’ll feel.
Above all, trust the process. Growth takes time, and every challenge you face is shaping you into the photographer and business owner you’re meant to be.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m always open to collaborating! I love working with other creatives and business owners to bring new ideas to life. Right now, I’d especially love to connect with:
• Photographers & Videographers – Whether it’s second shooting, creative projects, or just sharing knowledge, I believe in community over competition. If you’re in the industry and want to connect, let’s chat!
• Stylists & Makeup Artists – Great photography is a team effort, and I’d love to collaborate with beauty and fashion pros to elevate portrait and branding sessions.
• Local Businesses & Brands – If you need high-quality imagery for marketing, social media, or product launches, let’s work together to create visuals that make an impact.
• Models & Creatives – Whether you’re a model, dancer, or artist looking to build your portfolio, I’d love to brainstorm creative shoots and bring fresh concepts to life.
If you’re reading this and thinking, “Hey, we should work together!”—reach out! You can find me at celinamccainphotography.com or connect with me on social media. Let’s make something amazing!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.celinamccainphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celinamccainphotography?igsh=bGVuaW5oeDRyd3c%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15zMxbZqta/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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