Meet Charné Baird

We were lucky to catch up with Charné Baird recently and have shared our conversation below.

Charné, 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.

That’s a fantastic question, and I don’t think imposter syndrome ever fully goes away. It’s always there in the background, but what matters is whether or not I let it take over. Early in my career, especially right after finishing my photography program, it was almost debilitating. Living in a big city filled with seasoned professional food photographers, working on large-scale productions, it was easy to compare where I was with my business and my work and feel like I would never get there. It was hard to keep going, second-guessing if I had what it takes or if I was creative enough. I was tempted more times than I would like to admit to take a step back, to pause posting, to avoid reaching out or networking, but I was stubborn. I had invested too much time and energy to give up.

Over time, I realized that imposter syndrome will probably always be there, but it’s what I do about it that makes a difference. I continue to show up, pursue my dream, and create despite it. I remind myself not to compare my journey to anyone else’s, my work, my business. Where I am today is unique to my experiences, decisions, and circumstances. Everyone is at a different stage in their life and career, and I like to remind myself that my ideal clients might be watching even if they’re not engaging right away. No one will know me if I don’t post, send emails, or put my work out there.

Over the last 11 years, running my photography business and raising my children, I’ve learned to focus less on comparison and more on my own growth and the quality of work I bring to each project, always looking to take my photography to the next level. Imposter syndrome still shows up, but it no longer dictates my decisions. It’s become part of the journey rather than an obstacle.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am an award-winning Canadian commercial photographer based in a small town in the Canadian Rockies, working remotely with clients across Canada and internationally from my studio. I have specialized in food, beverage, product and stop motion photography for the last 11 years, and have over 16 years of experience in the food and beverage industry. Combining my culinary background with photography allows me to create striking, brand-focused visuals that are both thoughtful and intentional.

Lately, I have felt especially drawn to beverage brands, exploring ways to bring drinks to life through photography. There’s something magical about capturing that sparkle, that splash, that garnish, styling props to tell a story, and creating images that take viewers on a little journey. My approach blends refined creative direction with technical precision to produce imagery that aligns with each brand’s vision and identity.

In addition to my commercial work, I recently self-published my first children’s book, Elk Valley Alphabet Adventures: A rhyming journey in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. It’s an interactive book featuring local photography, playful rhymes, and engaging prompts that spark curiosity, build literacy skills, and encourage adventure. Handling every aspect of the book was a learning curve, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support of friends and family. It’s an accomplishment I’m proud of, and I’m excited to see where it leads next.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I would have to say networking with other creatives, always learning and improving, and having a plan with clear goals were the most impactful.

Networking with other creatives was huge. Early on, I remember driving to a group meet and being so nervous that I stayed in the car, letting imposter syndrome take over. The next time, I pushed through that fear, and I’m so glad I did. Hearing about other creatives’ challenges and successes made me realize I wasn’t alone. It can be a lonely career at times, so making the effort to connect with others, catch up, and support each other has helped build a community that makes this path far more rewarding.

Committing to learning and improving, whether it’s experimenting with a new style, exploring different approaches to lighting, or staying current with trends and new technologies like AI, has been essential. The industry is always evolving, and embracing ongoing learning has kept me curious and creative, allowing me to produce high-quality, impactful work. Personal shoots are where I let my creative ideas lead, always redefining my style and creating work that fulfills my creative spirit.

Having a business plan, setting goals, and holding myself accountable have helped guide my growth in ways I didn’t fully appreciate when I was starting. Goals help me structure my marketing, outreach and weekly work, keeping me accountable even while wearing all the hats in my business.

For creatives early in their journey, my advice is to focus on personal work. Develop projects that showcase your style and your creative eye, especially without including other brands’ products. This kind of work builds your portfolio and demonstrates what you can do. Clients have a hard time seeing their product or brand in your work if it showcases another brand.

Get out and network! Find a local group either online or in person, and reach out to fellow creatives. Community makes the career less isolating and inspires growth.

Have a plan. Write out your goals, and find a way to be accountable. Without a roadmap, it’s easy to drift. Setting intentions helps you track progress, push yourself, and see the impacts over time. You’ve got this!

Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?

If I knew I only had 10 years left, I would spend that time with my family, travelling, and spending more time on outdoor adventures like running, biking, swimming, skiing, hiking, backpacking, and camping. There are so many places I want to explore, to immerse myself in their history and culture, and to take the paths less travelled.

We are very fortunate to live in a mountain town where outdoor activities are right at our doorstep. Being able to cross-country ski from our house, ride nearby trails, and share these experiences with my kids is a gift I wouldn’t take for granted. Training for a marathon is a goal, and this year my focus is on a half-marathon. For me, this is huge considering I said I would never run again a few years ago. I have reignited my love of swimming, one that had me swimming in open water last year and craving to jump back in. Not without its hurdles, there is still a fear there, but one I am working through. It has been incredibly rewarding.

Enjoying the outdoors with our kids has been a wonderful journey so far. Yes, we have our struggles, no, we don’t always make it, but taking the time to explore and appreciate what is around us and seeing their love of the outdoors makes it unforgettable.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photo of Charné by McKenzie Jespersen Photography

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