Meet Cloee Thomas

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cloee Thomas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Cloee , 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.

I’ve always struggled with feeling like I wasn’t good enough, whether creatively or in my personal life. I often felt like I didn’t know what I was doing while everyone around me seemed to have it figured out. I was highly self-critical in all areas, and to some extent, I still am. However, I’ve come to realize that the voice in my head telling me I’m not good enough isn’t rooted in reality. It’s an anxiety trying to protect me from what I perceive as failure. Unfortunately, this fear held me back for a long time from pursuing a creative career. Over the years, I’ve learned to recognize this anxiety as a part of me, not who I am, and separate it from my true self. What I once thought was failure was actually a fear of not being good enough, and that fear kept me from even trying.

With time, confidence, community, and practice, I’ve been able to move beyond that mental turmoil. I still have my doubts, but I now understand that it’s okay to acknowledge them, take time for myself, process my emotions, and then move forward. I’m learning to trust the journey and not let fear dictate my path.

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

I’m a multifaceted artist, primarily focused on photography, with a passion for exploring various styles such as conceptual, beauty, editorial, commercial, and product photography. My creative process thrives on versatility; I don’t limit myself to one niche or medium. I find that experimenting with different techniques and approaches is essential to keeping my creativity flowing and engaging with new challenges.

One of the most exciting aspects of photography for me is the sheer range of possibilities. Whether it’s through playing with lighting, experimenting with in-camera effects, or incorporating unique props, I love how photography allows me to shape a vision and tell a story through different visual elements. No two shoots are ever the same, and that sense of unpredictability keeps me inspired.

For much of my career, I wore many hats, photographer, stylist, prop designer, hair/makeup artist, and creative director, all in one. Over time, I’ve built a network and collaborated with talented teams, but I still love to dive into those other roles when needed. This flexibility and hands-on approach are a huge part of what makes each project special to me.

Right now, I’m excited to announce that I’m accepting new clients for February and March! I have also launched a new website where clients can submit inquiries and view my portfolio. I’m looking forward to expanding my creative horizons and collaborating with others to bring fresh, innovative ideas to life.

For those interested in working with me or learning more about my work, you can visit my new website at cloeethomasphotography.com.

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

Looking back, I would say three skills have had the most impact on my journey: paying attention to the smallest details to create a scene that’s unique to my vision, thinking outside the box to come up with original ideas and concepts, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a team.

For those just starting out, my advice would be to take your time on set and work with people who are willing to give you that space to experiment. Getting everything perfect at the start isn’t always possible, and trial and error are part of the process. Be open to feedback, both positive and constructive, and don’t hesitate to ask for it. The only way to grow is by reflecting on your work and seeking out ways to improve, whether through feedback or your own self-assessment.

Remember, not everyone works the same way or approaches creativity in the same manner. It takes time to discover what best suits your creative flow. Personally, I love to sketch out ideas or browse through Pinterest for inspiration. I’m a visual person, even though I have Aphantasia, which means I can’t visualize images in my mind. Despite this, I still conceptualize my ideas through external visuals. Embrace what works for you and trust your process as you develop your own creative approach.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

For me, the biggest area of growth has definitely been in marketing myself more consistently and confidently. In the past, I struggled with feeling uncomfortable about sharing my work, expressing who I want to collaborate with, updating my pricing, and most importantly, setting clear boundaries with potential clients. It felt awkward at first, and I often second-guessed myself, but I’ve come to realize how crucial it is to openly communicate what I offer and what I need to thrive in my work.

Taking this step has been incredibly empowering! It’s not just about putting myself out there; it’s about asserting my value, feeling confident in my worth, and attracting the right people who align with my creative vision and goals. I’ve learned that being transparent about my boundaries and expectations only leads to more authentic, positive collaborations. I’m excited about this growth and the clarity it brings as I continue to evolve in my career. Now, I’m embracing this journey with enthusiasm, and I’m looking forward to what’s next as I continue to grow both personally and professionally!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cloeethomasphotography.com/
• Instagram: @visualsbycloee
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cloee-t-20a602110/

Image Credits

All photos have been taken by me.