Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dakota Schlager. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dakota, 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.
Imposter syndrome is that feeling of self-doubt and inadequacy, often accompanied by the fear that others will discover you’re not as competent as they think you are. You fear that you’re not good enough to be rubbing elbows with those in the same position as you. For me I experience this phenomenon quite a bit actually. I don’t know if it comes from being taught to always be humble and modest growing up, or the anxiety of not being liked by others, or if it’s just something we all experience but we don’t admit it. I constantly feel like I’m not “good enough” to be a concert photographer, a travel photographer, an influencer, a filmmaker, etc. It’s easy to get into our own heads and nit-pick everything we don’t like about our work. I haven’t necessarily “overcome” this feeling but I do try to remind myself that I’m where I’m at in my work/career because of the hard work I’ve put in to be here: I got that job because I was qualified and deserved to get that job, I got that photo gig because I have the experience and people like my work. All of the opportunities I’ve had I have deserved. I still have a long ways to go, but I’ve also come a long way thus far.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m Dakota, and I’m deeply passionate about the creative arts, particularly in the realms of photography and filmmaking, but I also love traditional arts and music. My journey as a visual storyteller began early on, rooted in my fascination with photography. I remember my first crack at this art form as a child, experimenting with a film camera. Throughout late elementary school and high school, I was largely self-taught: watching youtube videos, buying up photography books, learning the intricacies of photography and honing my skills.
Once I entered college I was fortunate enough to acquire my first DSLR camera, a significant milestone in my photography journey. It was at this point that I sought formal education to further explore this world. I took as many photography courses as my program offered, learning the technical aspects and creative nuances that make this medium so captivating. What excites me the most about photography is its power to freeze moments in time, capturing the essence of a subject and the emotions that surround it. It’s like holding a piece of magic within a frame.
During my time in college, I discovered another profound passion – filmmaking. Specifically cinematography. My journey into this new world began with my first film class. Here, I discovered the art of storytelling through moving images. Cinematography has allowed me to seamlessly blend my love for both photography and filmmaking. I love the process of crafting the visual elements that shape a scene – the composition, the mood, and the emotions. It’s a unique form of artistry that brings stories to life in a captivating way, and I find it endlessly exciting.
Growing up, music has been an integral part of my life, and lately I’ve had the privilege of being a part of the vibrant world of concert photography. There’s something profoundly gratifying about capturing the energy, the passion, and the raw emotion of live performances through my lens. It’s a constant journey of growth, and I take immense pride in witnessing my evolution and the ever-deepening connection I have with my work. While I didn’t pursue a professional career in music, my work in concert photography has provided a wonderful avenue to keep that spark alive. It’s a joyful fusion of my love for music and my dedication to visual storytelling, and it reminds me that we can continue to nurture our passions in unexpected and fulfilling ways.
In terms of recent developments, I am hoping to keep pursuing the concert photographer life, as well as professionally growing in the filmmaking world. I’m optimistic and open to all future opportunities that come my way.
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?
Looking back on my journey, I’d say there are three things that have made the most significant impact:
Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and persist in the face of challenges has been crucial. Life and career journeys are rarely linear; they’re often marked by ups and downs. To develop resilience, I would advise early-stage individuals to embrace failure as a learning opportunity, maintain a growth mindset, and seek support from mentors or a support network during tough times.
Adaptability: The world is constantly changing, and the ability to adapt is essential. Being open to new ideas, technologies, and ways of doing things has allowed me to stay relevant and innovative. My advice for those at the beginning of their journey would be to remain curious, seek continuous learning, and not be afraid to pivot when necessary.
Networking: Building and nurturing a professional network has been a game-changer. The people you meet and connect with can open doors, provide guidance, and offer valuable insights. I recommend early career individuals actively engage in networking opportunities, attend industry events, and use platforms like LinkedIn to make connections. Be authentic in your interactions and focus on building mutually beneficial relationships.
In summary, my journey has been significantly shaped by resilience, adaptability, and networking. To those just starting out, I’d suggest cultivating these qualities and skills as they will serve you well in your own unique journey. Embrace challenges, stay flexible, and connect with others who can help you grow and learn along the way.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely, I’m always open to new partnerships and collaborations, and this sentiment extends to fellow professionals in various fields, including photographers, filmmakers, music industry professionals, and anyone else interested. I’m interested in pushing creative boundaries. If you’re reading this and want to collaborate, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn or email, and let’s explore exciting projects together. Collaboration is a fantastic way to expand our creative horizons and create something extraordinary.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dakotaschlager.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dakotaschlager/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dakota-schlager/
