We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dilpreet Shah a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dilpreet, 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 has been a significant struggle for me in the past, and I must admit that it still affects me to some extent. However, I have made considerable progress in managing it. Nowadays, I am better at giving myself the credit I genuinely deserve and appreciating my own work without constantly comparing it to others.
Acknowledging these feelings was the first crucial step in my journey to address imposter syndrome. Realizing that it is a common phenomenon and that many people, no matter their accomplishments, have experienced these doubts was comforting. It reminded me that I am not alone in feeling this way and that it is okay to have moments of uncertainty. I also started celebrating even the smallest of achievements. By acknowledging and valuing my progress and accomplishments, I began to build self-assurance and confidence in my abilities. Instead of solely focusing on what I had not achieved yet, I started recognizing and appreciating what I had accomplished so far.
One significant change I made was to stop comparing myself to others. I realized that each person’s journey is unique, and there is no universal standard for success or a correct path to follow in life. Embracing my individuality and understanding that everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses allowed me to shift my focus inward and concentrate on personal growth.
Although I have made strides in managing imposter syndrome, I must be mindful that it might resurface from time to time, especially in a competitive and constantly evolving creative industry. However, by acknowledging these feelings, celebrating my achievements, and avoiding comparisons, I have learned to navigate the challenges that imposter syndrome presents more effectively.
A project I did last year titled “Ball of Burden”, visually represents the concept of imposter syndrome and self-sabotage and its impact on my life. I sought deeper insight into my own thoughts and behaviors. The project served as a catalyst for personal growth, aiming to overcome my self-sabotaging tendencies and foster a healthier mindset. Through the powerful imagery and introspective exploration in “Ball of Burden,” I was trying to open up a dialogue about the internal struggles faced by many individuals. The project invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences and encourages greater understanding and empathy toward those grappling with imposter syndrome and self-sabotage.
You can read more about the project here: https://www.dilpreetshah.com/ball-of-burden
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Originally from Delhi, India, I moved to Los Angeles in 2021, dedicating myself to a full-time career in photography. My journey into photography started after transitioning from an engineering career. Art, in various forms, such as graphic design and fine art, has always been a significant part of my life since high school. The power of visual communication has captivated me, and photography has become the language through which I express myself creatively.
As a graduate of New York Film Academy, Los Angeles, I have specialized in fashion and product photography, catering to both brands and individuals. Curating varied aesthetics has become more than just a hobby; it is now an integral part of my professional work. Whether shooting on location or in a controlled environment of a studio, each setting presents unique opportunities for creativity. I am where I am now because of my consistency in delivering good work, in my art style, and being myself. I have got the opportunity to work with brands in the United States and India over the course of my photography journey, and have my work featured in several magazines. Recently, I got the opportunity to shoot for New York Fashion Week’s Fall 2023, to which I am eternally grateful.
Throughout my journey, I have embraced curiosity and self-teaching, constantly exploring new ideas and techniques. Attention to detail has been a hallmark of my work, earning me appreciation from those who have seen my work. While my journey has had its fair share of challenges, I have been fortunate to have a support system that believed in my artistic pursuits. Coming from a purely technical background, with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, I faced initial skepticism from my family when I expressed my desire to pursue photography professionally. However, their support, coupled with my unwavering dedication and passion, helped me overcome those reservations. My engineering training has been invaluable in mastering the art of problem-solving, allowing me to excel both on location and in the studio while creating editorial and commercial content for clients.
In recent times, I have undergone a significant transition in my photography career, focusing on capturing weddings and events. This shift has opened up numerous exciting opportunities for me, allowing me to travel extensively within the United States. I have had the privilege of visiting various states, such as Nevada, Chicago, Arizona, and Florida, to document the joyous celebrations of couples and the memorable moments of special occasions.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunities that have shaped my journey thus far, and I remain open to experimentation and embracing new ideas.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Being a successful photographer necessitates a well-rounded blend of technical expertise, artistic vision, and strong interpersonal qualities. Throughout my career, I have found these three key attributes to be particularly instrumental in my journey, with no specific order of importance.
The synergy of these three qualities has empowered me to evolve and thrive as a photographer. My artistic vision and creativity infuse life into my work, while technical camera proficiency provides me with the technical prowess to execute my creative ideas effectively. Furthermore, effective communication skills foster strong client relationships, enabling me to deliver exceptional results and leave a lasting impression.
To all the individuals embarking on their photography journey, I just want to say : DON’T GIVE UP. The world of photography can be challenging to navigate, but with dedication and perseverance, you can make significant progress. Practice regularly, learn from your mistakes, look at other people’s work, see what they are doing right and what might not be working for them. Be open to constructive feedback and don’t compare your journey to someone else’s.
Remember, everyone starts as a beginner, and every accomplished photographer has gone through their share of challenges. Don’t be discouraged by initial difficulties; they are stepping stones to growth.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Photography is a uniquely collaborative industry that thrives on the synergy of various creatives, such as photographers, models, makeup artists, designers, and stylists. As a photographer, I have always embraced and valued these collaborations as they offer opportunities to showcase my work, diversify my portfolio, and foster artistic growth.
Currently, I am particularly eager to delve into the realm of fashion shoots and campaigns. I am actively seeking collaborations with designers and stylists who share a passion for creating stunning visual narratives through their art. If you are a designer or stylist looking to collaborate on exciting projects, I encourage you to reach out to me through Instagram or email. I am excited to discuss ideas, exchange creative visions, and embark on a journey of artistic exploration together.
Moreover, I believe that collaboration is not limited to professional projects alone. To anyone reading this, whether you are a fellow photographer, model, makeup artist, designer, stylist, or anyone with an interest in photography and creativity, I welcome you to connect with me. Whether you wish to collaborate on a shoot, exchange ideas, or simply engage in a creative conversation, I am more than happy to hear from you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dilpreetshah.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dilpreeeeeeet/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dilpreet-shah-singh/
Image Credits
Photo of me in a studio : Umang Sampat
