We were lucky to catch up with Gabby Carr recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Gabby, 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.
The day I ever fully conquer imposter syndrome is the day I die. It’s definitely a process. When it flares up what helps me is to first look at what I have accomplished, my favorite pieces from my favorite photography sessions, how far I’ve come from where I started, and the relationships I’ve built with my clients and other local businesses that I partner with. I then look at when I can and want to accomplish in the future. As I improve my skills and meet my goals I then have more examples to look back on to reassure myself when my imposter syndrome flares up again.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I stumbled on my love for photography on accident. Growing up all I wanted to do was to have my own tea room/bakery. I loved baking and creating. My dreams were dashed when I found out rather quickly in culinary school that I have a sensitivity to the gas used in ovens and stoves that caused me to pass out in all my culinary labs. I do not recommend passing out in an environment that includes lots of fire and knives. I took a break from school and returned home where I met my husband. I tried a couple different things without finding something I could take joy in.
When my eldest was born, I felt frustrated and unfulfilled with my only role being a SAHM. I figured I’d do what many others in my position did and start a mom blog to give me something to do that was for me. When I started the mom blog what I fell in love with was the photography aspect and I had the perfect willing subject in my 6 month old son.
From there I dove into everything photography related and consumed all the educational resources I could get my hands on.
7 years on my photography business has grown amazingly and we even moved in 2019 to a house that allowed me to have my own studio, boudoir photography room, and an incredible outside space for photography sessions. I’ve photographed families fr0m their engagement sessions, to their wedding, to their maternity sessions, to their newborn sessions, to their family sessions every year. I love being able to be there for the special moments in their lives.
Throughout the years there’s been moments that remind me how important it is that I do what I do. A few years ago I did an extended family package. I spent an hour capturing the special relationships between the 4 different generations of this family. The week after I delivered the pictures from the session, my client reached out to me letting me know that the matriarch of the family passed away and expressed her gratitude that she and her family had the precious memories of all of them together for that time and the pictures that she could look at any time.
Pictures bring people together, in happy times and in sad. Pictures last when the moment passes. There’s nothing like creating a joyous moment and capturing it forever.
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?
I have ADD. Once I learned more about how that influenced my brain chemistry and other aspects I was able to learn how to turn it to a strength. I also had to learn how to show myself compassion when I needed it due to my limitations. So in summary:
1. Learn your weaknesses
2. Learn ways to use your weakness to your advantage
3. Learn to give yourself the compassion you can give others
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
My husband, Daniel, has been instrumental in me getting where I am. I got married when I was young, at only 20. Obviously, at age 20 you’re not done growing into who you are and there is something so amazing to have such a supportive and loving partner cheering you on as you figure out who you are and what you want out of life and as you grow into the person you want to become. He’s been there to comfort and encourage me when I run into a challenge and he’s always the first to celebrate with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gabbycarrphotography.com
- Instagram: @gabbycarrphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GabbyCarrPhotography
Image Credits
Gabby Carr Photography
