We recently connected with Halie West and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Halie, 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 is a funny thing. When you start of a business, you think you have it all down. You’ve read the books, watched the You Tube videos, and you have a plan. In my experience, plans don’t go the way you hope and you learn a ton of lessons on the way. This also increases imposter syndrome. As we realize we don’t know as much as we hoped, the fear can creep in and tell you that you can’t do this. You don’t have it all figured out. And that’s ok.
For me, embracing that business would eb and flow, lessons would come, and I would learn in time really helped my imposter syndrome. As I got more elopement bookings and had more and more happy couples. I realized that I can do this. I can give an incredible experience and take meaningful photos for incredible people. I can run a business the way I want to that gives me the freedom to live my life to the fullest. It just took time, changing perspective, and trusting the process!
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?
Hey, I’m Halie! I’m an adventure elopement photographer based out of Utah and Alaska who helps couples create meaningful wedding days centered around the outdoors. I craft experiences with new experiences and inspiring locations to gives couples a day to remember! I have adventure-inclusive packages where I suggest + book epic experiences like helicoptering out to a glacier in Alaska, or Jeeping out to a desert canyon overlook. I aim to give couples unique wedding days that speak to them and their love story.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
An ability to look at the positive, the willingness to learn, and asking for help have really helped me in my business journey. I started out not knowing how to do anything other than photograph. I taught myself everything from filing taxes to making a social media marketing plan. I messed up a ton and was sure to always learn from these lessons and not beat myself up about them. Learning anything and everything related to photography businesses helped me as well. I studied photographers I look up to, I watched videos, and I read articles when I had questions. When I couldn’t gather enough info from the internet, I turned to my peers for help. I befriended other photographers in my community and we grew together. I bought courses to help me with business, and hired a business coach for a time to help me get my business running.
Being open to help and looking at aspects of business from different angles really helped me to find what worked for me. I feel that learning from others was the biggest step forward I could have taken. Right off the bat, I would find a business coach or mentor group that suits you. The investment really pays off!
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents taught me to have a strong work ethic and to always pursue what you love. These two lessons have really helped me build my business while staying true to myself and my passions!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://haliewestphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haliewestphoto/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcaIQeTa60o3yRXAuMSpfVQ
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