Meet Irina Guseva

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Irina Guseva a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Irina, 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 something I’ve struggled with, and to be honest, I still experience it. But now, I recognize it for what it is and try different methods to overcome it. Even with 15+ years of experience in photography, interior design, and business, I often feel like I’m not good enough—especially after moving to the U.S. and starting fresh in a new market.

One of the biggest challenges for me is perfectionism. I used to feel that every image had to be flawless before I could share it, which often held me back. Now, I try to push perfectionism aside and focus on enjoying the process itself. Photography has always been something I love, and I remind myself to create for my own joy first, not just for external validation.

To challenge self-doubt, I focus on action rather than overthinking. Some things that help me are:

– Building my portfolio by doing the kind of shoots that truly inspire me, rather than just what I think others expect.
– Sharing my work on social media, even when I feel uncertain.
– Connecting with other photographers and creatives to exchange experiences.
– Continuously learning, exploring, and trying new things to grow both creatively and professionally.

What also helps me to overcome imposter syndrome is realizing the true value of my work. It’s not just about taking beautiful portraits — it’s about preserving moments that will become even more meaningful over time. My photos capture a part of my clients’ stories, reflecting who they are at this stage of their lives. Years from now, these images will bring back emotions and memories that might have otherwise faded. Understanding this makes me see my work differently and reminds me why it matters.

I should say that I’m still navigating this process, but I’ve realized that imposter syndrome doesn’t reflect my actual abilities — it’s just a mindset. So I keep moving forward, growing my presence in Seattle Area, and reminding myself that experience, passion, and the joy of creating have real value.

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?

Hi, I’m Irina Guseva, a photographer with over 15 years of experience, a former decorator, and creative entrepreneur. I recently moved to Seattle to explore new opportunities and connect with more people through my work.

I specialize in portrait photography, especially women’s portraits. I love capturing emotions, personality, and beauty in a natural, authentic way. Nature is a big source of inspiration for me—plants, the ocean, and natural textures often influence my work. With a background in interior design and styling, I also enjoy creating thoughtful compositions and atmospheres for my shoots.

Right now, I’m focused on building my photography career in Seattle, meeting new people, and sharing my vision through my images.

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, I believe three key qualities have had the greatest impact on my journey.

The first is persistence—in everything. No matter the challenges or doubts, it’s important to stay committed to your path and keep going despite circumstances. Progress isn’t always linear, but consistency is what truly makes a difference.

The second is developing a trained eye. You need to constantly expose yourself to the kind of work that inspires you, to the level of quality you want to achieve. Learning from the best in your field doesn’t necessarily mean formal education—it means observing, analyzing, and understanding what resonates with you. By doing this, you naturally absorb valuable insights and refine your own artistic vision.

The third is staying true to yourself. Trends come and go, but the most meaningful work comes from within. Instead of chasing what’s popular, focus on what genuinely excites and energizes you. When you create from a place of passion and authenticity, your work will naturally find its audience.

For those just starting out, my advice is to cultivate these qualities intentionally. Keep moving forward no matter what, train your eye by surrounding yourself with great work, and most importantly, stay in tune with what truly inspires you.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I’m always open to collaboration and happy to meet new people from different fields. I have a lot of experience working with wedding dress designers—I’ve really enjoyed creating campaign shoots and would love to do more. I also love working with models and always welcome new faces.

I’m interested in collaborating with artists and craft makers as well. Watching people create is always inspiring, and I think it can lead to great photo projects. I’d also love to work with interior designers and photo studios—I used to have my own studio, so I have a lot of experience in this area and want to continue in this direction.

I also have a lot of experience in wedding photography and a little at event planning, so I’d be happy to connect with professionals in the wedding industry.

In short, I enjoy participating in any endeavor that creates beauty and enhances/ beautifies our world.

Right now, I’m especially excited to meet people from different industries. It’s important to me not just for work but also because I’m still learning English. Since it’s not my first language, I sometimes feel a bit shy, so meeting new people and practicing is really helpful.

The best way to reach me is through Instagram or Facebook—I usually reply quickly!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Viktoria Alekseeva
Viktoria
Anastasia
Anna Skoblikova
Dacha loft

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