Meet Katie Gilmore

We were lucky to catch up with Katie Gilmore recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Katie, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

When I think about myself, the first word that comes to mind would not be “confident”. However, as I’ve grown in life, I would like to think that I possess a quiet confidence. I know what I am good at, and I know that I am good at it. I let my work speak for itself.

Developing confidence and having a good sense of self-esteem is a personal journey and a learning process. It’s the ability to take risks, to be intentional, to remain modest, and to have courage. Developing my confidence was about becoming secure in who I am. Connecting this to photography, you develop your own style and unique perspective that no one else has to offer.

Ultimately, I know my strengths and weaknesses. I know my best qualities, but I also know my insecurities. If you think about it, no one else knows you as well as you. I am still learning how to stand on my strengths and improve my weaknesses. It’s all about one step at a time.

In the end, it does not matter where you start – personally or professionally. Setting goals and achieving them has helped boost my self-esteem. Rather than comparing myself to the person next to me, I have learned how to internally reflect and see how far right now me has come from the older version of me. You learn from both your accomplishments and your mistakes. I think that is how I have developed my confidence and self-esteem.

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?

To be completely honest, I am not sure what my next steps are professionally. I am currently a senior in college where I am pursuing a dual degree in Psychology and Communication Studies. I have been considering returning for my Master’s – but who knows.

I know that I have big goals and would love to continue in sports media. I recently wrapped up my internship with the Norfolk Tides where I grew in so many areas. I am eternally grateful for my experience there and for all the people that I met. I know that I am taking the right steps and have become connected with amazing and super creative individuals who have already helped me so much.

I recently photographed my first football game for Old Dominion University. It was an amazing experience and felt so surreal. I have also been working as a photographer with Regent University Athletics for the past two years where I have taken pictures for the soccer, basketball, volleyball, and track teams. I am open to collaborating with other universities and teams as well as learning from my peers.

I am super excited for the next few months… I do not know what to expect, but I know what ever happens will be good. The worst someone can do is say “no”, but fingers crossed for a big “yes”!

My professional dream would be to work full time with a professional sports team, photograph for the Olympics, and so much more. I would enjoy traveling for photography. I am also becoming more confident in my graphic design abilities and videography skills.

Long story short – graduate, dream big, look for new opportunities, and go from there!

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 had to think about this for second because there is so much to know and learn…

First, you don’t know it all, so ask questions. It seems like an obvious. Personally, I like to figure out things myself. I am working on reaching out to people and asking questions. You can only learn so much by yourself. So many people exist out there that are more than happy to help you and want to see you succeed. Also, the worst people can say to you is no.

Second, it’s okay to fail or for something not work out. As someone who wants to give it my 100% and to succeed, I have to remind myself that sometimes things do not always work out. Failure is another means to growth. Sometimes, I learn better when I fail. It motivates me to try harder, to be inspired, and to start fresh.

Finally, step outside of your comfort zone. Doing something for the first time is sometimes nerve racking. Growth is sometimes uncomfortable. To be able to make it to the next step in your career (and life in general), you have to be able to leave what you know. If you stay stagnant, you limit yourself. Going outside of your circle, you meet new people, boost your self-confidence, and expand your world. You never know what may happen!

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

My mom is one of my biggest supporters. I am forever thankful for everything she has done and will continue to do for me. As a single mother, she has sacrificed so much to help both my sister and I succeed in life.

The most notable thing that she has done for me is support me in whatever I chose to do in life. I like to do a lot on my own, but I know that I can always count on her. She says what I need to hear (even if I do not want to hear it in the moment).

I think she realized my aptitude towards being creative and having an eye for photography from a young age. She always had these digital point and shoot cameras. If you flip through pictures of little me, I guarantee that you will find me holding a camera. She gave me my first beginner camera. Even when I cannot see it or feel it, she is always there supporting me and being my biggest cheerleader in life.

I know she will be reading this and would not be expecting to read any of the above. But for the record, thanks for everything and so much more!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://katiegilmorephotog.wixsite.com/my-site
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiegilmore.photography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinemgilmore/

Image Credits

Katie Gilmore