Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Katie Marshall . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Katie , 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.
I chose to answer this question because imposter syndrome affects so many photographers. I have often lived in areas that have so many talented photographers, many would say an “oversaturated market”. Especially in the military community, many spouses decide to pursue photography because it’s a skill that moves with you! The ability to make your own schedule is also an enticing factor. This reason alone impacted my decision to pursue my hobby as a career! However, the very platforms I use to advertise, Facebook and Instagram, can be very intimidating for many photographers. Every time I open up social media, I scroll through hundreds are beautiful images created by other photographers. It can be extremely challenging to not compare your work to others. There are also so many new editing and styling trends that roll through the photography community. I have seen talented photographers evolve and change their style to match these trends while others stay true to their original style. I don’t believe there is a right or wrong way to this, as long as you are doing it for the right reasons! It’s important to stay true to your passion and art! I am known for bold and colorful photography. There have been times where I see photography with more muted and neutral colors and have thought “maybe I should try this?” However, at the end of the day, I realize so many people book with because of my colorful art! I have built up such an amazing client base because people admire my art and I have to remind myself this often! I have had so many clients who have saved for months just for the opportunity to book with me because of my style, and that is such a humbling inspiration that I used to overcome impostor syndrome.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My name is Katie Marshall and I am a mom to five littles! I am also owner to Marshall Focus photography. I strive to capture, authentic and emotional moments in bold and beautiful color. I am also a military spouse which means we are often on the move! This past June, we traded in the desert and mountains of El Paso for the lush green of Northern Virginia. I am in the process of restarting my business here in a new area! The season has started off a little slow due to the summer months, but I’m pleased to announce I have just booked out the month of October! I’m looking forward to building my clientele here and serving families who prefer colorful lifestyle photography!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three skills that are most impactful in my journey are confidence, dedication and hard-work. It is important that you build up confidence around your art. You are in charge of selling your business and people want to feel confident that they are investing in someone who can provide them with beautiful images. In saying this, hard-work and dedication are key to building up this confidence. It is difficult to recognize the hours and hours that go on behind the scenes. I spend countless hours, editing, marketing and creating.
For those starting out on this journey, you need to practice, practice, practice. Get out there and just use your camera wherever you can! Find out what style you like and build on that! Tune out the current trends and styles and stay true to the reason you started this journey!
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I would love to connect with other photographers in the DMV area. I had a wonderful photography community in El Paso. We would often create together and support one another. Since I am new to the area, I am still building up my community here. If any other photographers in the DMV area would like to connect, please contact me via social media!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marshallfocus.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshallfocus
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marshallfocus
Image Credits
@dearlesliephotography for headshot
@marshallfocus
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
