Meet Maria Schmitt Schmitt

We recently connected with Maria Schmitt Schmitt and have shared our conversation below.

Maria Schmitt , 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’ve overcome imposter syndrome by

1. Compare Less, Create More
Social media can be a double-edged sword. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others. I know I do all the time! But lately I’ve tried to remind myself that what you see online is often the highlight reel. Every photographer, regardless of their experience level, has moments of doubt. They have moments of feeling burnt out and uncreative. I try to focus on my own style and vision, and remind myself where my focus is. If I spend my entire photography career comparing myself to other’s work, I’ll never get anywhere.
2. Get Constructive Feedback
Recently, I reached out to a photographer I really look up to and admire. She’s been so helpful in helping me learn this industry. I’ve been shadowing her at weddings and it’s made me feel more confident going I to the wedding industry. I highly recommend that photographers (especially those that are getting started) to build a connection with a local photographer in their area that they admire.
3. I Define My own Success
I’ve learned to shift my perspective on success. Success doesn’t have to mean having a huge following or landing high-profile clients. I’ve set personal, achievable goals and milestones that resonate with myself. I’m in no means a big photographer but I’ve learned not to compare myself to anyone else’s success.
4. Remembering Why I Started
Revisiting my passion and the reasons I chose photography in the first place. Whether it’s capturing authentic moments, laughs, celebrations, joy, love, you name it. I love it all. I love reconnecting with the essence of why I love photography.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

My name is Maria Schmitt and I own Intertwined Souls Photography. I officially started my business almost 3 years ago! I’m nestled in a small city in Colorado called Grand Junction.
I started my photography journey a little over 4 years ago but I took a break from photography after my boyfriend unexpectedly passed. After he passed, I was searching for something and anything to help me with my grief. When I started taking photos again, I realized that this is wanted I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I now want to devote my time to photographing love for others. In all shapes and forms ♡

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my journey I think the 3 most important qualities and skills to learn is understanding the fundamentals of exposure, lighting, and composition is critical. Get to know your camera! Watch videos on how post-processing tools like Lightroom or Photoshop work. This is how you can build and execute your ideas without them falling flat.
Next, create a vision/goal. Photography isn’t just about capturing what’s in front of you; it’s about seeing the world in a way that others might not. Developing a unique style, being inspired by your surroundings, and constantly experimenting with different perspectives are all part of honing this creative skill.
Lastly, patience. Don’t give up. Photography often requires waiting for the perfect moment—whether that’s the right lighting, a fleeting expression, or the ideal weather. Don’t do that. I always though it had to be golden hour lighting. It doesn’t. Learn to work in the wind, rain, full sun, cloudy days, etc. Being persistent through trial and error, and learning from failures, is essential for growth. Every shoot is an opportunity to refine both technical skills and creative instincts.

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?

Looking to connect with fellow photographers and creators who share a passion for story telling photography. I’m always interested in collaborating on projects that push creative boundaries and explore new ideas. If you’re also into a dark and moody style, let’s team up and create something amazing! Feel free to reach out if you’re interested in working together over on my instagram @Intertwinedsoulsphotography ♡

Contact Info:

• Website: https://intertwinedsoulsphotography.my.canva.site/intertwinedsoulsphotography
• Instagram: Intertwinedsoulsphotography

Image Credits

Just me ◡̈