We were lucky to catch up with Riley Corbin recently and have shared our conversation below.
Riley, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Overcoming the anxiety of self promoting yourself as a business owner is nothing short of challenging. The photography world is competitive & when going up against photographers who have been building their portfolio for a decade- feelings of inadequacy, comparison, & self doubt can feel overwhelming and hard to shake. I’ve learned to do less comparing & more admiring. Admiring the work they’ve put in to be as successful as they are. Admiring myself for continuing to pursue something I’m so passionate about. & Admiring the dedication I put forth each and every day. I’ve found great perspective in trials and tribulations that come with the journey of growing a business. Let go of expectations & allow yourself to grow with your work- masterpieces aren’t created overnight.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’ve been expanding my photography portfolio and growing my business for the last three years. I’ve found a passion in capturing the bond between others. The intimate gaze between two souls that are madly in love. The smile of a mother and father watching over their babies, feeling prideful over the life they’ve built for themselves. It’s a privilege to witness and capture such raw emotion between human beings. I find myself to be drawn towards a more authentic, documentary style of photography. I strive to find the beauty within the natural interactions that occur between one another & I prioritize that in each of my sessions.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Resilience. There is always going to be someone more talented than you. The photography industry is rapidly growing & technology is ever changing. It can feel overwhelming trying to keep up with the “latest and greatest”. Keep your chin up & give yourself Grace. Nothing worth having happens overnight.
Network. Network. Network. If there is one thing I’d do differently it would be reaching out to other photographers (both tenured & not) much sooner in my career. Ask questions, reach out for mentorship’s, arrange collabs, second shoot for other colleagues. Get your name out there. Support others & their work & you’ll be surprised by how many others will do the same.
Focus on the “client experience” just as much as you focus on the quality and turnout of the photos. Giving your clientele a lively experience while shooting is far more likely to result in a second booking. Interact with your models- create prompts that provoke movement and engagement between each-other. Try bringing along a portable speaker and playing music while shooting- it’s a great way to elevate the experience & helps your clients shake off some of the anxiety that can come with posing for a camera.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Comparison is a killer & it’s a roadblock I find myself up against more often than not. I find myself scrolling through others work with feelings of inadequacy. I’m an underdog in an industry full of tenured photographers. What I find myself forgetting- everyone starts somewhere.
Contact Info:
- Website: Rileycorbinphotography.mypixieset.com
- Instagram: @rileycorbinphotography
- Facebook: @RC Photography
Image Credits
Kayla Scofield Photography & Riley Corbin Photography
