We recently connected with Skyla Davis and have shared our conversation below.
Skyla, 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 isn’t just about self-doubt—it’s about the fear that one day, someone will decide you don’t belong. As a self-taught photographer, I’ve felt that weight in professional spaces where technical expertise is often treated as the defining measure of legitimacy. Without formal training or industry credentials, I sometimes questioned whether passion and persistence were enough.
But over time, I started asking myself: Who gets to decide what “enough” looks like?
The turning point wasn’t about suddenly feeling qualified—it was about recognizing that expertise isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about execution. It’s about showing up, refining your craft, and creating work that speaks for itself. I stopped fixating on what I hadn’t learned yet and focused on what I was already doing—capturing meaningful moments with intention and growing with every project.
The truth is, imposter syndrome thrives in comparison. The more I engaged with other creatives, the more I realized that even the most experienced professionals have moments of doubt. Mastery is a moving target, and no one reaches a point where they’ve learned it all. What separates those who succeed isn’t a lack of uncertainty—it’s the decision to keep going anyway.
I overcame imposter syndrome by shifting my perspective. Instead of waiting for external validation, I started measuring my growth by my own progress. Instead of seeing gaps in knowledge as evidence that I didn’t belong, I started seeing them as opportunities to evolve.
For anyone struggling with imposter syndrome: Your work is valid. Your growth is real. Keep showing up, keep learning, and remember that belonging isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you claim.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Photography, for me, has always been about more than just images—it’s about storytelling, emotion, and the moments that often go unnoticed. I specialize in documentary-style photography, capturing weddings and lifestyle portraits in a way that feels authentic, raw, and deeply personal. My goal is to preserve moments as they unfold, creating images that feel real, timeless, and true to the people in them.
What excites me most about this work is its impact—the way a single photograph can shape the way someone sees themselves, preserve a fleeting moment, or tell a story in a way words can’t. For example, in boudoir photography, I get to witness people reclaim confidence and see themselves in a new light. In weddings, I have the honor of capturing love in its purest, unscripted form. Every session is different, and that’s what keeps this work so meaningful.
Right now, I’m in an exciting period of growth. I’ve recently transitioned into full-time photography, which has opened new opportunities to expand my work, refine my style, and build deeper connections with clients. I’ve also been creating new tools and resources to make the experience more seamless for both my clients and other photographers looking to strengthen their own workflows.
Above all, my focus is on creating work that resonates—images that go beyond aesthetics to capture something real. Whether it’s a wedding day, a boudoir session, or a quiet, intimate moment in between, I want the people I photograph to feel seen, valued, and celebrated.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Adaptability:
Looking back, the most impactful qualities in my growth have been adaptability, intentionality, self-trust, and patience.
Photography requires constant learning. The ability to adjust—whether to unexpected lighting, client needs, or creative challenges—has been essential. Growth comes from embracing challenges and learning to pivot when needed.
2. Intentionality: Storytelling Over Perfection:
Early on, I focused on technical perfection. Now, I prioritize meaning, composition, and emotion over just getting the “perfect” shot.
Advice: Ask yourself, What am I trying to say? The strongest images aren’t just technically sound; they’re purposeful.
3. Self-Trust: Owning My Perspective
As a self-taught photographer, I once doubted my place in professional spaces. Over time, I realized my perspective is my greatest strength.
Advice: Stop waiting for permission to take yourself seriously. Develop your eye, refine your craft, and trust that your vision has value.
4. (Bonus) Patience: Growth Takes Time
Progress isn’t linear. Mastery isn’t immediate. The best work comes from steady effort, mistakes, and lessons learned along the way.
Advice: Be patient with yourself. Keep learning, keep refining, and give yourself time to grow.
No matter where you are in your journey, stay adaptable, be intentional, trust yourself, and give yourself the time to evolve.
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?
Right now, I’m in a season of embracing community—connecting with other creatives, sharing knowledge, and building relationships that go beyond just business. Photography can sometimes feel like a solo pursuit, but I’ve learned that the best opportunities often come from collaboration rather than competition.
I’m always looking to connect with:
– Fellow photographers who value storytelling, creative exchange, and shared learning
– Wedding & event professionals—planners, florists, makeup artists, and vendors who want to create a seamless experience for couples
– Brands & creatives looking for intentional photography that aligns with their vision
– Clients who want more than just images, but a meaningful experience
If you’re interested in working together—whether for a creative project, client referral, or collaboration—I’d love to connect.
Let’s create something impactful together.
Reach out at [email protected] or connect with me on Instagram @skyladavisportraiture.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.skyladavisportraiture.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skyladavisportraiture
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SDPortraitureLLC
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skyladavis
Image Credits
Skyla Davis, Skyla Davis Portraiture
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
