We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Taylor Cook a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Taylor, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
I didn’t realize I had any struggle with imposter syndrome until I started my wedding photography business full time. I honestly never really understood the ways it could present itself. The biggest “symptom” of imposter syndrome in my life has been downplaying accomplishments and an underlying feeling of unworthiness of attention.
I had to really walk through this as I navigated being a full time business owner. The biggest ways that I have personally overcome imposter syndrome are giving myself the permission to celebrate successes in my business and also not comparing my success to another’s. I am still working on this every day. There is so much freedom that comes when you allow yourself to celebrate small daily wins and big yearly successes. I’d go so far to say that celebrating yourself and your business contributes to the prevention of burn-out. As far as comparison goes, it’s HUGE. When I don’t compare my wedding photography business to another photographer, it gives me more creative freedom and I am solely focused on giving my clients the best experience and growing my business in the most authentic and genuine way. Comparison is the thief of joy and when you stop, it gives way to confidence.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Providing brides + grooms with the absolute best experience is what Taylor Cook Photography is all about. I believe every bride and groom deserve to have a wedding photographer who TRULY cares about their special day and about cultivating a friendship with them. My number one priority is to connect with my clients and make them feel seen, known, and heard throughout our entire time working together. The awesome wedding photos are just the end result, but it’s a couple’s entire experience with me that truly matters. On wedding day, I want all of my brides to feel like their friend is showing up. Creating professional friendships with my clients make them feel safe and taken care of on their wedding day, so that they can truly soak in every moment.
My wedding collections include engagement sessions, polaroids, a second photographer, videography coverage, and so much more. Any couple that is down to earth and deeply in love are my ideal clients! Celebrating with my sweet couples on their wedding day is my absolute favorite part of the job!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Empathy, adaptability, and resilience.
If you are someone that is looking to start wedding photography full time or just begin a business in general, I think these three qualities are so important. As a business owner, I believe that you actually have to care about the people you are serving. Whether you are proving a product or experience, empathy really matters.
You also have to be willing to adapt. In the wedding world, there are new trends being implemented all the time. On wedding day, no matter how perfectly you plan, sometimes there are events that happen where you have to be willing to quickly adjust. Adaptability (and with a positive attitude) is something you have to possess to run a business.
I don’t think you can be a business owner without resilience. In fact, I think resilience is a quality that most, if not all business owners have. In business you make mistakes, fail, and learn from those mistakes, You have to be willing to bounce back quickly. Owning a business can be messy and it can be hard. Even after a big failure, you have to be willing to have a growth-mindset and move forward.
The best way you can improve on these qualities is to just dive in. Start now. Working with other humans and stepping out will challenge you to grow in empathy, force you to adapt to shifting situations, and you find out quickly if you are willing to move forward with resilience when it gets tough.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
I journal, pray, go for walks, do something fun with my Husband and take a step back. I think pausing is one of the best things you can do when you feel overwhelmed. I don’t mean total paralysis… just a pause. Do what you know fills your cup, even if that’s a nap. Pausing and taking a break helps tremendously and you’re able to approach the work task or situation with fresh eyes after your pause is over.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.taylorcookphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tayl0rcookphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taylorcookphotography
Image Credits
Emily Liz Photography
