We recently connected with Tim Muangkeo and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tim, 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 am one of the many people who picked up photography as a hobby during the pandemic, and I’ve certainly felt the weight of imposter syndrome along the way.
During the lockdown, I came across a quote that stuck with me: “If you did not pick up an additional skill or learn anything new, you did not lack time but discipline.” Motivated by these words, I found myself exploring the outdoors more as everything started to open up. I picked up a camera and began taking photos around Seattle, eventually venturing into the wilderness of Washington.
One day, one of my photos went viral on Instagram. Overnight, I was inundated with questions about my camera settings, editing techniques, and composition tips. Suddenly, I was the go-to person for amateur photographers seeking advice.
At the same time, I was still learning and seeking advice on how to improve my own skills. Meeting other local photographers in Seattle often made me feel like I was barely keeping up and didn’t quite belong in their ranks.
A pivotal moment came when I went to shoot the Milky Way in Bend, Oregon. Along the way, I met a fellow photographer, and we talked about gear, shot compositions, and the life of a photographer. We exchanged contacts and went our separate ways. The next morning, I received a DM on Instagram from him, praising my photos and offering encouragement. To my surprise, he was a well-known instructor for amateur landscape photographers. His words gave me a sense of belonging and confidence in my abilities.
This experience taught me several valuable lessons:
Seek Support: Reaching out and collaborating with others is a strength, not a weakness. It’s okay to rely on your peers and learn from them.
Embrace the Learning Process: Understanding that learning and growth are ongoing processes helped shift my mindset from fear of failure to embracing new opportunities.
Persistence Pays Off: Tackling challenges head-on, no matter how daunting they seem, can lead to significant growth and self-discovery.
Celebrate Small Wins: Recognizing and celebrating small achievements along the way can boost your confidence and keep you motivated.
This journey has inspired me to help others who might be struggling with similar feelings. Whether through mentoring, sharing my experiences, or simply offering a listening ear, I’ve found that supporting others is a powerful way to reinforce my own confidence and foster a positive community.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I work as a software engineer by day and a passionate photographer by night. My journey into photography began during the pandemic, and it has since evolved into a significant part of my life. Today, I focus on capturing the beauty of the Pacific Northwest through my camera, often combining my love for overlanding with photography adventures.
What excites me most about photography is its power to tell stories and evoke emotions. Each photo I take is a moment frozen in time, a piece of a larger narrative about our connection with nature. The thrill of chasing the perfect shot, whether it’s a serene forest scene or a star-studded night sky, keeps me motivated and inspired.
I have some upcoming projects for my YouTube channel where I’ll document my travels from Washington to Utah, possibly through California. This project will not only showcase the stunning landscapes I encounter but also provide insights into overlanding gear, travel tips, and the behind-the-scenes process of capturing the perfect shot.
My future goal is to grow my photography business through more collaborations and brand deals. I aim to create content that not only highlights the beauty of the outdoors but also educates and inspires others to embark on their own adventures. I am working on improving my skills in both photography and cinematography to produce even more engaging and high-quality content.
Whether you’re an aspiring photographer, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful imagery, I hope my work resonates with you and encourages you to explore the world around you.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey! If you’d like to see more of my work or follow my adventures, you can find me on Instagram or YouTube.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Persistence, Curiosity and networking/collaboration
I believe persistence has been crucial in my journey as a photographer. The process of learning and improving is filled with challenges, from mastering camera settings to perfecting compositions. There were times when I felt like giving up, but persistence kept me going, allowing me to overcome obstacles and achieve significant growth.
For those starting out, embrace the learning process and understand that progress takes time. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Instead, view them as opportunities to learn and grow. Keep experimenting, keep shooting, and most importantly, keep pushing forward.
My curiosity and commitment to lifelong learning have been instrumental. Photography is an ever-evolving field with new techniques, technologies, and trends emerging regularly. Staying curious and continually seeking knowledge has helped me stay ahead and keep my work fresh and exciting.
Cultivate a mindset of curiosity. Take advantage of online resources, workshops, and community groups to learn new skills and stay updated with the latest trends. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek advice from more experienced photographers. Every bit of knowledge adds up and contributes to your growth.
Building a network and collaborating with other photographers and creatives have had a significant impact on my journey. Connecting with others has provided me with new perspectives, opportunities for collaboration, and invaluable support and encouragement.
Start building your network early on. Attend photography meetups, join online communities, and engage with fellow photographers on social media. Collaboration can lead to amazing opportunities and help you learn from others. Sharing your work and receiving feedback is also crucial for growth.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to provide unwavering support while encouraging me to pursue my passions with dedication and effort. Unlike the stereotype of strict Asian parents, mine adopted a different approach. They believed in the importance of making mistakes and learning from them, understanding that some lessons can only be truly learned through personal experience.
From a young age, my parents encouraged me to explore various interests and activities. They didn’t pressure me to follow a specific path but emphasized the importance of putting my all into whatever I chose to pursue. This mindset allowed me to experiment and find what genuinely excited me, leading me to discover my love for photography.
Their belief in the value of making mistakes was crucial. They didn’t shield me from failure but instead supported me through it. Whenever I stumbled, they encouraged me to analyze what went wrong and figure out how to improve. This approach instilled a sense of resilience and self-reliance in me, essential qualities for anyone pursuing a creative career.
By allowing me the freedom to explore and the space to fail, my parents helped me develop a strong work ethic and a deep sense of responsibility for my growth. Their support and understanding created an environment where I felt safe to take risks and push my boundaries.
In essence, my parents’ most impactful contribution was their unique blend of encouragement, freedom, and emphasis on learning from mistakes. This foundation has been instrumental in my journey as a photographer and in every other aspect of my life. It taught me that with effort, perseverance, and the willingness to learn from failures, I could achieve my goals and continuously improve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tmt.photos/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim.muangkeo
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tim.muangkeo
Image Credits
Tim Muangkeo
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